preventative Tag

The most prominent form of synovial joint disease, osteoarthritis (OA), is characterized by joint degeneration, pain, and in some patients, articular neuropathy.  Chronic pain associated with OA is a major concern for which there are few viable treatments. The first line therapy used to treat OA pain is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); however, withlong-term use their efficacy declines and they can lead to major adverse gastrointestinal and cardiovascular events.  Historically, OA has been classified as a non-inflammatory arthritis; however, there is now overwhelming evidence that synovitis can occur in response to pro inflammatory mediators being released into the joint. It is believed that this low-level inflammation contributes to degenerative changes that affect the entire joint leading to the development of peripheral sensitization and nociceptive pain . In addition to structural defects, there is growing evidence to suggest that approximately 30% of OA patients suffer from neuropathic pain. Thus, a therapeutic which can block inflammation, neuropathy, and pain is sorely needed The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an important physiological role in the regulation of tissue inflammation and pain. A functional ECS has been demonstrated in the joints of animals and humans, which acts tonically to maintain joint homeostasis.