Nerve pain can be one of the hardest types of pain to live with. It may feel like burning, shooting, tingling, or electric shocks. Even light touch or clothing can sometimes be painful.
Many people with nerve pain have tried several medicines without getting enough relief. This is one reason why more patients are exploring medical cannabis for neuropathic pain as part of a specialist-led treatment plan.
In this guide, we explain what nerve pain is and how medical cannabis may help.
Key takeaways
Neuropathic pain is caused by damaged or irritated nerves.
Symptoms often include burning, shooting or electric shock-like pain.
Medical cannabis may help some people when other treatments have not worked well enough.
It is not a cure but may improve pain, sleep and quality of life.
Treatment should always be personalised and monitored by a specialist.
Neuropathic Pain Treatment Summary Overview
Neuropathic pain results from damaged or dysfunctional nerves and can significantly affect daily life through persistent burning, shooting, or electric shock-like sensations. While conventional treatments remain the first line of care, medical cannabis may offer symptom relief for some patients when prescribed following specialist assessment. A personalised treatment approach, regular monitoring, and healthy lifestyle strategies together help improve pain control, sleep, mobility, and overall quality of life.
What Is Neuropathic Pain?
Neuropathic pain, often called nerve pain, happens when nerves become damaged or do not work properly.
Normally, nerves carry messages between the body and the brain. When they are damaged, they can send pain signals even when there is no injury.
This means pain can continue long after the original problem has healed.
What Causes Nerve Pain?
There are many causes of neuropathic pain.
Common examples include:
Sciatica
Pain after surgery
Diabetes (diabetic neuropathy)
Shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia)
Multiple sclerosis
Spinal cord injuries
Trapped nerves
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Sometimes, more than one cause is involved.
Which Conditions Can Be Classified as Neuropathic Pain?
Not all pain is neuropathic, but several conditions can be classified as neuropathic pain when they involve nerve damage or abnormal nerve signalling. For example, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that can develop after an injury or surgery and is often associated with changes in the nervous system. However, facial pain may also be neuropathic when it results from conditions affecting the facial nerves, while back pain can be considered neuropathic if it is caused by nerve root compression or irritation, such as sciatica or radiculopathy. Similarly, cancer-related pain may be classified as neuropathic when a tumour or its treatment damages or compresses nerves.
What Does Nerve Pain Feel Like?
People describe nerve pain in many different ways.
It may feel like:
Burning
Shooting pain
Electric shocks
Pins and needles
Tingling
Numbness
Stabbing pain
These characteristic sensory changes help clinicians distinguish neuropathic pain from other types of pain. Some people also notice that light touch becomes painful. This is called allodynia. Others find that pain from a normally painful stimulus feels much stronger than expected. This is known as hyperalgesia. These symptoms can make everyday activities difficult.
How Is Nerve Pain Treated?
Treatment usually involves several approaches.
These may include:
Physiotherapy
Exercise
Pain management programmes
Psychological support
Nerve blocks or injections
Medicines
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guideline CG173, clinicians should offer as an initial treatment for neuropathic pain (except trigeminal neuralgia) including:
Amitriptyline
Duloxetine
Gabapentin
Pregabalin as the
Unfortunately, these medicines do not work for everyone and can sometimes cause unwanted side effects.
Can Medical Cannabis Help Nerve Pain?
Medical cannabis may help some people with neuropathic pain.
Research suggests it can reduce pain in some patients, particularly when standard treatments have not provided enough relief.
Some people also report improvements in:
Sleep
Daily activities
Mood
Overall quality of life
Medical cannabis is not a cure, but it may become part of a wider pain management plan.
How Does Medical Cannabis Work?
Medical cannabis works with the body's endocannabinoid system.
This system helps regulate:
Pain
Mood
Sleep
Memory
Appetite
THC and CBD interact with this system in different ways.
When Should You Consider Specialist Assessment?
If nerve pain continues despite treatment or starts affecting your sleep, mobility, or daily routine, a specialist assessment can help identify the cause and guide more targeted care.
Who Might Benefit?
Medical cannabis may be considered if you:
Have had nerve pain for more than three months
Have tried standard treatments without enough success
Continue to have pain that affects your daily life
Your specialist will carefully review your medical history before deciding whether medical cannabis is appropriate.
Is Medical Cannabis Safe?
Like all medicines, medical cannabis can cause side effects.
Common side effects include:
Feeling sleepy
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Feeling light-headed
Changes in concentration
Most people begin with a low dose that is increased gradually to help minimise side effects while identifying the lowest effective dose. In line with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guideline NG144, cannabis-based medicinal products should only be prescribed following an individual specialist assessment, with ongoing monitoring to evaluate treatment effectiveness, identify side effects, and determine whether continued treatment is appropriate. Regular follow-up appointments help ensure treatment remains safe and tailored to the patient's needs.
Can I Stop My Other Pain Medicines?
Not straight away.
If medical cannabis is helping, your specialist may gradually reduce other medicines over time.
Any changes should always be made under medical supervision.
Stopping medicines suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms or make pain worse.
Is Medical Cannabis Right For Everyone?
No.
Some people have medical conditions or personal circumstances that mean another treatment would be safer.
Your specialist will discuss:
The possible benefits
The possible risks
Your treatment goals
Alternative options
Together, you can decide on the best plan for your care.
Living Well With Nerve Pain
Medicines are only one part of managing neuropathic pain.
Many people also benefit from:
Keeping active within their limits
Pacing activities
Improving sleep habits
Managing stress
Learning about chronic pain
Staying connected with family and friends
The aim is not only to reduce pain but also to improve your ability to live the life you want.
Conclusion
Effective neuropathic pain care begins with an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. If persistent nerve pain continues to limit your daily life, a specialist assessment can determine whether medical cannabis is an appropriate option alongside other evidence-based therapies. At Leva Clinic, our experienced clinicians provide personalised evaluations, ongoing monitoring, and continuous support to help you manage nerve pain safely and improve your overall quality of life.
FAQs About Medical Cannabis for Neuropathic Pain
Is nerve pain different from normal pain?
Yes. Neuropathic pain comes from damage or changes within the nerves themselves, rather than from injured muscles or joints.
Is medical cannabis approved for nerve pain?
Specialist doctors in the UK may prescribe medical cannabis for some people with chronic neuropathic pain after a full assessment.
How long does treatment take to work?
Some people notice improvements within days, while others need several weeks to find the right dose.
Will medical cannabis cure nerve damage?
No. It does not repair damaged nerves. The aim is to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Can I still have physiotherapy?
Yes. In fact, many people benefit most when medical cannabis is combined with exercise, rehabilitation and other pain management strategies.
How Leva can help
Living with nerve pain can be frustrating, especially when standard treatments have not provided enough relief.
At Leva, our specialist clinicians assess each person individually. We review your symptoms, previous treatments and medical history before discussing whether medical cannabis may be a suitable option.
If treatment is appropriate, we create a personalised plan with careful dose adjustments, regular follow-up and ongoing support. Our goal is to help you manage your pain more effectively, improve your daily function and support your long-term wellbeing.