People searching for a safer treatment for pain turn to CBD extracted from cannabis. We are speaking on what we know now about the fashionable addition. CBD, or cannabidiol, is the hottest new supplement, promising to heal a number of ailments such as pain, anxiety, and sleeplessness, to mention a few. It’s also available in a variety of forms, including lotions, oils, and CBD-infused foods and beverages.
CBD may be a viable option for patients who suffer from chronic pain and rely on drugs like opioids, which may be addictive and have several adverse effects. More study is needed, however, to confirm CBD oil’s and other products’ pain-relieving properties.
Epidiolex, an epileptic medicine, is the only CBD medication on the market that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
There are no non-prescription CBD products that have been authorized by the FDA. They aren’t subject to the same purity and dose restrictions as other drugs.
Continue reading to discover more about CBD’s possible pain-relieving properties. You can also discuss it with your doctor to determine whether it’s a viable choice for you.
What is Cannabidiol?
CBD, often known as cannabis. CBD, unlike the well-known cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), does not produce the psychoactive effects associated with being “high.” CBD and THC both work on the body’s natural endocannabinoid system, which is involved in a variety of functions such as hunger, pain, and memory.
How Does CBD Work for Pain?
The endocannabinoid system is a cell-signaling system found in everyone (ECS). CBD, according to some studies, interacts with endocannabinoid receptors in the brain and immune system, which are a key component of the ECS.
Receptors are little proteins found on the surface of your cells. They receive chemical messages from various stimuli and assist your cells in responding.
This reaction has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which aid in pain management. This suggests that CBD oil and other CBD-based treatments may help those who suffer from chronic pain, such as back pain.
A 2018 study looked at how effective CBD is in treating chronic pain. The assessment looked at trials that took place between 1975 and March of this year. Various forms of pain were investigated in these research, including:
- Cancer pain
- Neuropathic pain
- Fibromyalgia
Researchers determined that CBD was beneficial in overall pain treatment and had no harmful side effects based on these investigations.
CBD for Pain
Pain is a universal feeling that many individuals have first-hand knowledge with. One explanation for the rapid rise in popularity of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive plant medicine, is the desire for pain alleviation. However, with so many alternatives on the market, finding a good CBD topical for pain may be difficult.
Topical CBD products, it turns out, may have anti-inflammatory qualities that can help relieve pain by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the skin. These receptors are part of the body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS, which controls processes including pain processing, inflammation, mood, and sleep. Hemp has medicinal qualities because it includes phytocannabinoids such as CBD, which interact with our ECS.
Clinical studies have indicated that CBD can aid with a variety of pain-related medical disorders, such as chronic pain, peripheral neuropathy, pain and inflammation, arthritic pain, and myofascial pain. Patients getting palliative care may benefit from cannabinoids as well. CBD is utilized by over 25% of outpatient palliative care patients, according to a 2020 cross-sectional survey, with topical administration being the most prevalent type.
Arthritis Pain
According to a 2016 research The usage of CBD in rats with arthritis was studied by Trusted Source.
CBD gel was administered to rats for four days in a row. Each day, the rats were given 0.6, 3.1, 6.2, or 62.3 milligrams (mg). In the damaged joints of the rats, the researchers saw a reduction in inflammation and overall discomfort. There were no noticeable negative consequences.
The pain ratings of rats given modest dosages of 0.6 or 3.1 mg did not improve. The researchers discovered that 6.2 mg/day was an effective level for reducing discomfort and edema in rats.
Furthermore, animals receiving 62.3 mg/day showed similar results to rats receiving 6.2 mg/day. They did not experience reduced discomfort after receiving a significantly higher amount.
CBD gel’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties might aid those with arthritis. More human research, on the other hand, are required.
Back Pain
CBD has been shown to help with back pain by:
- Inflammation reduction
- Combating anxiety
- which is frequently linked to long-term or chronic back pain
- Assisting with sleep and enhancing overall relaxation
CBD appears to have an influence on how people feel pain in certain studies, but more study is needed. CBD is a full-body therapy, which means it doesn’t directly target back pain (unless in topical formulations), but instead helps to a general sense of relaxation and pain alleviation.
Chronic Pain
The endocannabinoid system is a cell-signalling system found in everyone (ECS). CBD, according to some studies, interacts with endocannabinoid receptors in the brain and immune system, which are a key component of the ECS.
Receptors are little proteins found on the surface of your cells. They receive chemical messages from various stimuli and assist your cells in responding.
Without the euphoric effects of THC, CBD is emerging as a viable medicinal agent for treating pain, inflammation, seizures, and anxiety. Our knowledge of CBD’s involvement in pain management is still developing, but data from animal research suggests that CBD relieves pain via interacting with and modulating the endocannabinoid, inflammatory, and nociceptive (pain-sensing) systems.
Cannabinoid receptors interact with our own naturally produced cannabinoids in the endocannabinoid system. Many activities in the body are regulated by this system, including metabolism and hunger, mood and anxiety, and pain perception.
Migraine Pain
There are few studies on CBD and migraines. CBD is also studied when it is combined with THC, rather than when it is used alone, according to the present research.
According to the findings of a 2017 study, CBD and THC can help migraine sufferers experience less acute and severe pain.
Some participants in this two-phase trial were given a mixture of two drugs. One of the compounds has 9% CBD and practically negligible THC. THC was present in the other molecule in a concentration of 19%. Oral dosing was used.
When the dosage was less than 100 mg, there was no effect on pain in phase I. Acute discomfort was reduced by 55% when the dosages were raised to 200 mg.
