Evaluation of the real-world effectiveness of adding cannabis leaf extract in seed oil to ultrasound gel for pain relief with ultrasound treatment of musculoskeletal pain

Abstract

Objective: To understand the real-world effectiveness of Cannabis sativa leaf extract in seed oil (Oreka+) when added to ultrasound gel for relieving musculoskeletal pain with ultrasound therapy. Methodology: Twenty adult patients with musculoskeletal pain in lower back or shoulder-neck region for minimum of 1 month and maximum of 6 months, underwent ultrasound treatment with application of either ultrasound gel with added Oreka+ oil (1% Cannabis sativa leaf extract in cannabis seed oil, with added menthol and cinnamon camphor oil) as test group or ultrasound gel alone as control group, for 10 days. The study was randomized and patient blind in design. Results: The average Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) reduction in test and control group at 10 days was 36.8% and 36.3% respectively. The average Functional Pain Scale (FPS) reduction in test and control group at 10 days was 67.8% and 50% respectively. The average daily NSAID requirement reduced by 66.6% and 50% in the test and control group respectively, while the overall NSAID usage over 10 days reduced by 75% and 70% in the test and control group respectively. No adverse events were seen in either group. Conclusion: Addition of a topical preparation of cannabis leaf extract in cannabis oil to ultrasound gel during the sessions of ultrasound therapy for pain can have beneficial effects in reducing pain intensity, improving activities of daily living, and reduction of NSAID use.