Brief Answer:
Marijuana not recommended

Detailed Answer:
Good evening. My name is Dr. Saghafi and I'm a neurologist in the XXXXXXX Ohio region of the world. Looks like you are clear to the other side of the country in Oregon. Sounds like amazing country out there....never been to that state although I have friends who have lived and worked in Medford which seems to be right around you.

So, you are in a "marijuana friendly" state, however, I am unaware of any general recommendations that suggest marijuana be used medically to treat anxiety in Parkinson's disease patients. I am empathetic towards your situation since my father also has PD and I can see his anxiety levels climbing due to the disease process.

It is stated that PD tends to also elevate anxiety levels anyways but that may be as a result of the loss of balance in the neurotransmitters and not so much because of the "worry" or fear that seems natural people should have when they contract the disease. Therefore, the implication is that there should be effective treatment for the disorder and that a psychiatrist would be the right person to consult for that end of things. Also, better and tighter control over the PD itself (if it's not well controlled at this point) may also help lessen anxiety.

As far as the back is concerned I am not very in favor of getting involved with back shots because can eventually start doing more harm than good, you will become resistant to the medication quickly and then, the shots themselves could cause deterioration in the ligaments, tendons, and muscles themselves with chronic application. It's just not worth getting those done.

I recommend water jogging (which also helps the PD)...in fact, straight up EXERCISE THERAPY...not just PHYSICAL THERAPY but exercise therapy has been shown to modify and possibly REVERSE some of the neurological damage that occurs due to PD. Have you tried a TENS unit for the back pain issues as well as diathermy treatments along with the ultrasound?

All the very best to you.

If you'd like to write direct questions to me in the future and I hope you will give me that opportunity please contact me at:

bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi

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