In phase II, individuals who received a mixture of CBD and THC chemicals saw a 40.4 percent reduction in migraine episodes. The dosage was 200 milligrams per day.
The combination of chemicals was somewhat more effective than 25 mg of tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline. In one study, amitriptyline decreased migraine episodes by 40.1 percent.
Neuropathic Pain
In the United States, about one out of every ten people suffers from neuropathy or nerve discomfort. Symptoms can range from numbness, tingling, and discomfort to more serious issues including muscular weakness or difficulties moving, according to Mayo Clinic.
The illness can cause persistent discomfort or inflammation, as well as more significant symptoms, which can have a detrimental impact on your day-to-day life. Some people can get addicted to painkillers and other drugs used to relieve nerve pain.
Multiple Sclerosis
CBD is used by some patients with chronic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), to help them manage their symptoms. While further study is needed, CBD appears to have some potential as a treatment for chronic pain and discomfort caused by a variety of diseases.
Some people use CBD as an alternative to addictive medicines like opioids to assist manage chronic pain. There isn’t enough evidence to back up CBD’s pain-relieving claims just yet. However, what we’ve learned thus far is positive.
CBD may assist with the following MS symptoms:
- fatigue
- fatigue
- Nerve pain or discomfort caused by spasticity, as well as itching
How to Use CBD Products for pain?
CBD oil can be taken as a liquid or as a pill. CBD oils can also be purchased in the form of a cartridge that allows consumers to vape it. We’ll go through the various sorts and how to utilize CBD oil for pain treatment in the sections below.
Orally: You can put the oil in food or drinks and drink it. Your body will take some time to digest this, depending on factors such as your weight, metabolism, and the food you’ve consumed. It might take anything between 15 minutes and two hours.
CBD oil is also available in pill form for oral use, which you would take in the same manner you would vitamins. Simply swallow the pill and rinse it down with water.
Sublingually: One of the quickest methods to get relief is to put CBD oil beneath your tongue. The active components are absorbed straight into the system and require 5 to 15 minutes to reach the bloodstream. However, you’ll have to get used to the flavour.
Which CBD Product to Choose for Pain?
CBD Oil
CBD oil is manufactured by extracting CBD from marijuana plants and diluting it with a carrier oil such as coconut or hemp seed oil.
It’s gaining popularity in the health and wellness industry, with some scientific research indicating that it can help with symptoms of chronic pain and anxiety.
CBD Lotion
You’ll apply topicals directly to the problematic region because they’re supposed to be rubbed into the skin. You may experience tingling, heat, or cooling sensations depending on the other chemicals in the product.
CBD Cream
It might be difficult to sort through the plethora of CBD products available. How do you know which CBD creams are genuine? To make buying a bit easier visit reliable retailers now.
CBD Salve
Cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis ingredient that has been promoted for its medicinal properties without getting you “high,” has gained popularity for its ability to relieve pains and inflammation. Some athletes have even stated that it is a part of their wellness regimen for improving performance, especially while in pain.
CBD balms are generally waxy, thick, and practically solid. They’re not like CBD salves, which are a little softer than balms.
Fatty oils and waxes are commonly used as basis components in salves and balms, whereas water is commonly used in creams and lotions. Because balms are a concentrated substance, they’re an excellent choice for pain treatment.
CBD sprays can be applied in a variety of ways. Some are intended to be sprayed directly on the skin. Some are sprayed directly into the mouth for consumption.
The best way to apply the spray will be determined by the spray itself. However, because CBD sprays aren’t as popular as other CBD products like candies or oils, they might be difficult to come by.
FAQ
Do CBD Products Actually Ease Pain?
While there are no published clinical trials on CBD for pain, Boehnke points out that continuing preclinical research in animals has shown that CBD decreases pain and inflammation, and human research suggest that CBD is well-tolerated and has minimal severe side effects.
Are CBD Products Good for the Skin?
CBD’s anti-inflammatory qualities may be especially beneficial in lowering eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis triggers. CBD oil may be beneficial for persons with sensitive skin since it can help soothe skin and lessen the appearance of irritation.
Is CBD Psychoactive?
CBD has a psychoactive effect, but not in the same way as THC does. It does not create the same high as THC. CBD has been demonstrated to aid in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and seizures. THC binds to the brain’s cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors.
Does CBD Get You High?
Cannabidiol (CBD) has no psychoactive effects. Two of the most well-known chemicals extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant are CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The ‘high’ that many associate with cannabis usage is caused by THC, not CBD.
Legality
CBD products made from hemp are no longer classified as Schedule I narcotics under the federal Controlled Substances Act, but they are still illegal. On the federal and state levels, developments are ongoing that will eventually clarify the rules and regulations governing CBD-based products and sales. Regardless, they’re freely available in practically every state, as well as online. CBD users should verify their state laws before using it.
RELATED: Is CBD Legal? Things you need to know before buying
Side Effects of CBD
CBD has no known side effects, and most topical CBD products do not reach the bloodstream. However, there are some probable negative effects, such as:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
Where to Buy CBD Products?
CBD is available in some states in health food shops, as well as “trendy” retailers like Urban Outfitters and pharmacies. Hemp-derived items are frequently not authorized to be sold at dispensaries that offer the cannabinoid THC or other cannabis-derived items. But buying from brand’s website is the best option cause you can read reviews from other consumers and you can also see if it is certified and lab tested.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know is thinking about trying CBD, we recommend seeking medical guidance on the dos and don’ts of selecting the right product. It’s difficult to offer a recommendation for regular CBD usage in chronic pain treatment until high-quality scientific data in people is available.