CBD is a natural cannabinoid, a chemical found in cannabis plants. CBD oil also emanates from this, and people report using this oil in order to get relief from anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and, most importantly, pain.
CBD provides the human body with different health benefits minus the intoxicating properties of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabino (THC). CBD interacts with different receptors in our endocannabinoid system, playing a significant role in signaling bodily functions, like emotional responses, motor control and energy balance.
Now, you may ask, does CBD oil work for pain? What is CBD dosage for pain? This article will help you know the benefits of CBD oil as a pain reliever and everything you should be aware of before trying CBD oil for pain relief.
Does CBD Do Anything for Pain?
Epidiolex is the only CBD treatment used for rare forms of epilepsy being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But several countries of the world have approved CBD to treat certain conditions. For example, the U.K. approved it for multiple sclerosis, while Canada approved it (Sativex) for cancer pain.
CBD oil, an extracted form of the cannabis sativa- hemp plant, does not contain more than 0.3% THC or other intoxicating properties. Ongoing research suggests that CBD oil for pain can aid certain medical conditions, like arthritis and fibromyalgia, at different doses. If you use the best CBD oil for pain, you can expect the positive effects in treating pain, arthritis, inflammation, rheumatic diseases, and neurological disorders.
Benefits of CBD Oil as Pain Reliever
CBD can elevate the body’s levels of anandamide, a compound that regulates pain, thereby reducing pain perception and improving mood.
Based on the research and studies, here are some possible benefits of CBD oil you can avail yourself:
- Neuropathic pain
Some conditions and injuries can damage nerves or nervous systems, resulting in neuropathic pain. This pain exemplifies by tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, and sharp, burning, or stabbing pain.
Multiple sclerosis (MS), a possibly disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system), commonly causes neuropathic pain by wearing down myelin, a mixture of proteins and phospholipids that overlays nerve cells. Multiple sclerosis (MS) in the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) and causes communication problems of the brain with the rest of your body.
Sativex is already approved as an MS treatment. As a spray, Sativex is absorbed in the mouth. Studies support a median dose of eight sprays a day for patients with MS, which provides 20 milligrams of CBD and 21.6 milligrams of THC.
- Arthritis pain
Arthritis is a broad term encompassing hundreds of joint-related conditions and pains. The common symptoms of arthritis include swelling, pain and stiffness in the joints, which may progress over time.
CBD, a proven painkiller for other conditions, offers promise as an anti-inflammatory substance in animal and preclinical trials, which augurs well for arthritis treatment.
- Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis or MS is an autoimmune condition that may affect your entire body through the nerves and brain. Muscle cramps are one of the universal symptoms of MS. These spasms can be very strong and cause constant pain in some.
One report shows that short-term use of CBD oil can alleviate the levels of muscle cramps that a person feels.
- Chronic pain
Chronic pain is defined as any ongoing pain lasting longer than several months, and usually, such chronic pain may continue even after the injury or the illness that caused it has healed already. Pain signals remain active in the nervous system for a long time, like weeks, months or even years.
Studies have uncovered CBD to be an effective pain reliever for different chronic conditions. The anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving effects of CBD help with pain management. So, CBD oil and other products may benefit people with chronic pain.
Things to Know Before You Try CBD Oil for Pain Relief
CBD is currently having a major moment and is the most commonly consumed as an oil. This compound doesn’t give you the floaty feeling of being high. CBD oil users say it melts anxiety away, reduces sleep issues, and eases depression. The U.S. FDA approved CBD to treat two severe forms of epilepsy and made it the first drug extracted from cannabis plant approved at the federal level.
CBD oil has appeared as a nonaddictive alternative for people to apply it as a topical oil, consume it as a pill, or smoke through a vape pen.
Here’s what we know about how we can use CBD oil for pain relief-
- CBD oil as a painkiller just hasn’t been studied much
There are a few drawbacks to studies on CBD. Many involve rats rather than humans. Also, the science that involves people doesn’t often include a large test group. Finally, there’s not much research about the long-term effects of cannabis-based meds.
- CBD oil for pain relief boils down to your brain
After it comes down to neurotransmitters in the brain, one mechanism of action of CBD oil is that it desensitizes a particular receptor called TRPV1 (The transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1), known to be involved in pain. TRPV1 creates the burning sensation of pain that you might feel from something like damage to the nerve.
- Trying CBD oil for back pain and other run-of-the-mill aches probably won’t hurt you
Trying CBD is not off-limits. This compound is generally well-tolerated, which gives it a distinct advantage over other medications for pain, including opioids, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants, and antidepressant medications. Many patients with difficult neuropathic pain syndromes have found it helpful. CBD oil may help relieve back pain for some people. Some studies indicate that CBD can improve back pain and arthritis,
Note that you’re not getting THC with CBD, and very low doses of CBD are unlikely to have side effects. But it could worsen if you are highly concentrated and pre-disposed for mental illness. Studies have found that CBD is useful in overall pain management. So, if you are trying CBD oil for back pain and other run-of-the-mill aches, it probably won’t hurt you.
- CBD Oil Doesn’t Get You High
Since CBD is an entirely different element from THC, it will not get you “high” and does not impair a person’s functioning. But it impacts the body to use its endocannabinoids more effectively.The “high” is caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another cannabinoid produced in marijuana.
- CBD oil for chronic pain has both pros and cons
CBD has no record of severe side effects. Feeling a little sleepy and tired is normal. Avoid operating any vehicle at that time.
CBD isn’t regulated like any other supplement sold in the U.S. Also, you can never be sure of the amount of CBD you’re getting in your product.
Conclusion
CBD for pain relief is a promising option, but research has not yet proven it entirely safe and effective for all, and the FDA has not yet approved CBD for treating pain.
More and more evidence is required to determine the efficacy of CBD for pain, the therapeutic potential of CBD and safe and effective dosages for pain.
