ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Spasticity refers to the increase of resistance to joint passive movement according to its angular velocity. It is part of the triad of the pyramidal syndrome, along with the exacerbation of myotatic reflexes and muscle weakness, and is present in several lesions of the central nervous system, either in the spinal cord or brain. Pain associated with spasticity is caused by muscle spasms, activation of trigger points, joint deformities, interference with the position of body segments, and difficulty in movement control. For a more precise therapeutic intervention, the detailed physical examination of the locomotor system and spasticity can be completed by using specific spasticity evaluation scales. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the clinical condition for which there are the greatest number of studies using cannabi-noids to control spasticity. The objective of this study was to perform a literature review of the possible role of cannabinoid drugs in the control of spasticity and the pain associated with it.
CONTENTS:
The literature shows moderate evidence that the combined use of 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol increases the number of people reporting improvement in spasticity.
CONCLUSION:
It is possible to believe that the complaint of musculoskeletal pain associated with spasticity accompanies this improvement with the use of nabiximols, but there are still gaps in the literature for this specific topic.
Keywords:
Cannabinoids; Muscle spasticity; Musculoskeletal pain; Rehabilitation; Treatment
HIGHLIGHTS
Spasticity is a frequent complication of pyramidal system lesions, whose association with neuropathic pain contributes to compromised functionality.
Musculoskeletal pain related to spasticity can refer to muscle spasm, trigger point activation, joint deformities, poor positioning or change in motion.
The effectiveness of cannabinoids for controlling spasticity is further proven in multiple sclerosis.