If you break the term Myelomalacia into two parts, ‘Myelo’ comes from the ancient Greek word ‘muelos’ which means marrow relating to the spinal cord. The second part of the word ‘malacia’ is also derived from the Greek word ‘malakos’ which means soft. The term ‘Myelomalacia’ when used in medicine and pathology refers to the softening of the vertebrae or the spinal cord.

Symptoms of Myelomalacia

In the initial stage of Myelomalacia, the symptoms may not be as obvious. The symptoms usually depend on the severity of the damage to the spinal cord. The most common symptom of Myelomalacia is hypertension.  However, as every case of Myelomalacia is different, in some instances, the symptoms may include – sudden and involuntary jerking of the limbs (areflexia), loss of motor functions, failure to perceive pain and in the most severe of the cases, respiratory system paralysis resulting in death.

Causes of Myelomalacia

Myelomalacia generally begins to set in as a consequence of haemorrhaging, or internal bleeding. Another cause for Myelomalacia is when there is an inadequate or low supply of blood to the spinal cord, which results in the weakening of the spinal cord and hence making the cord more vulnerable to damage.

Can Cannabis help treat Myelomalacia?

The use of cannabis as a form of recreational drug and for medicinal purposes has been gaining more popularity  since the turn of the millennium. More studies and research are being carried out on the subject, and many countries are gradually legalizing the use of marijuana as a recreational and a medicinal drug.

According to the studies that have been done so far, it has been found out that the medicinal use of marijuana is beneficial in the treatment of medical conditions like – muscle spasms due to paraplegia and multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, seizures, neuropathic or nerve pain and helping people with spine related paralysis.

A journal relating to the treatment for people suffering from chronic back pain arising from an injury to spinal cord was published by National Library of Medicine in the year 2006. The main objective of the study, on the basis of which this journal was published, was to determine which form of treatment would provide the most relief to individuals suffering chronic back pain due to spinal cord injury. 

Following the application of the various treatments on the participants, the most relief was provided massage therapy and cannabis. So, use of marijuana when used in the form of a medical treatment does work in providing relief to individuals suffering from back pain induced by Myelomalacia.

Conclusion.

There is no denying the fact that the use of marijuna helps in relieving back pain caused by Myelomalacia, however, can it be used outside relief therapy to actually treat or even maybe cure the condition? As of today, there is no sufficient evidence or studies to conclusively prove the use of marijuana for the overall treatment or cure of Myelomalacia, but it can be used to provide relief from chronic pain.