The musculoskeletal system provides the structure and support for the function of movement of the human body, and allows us to move and interact with our environment. This complex system is comprised of skeleton, muscle, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and connective tissue. The musculoskeletal system supports and protects the internal organs and provides form to the human body.

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The endocannabinoid system affects the function and integrity of the musculoskeletal system as cannabinoid (CB) receptors are located throughout the entire musculoskeletal system. Researchers are focused on how Cannabis can influence either the causes or symptoms of numerous related conditions based on evidence of the anti-oxidative and neuroprotective qualities of phytocannabinoids.

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Diseases of the musculoskeletal system that are directly related to oxidative stress include disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, bone fracture and muscle spasm. When the human body is injured or infected, an inflammatory response is evoked in order to protect the body from the injury or infection with foreign organisms, such as bacteria and viruses. This is accomplished in part by the release of compounds that help the body maintain homeostasis. However, in some diseases, like arthritis, the body's defense system --the immune system-- triggers an inflammatory response when there are no foreign invaders to fight off or an injury to heal. In these diseases, called autoimmune diseases, the body's normally protective immune system causes damage to its own tissues. The body responds as if normal tissues are infected or somehow abnormal.

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Healthcare professionals incorporating Cannabis into their medical practice, whether prescribing medical marijuana or CBD derived from hemp, are reassured by the many potential theoretical mechanistic pathways by which Cannabis has shown possibilities for benefit in addressing autoimmune conditions, as a potentially effective adjunctive treatment option. These include analgesic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and muscle relaxant properties. 

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• Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in the hands, knees, hips and spine. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, limited range of motion and swelling of the affected areas. Overtime, osteoarthritis degrades cartilage and the direct contact between bones increases symptom severity. As a potential anti-inflammatory, CBD may help to reduce the inflammatory response that occurs in osteoarthritis and may in turn help to reduce cartilage disruption.

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• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multi-systemic, idiopathic autoimmune disorder. While scientists know RA is related to the immune system, the exact cause of this long-term, progressive, and disabling autoimmune disease is still unknown. RA primarily affects the musculoskeletal system and manifests as the progressive deterioration of the joints; but may also affect the cardiac, pulmonary and ocular systems as secondary manifestations of this disorder. RA usually affects the hands and feet first, but can occur in any joint. Overtime, RA can cause debilitating pain that reduces the mobility and function of the affected individual. Healthcare professionals are exploring if CBD could help to reduce the severity of symptoms associated with RA and ultimately enhance mobility. In addition, there are studies that suggest the use of CBD as a preventative option to help reduce the inflammatory response associated with the development of this disorder.

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• Osteoporosis, which literally means porous bone, is a disease in which the mass and density of bones are reduced. As this skeletal disease progresses, the bones become more porous and fragile, greatly increasing the risk of fracture. The loss of bone occurs silently and progressively. Often there are no symptoms until the first fracture occurs. Osteoporosis primarily affects premenopausal women and the elderly, and is associated with hip and spinal fractures. Current research suggests CBD may provide preventative benefits for those at risk for developing osteoporosis as CB receptors are linked to the regulation of bone cell homeostasis. 

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• A bone fracture is a medical condition in which there is a partial or complete break in the continuity of the bone. Traumatic injury to a bone is associated with extreme pain, reduced mobility and reduced range of motion. Studies suggest CBD may help negate inflammatory responses associated with a bone fracture and may increase production of new cells that are critical to forming new bone. In addition, research studying the correlation between phytocannabinoids and pain relief suggests that CBD may also reduce pain severity in bone fractures.

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• A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of one or more muscles. A spasm results from an abnormally sustained muscle contraction and is often accompanied by pain. Various muscles may develop spasms, including the small intrinsic hand muscles of a musician to the larger "charley horse" calf muscles of a runner. Muscle spasms can cause debilitating pain and immobility. Research suggests that CBD may help to reduce pain and inflammation related to muscle spasm and may also provide preventative benefits for athletes and other active adults who are at risk for developing muscle spasms.

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