Does CBD Help with Pain?

CBD has emerged as a popular herbal remedy against many health and wellness issues. As a result, there have been massive research efforts directed toward cannabidiol can improve the overall quality of life in people. CBD has been strongly linked with pain alleviation properties. The substance is effective in the treatment and management of different types of pain. These include neuropathic, chronic, arthritic, and joint.

So, what is CBD exactly?

It is quite hard to imagine someone who hasn’t heard about CBD, the health and wellness that has taken the world by storm in this day and age. However, for the benefit of the doubt, we shall explain what it is. CBD is an acronym for cannabidiol. It is one of the over a hundred chemical compounds that make up the cannabis Sativa plant.

CBD is not psychoactive. It does not have an effect on the cognitive capabilities of the brain, unlike its sister molecule delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC. CBD is a potential remedy against a myriad of conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, acne, seizures, and so on, in addition to pain.

Does CBD help with Pain Management?

Yes. There is no doubt that CBD helps with pain management. The cannabidiol interacts with several proteins in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), such as the CB1 receptors found in the central nervous system and the cannabinoid receptors in the spleen the immune system.

While THC strongly binds to these receptors, CBD acts oppositely. It inhibits the absorption of a natural cannabinoid molecule known as anandamide, which regulates the feeling of pain. The signalling enhancement of anandamide by CBD helps reduce pain throughout the body. Cannabidiol has also been shown to target alpha-3 glycine receptors, thereby reducing inflammation and suppressing chronic pain in the process.

What Research Shows on CBD for Pain

Massive research efforts have been directed towards the use of CBD for its anti-pain properties. The research results have shown cannabidiol to be an effective tool for treating and managing a wide range of pain conditions. For instance, an animal study conducted in 2016 and published in The European Journal of Pain showed that various doses of transdermal CBD gel can significantly reduce inflammation and arthritis pain. There have also been other research efforts conducted from different parts of the world, and they all point toward the effectiveness of CBD as an herbal remedy against pain.

How to Use CBD to Help Manage Pain

One of the most commonly asked questions how CBD can be used for pain. In answering this, it is paramount to note that there are different types of pain. It is best to use CBD topical products for a localized scenario such as arthritis or joint pain, as these offers targeted relief. For other types, such as neuropathic and chronic pain, CBD oil products are the best option.

CBD for Pain Relief

As it stands, the Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved any cannabidiol-based products for pain. However, other countries have approved it for particular conditions. For example, the substance is approved for cancer pain in Canada, while the UK has approved it for multiple sclerosis. CBD is an effective remedy against several pain-related conditions.

CBD for Arthritis and Joint Pain

Arthritis is a medical term that refers to hundreds of joint-associated pains and conditions. Individuals suffering from the condition may experience swollen and stiff joints.

According to animal and pre-clinical studies, cannabidiol has already been shown or be an effective analgesic for pain-related conditions. The substance has anti-inflammatory properties that make CBD an effective substance for fighting arthritis. These developments have resulted in CBD creams for arthritis being popular on the market.

CBD for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain refers to whose duration lasts for a period exceeding several months. However, Sativex, an oromucosal spray made up of both CBD and THC, has been proven to be an effective treatment for various chronic conditions.

CBD for Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain results from various conditions and injuries that cause damage one the nerves or nervous system. One of the most common causes of neuropathic pain is multiple sclerosis. The good news is that Sativex has also been shown to be effective in treating and managing multiple sclerosis due to successful clinical trials. However, the effective dose varies from one person to another, so there is a need to establish your optimal dose.

Other Health Benefits of Taking CBD

It is also important to note that CBD has other health benefits besides its use as an analgesic. The substance is effective in dealing with conditions such as anxiety, depression, acne, seizures, addiction, etc.

Potential Side Effects of CBD

While there is no doubt that CBD features a myriad of health and wellness benefits, it is also important to highlight that the substance has some side effects. These include diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, and reduced appetite. It is recommended that you use the substance in consultation with a certified medical practitioner.

Also check about – Ways CBD Can Help You Cope With Stress

Final Thought

No doubt, research has established that CBD is effective in treating various types of pain such as general, chronic, neuropathic, arthritic, and joint pain. However, it is important to note the CBD industry has now been infiltrated with several bogus products.

Therefore, it is paramount to conduct due diligence before settling for a particular CBD Therefore, it is paramount to conduct due diligence before settling for a particular CBD product. Many people turn to licensed dispensaries, such as this St. Louis dispensary. They assess the manufacturer’s reputation, transparency policy and also going through expert-reviewed publications on the topic. 

Using the substance in consultation with a certified medical practitioner will also help; this is particularly important if you are already on another CBD-based medication such as Epidiolex.