Cbd oil for pain
People looking for a safer pain reliever are turning to cannabis-derived CBD. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is undergoing a surge in popularity as the hot new supplement, with a promise to treat a variety of conditions including pain, anxiety, and insomnia, just to name a few. But does it work? CBD is one of the compounds in the cannabis plant, better known as marijuana.
Cannabidiol (CBD) — what we know and what we don’t
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Article Nov 28, by Nicole Gleichmann. If you are struggling with chronic pain, one of the safest and most effective options could be marijuana.
Medical marijuana is becoming one of the most popular alternative treatments for chronic pain - this can range from pain caused by conditions such as migraines or arthritis to pain caused by injury. With over million Americans suffering from chronic pain, a safe and effective treatment is needed, and this does not exist with the presently available pharmaceutical options.
The two main treatments currently available for relieving pain include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs and opioid prescription medications. These pain relievers are not nearly as safe as cannabis. Opioid drugs are one of the most addictive drugs available today, and their use can be fatal if abused: in the US alone, sixty people die every day from opioid overdose.
While NSAIDs are generally effective at reducing pain caused by inflammation, prolonged use is accompanied by many dangerous side effects. These include increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Medical marijuana is becoming a popular alternative to over-the-counter and prescription painkillers, and for good reason.
As a remedy for pain, pot comes with fewer side effects and no risk of tolerance or overdose. Cannabis sativa and its constituents have proven to be both safe and effective when it comes to pain management. With the legality of marijuana spreading across the United States and other countries, many people are now being given the opportunity to switch from dangerous, addictive medications to a natural, safer alternative.
Whether you are suffering from chronic nerve or body pain, or you are experiencing short-term pain from muscle strain, headaches, toothaches, or simply sore muscles, cannabis offers a safer and possibly more effective option than what is typically used for pain today. Throughout this time, the cannabis plant has been exalted as miraculous and cursed as a danger to the fabric of society.
Yet, throughout this varied past, one thing has remained the same:. Cannabis has been used as a plant medicine for the treatment of an impressively wide array of diseases. The earliest evidence of its medicinal use dates back to BC when Chinese Emperor Shen Nung documented the analgesic pain-relieving properties. Shen Nung is considered by many to be the father of Chinese medicine, which has helped to heal people through the use of natural remedies for thousands of years. We have now entered a time where the benefits of this plant are beginning to come back to the forefront of the discussion.
Indeed, countless individuals across the world have access to legal marijuana for chronic pain conditions. Should patients turn to singular compounds found in the plant, or turn to the plant itself? If using the whole plant, what marijuana strains are the best for providing relief from pain?
When you compare Western medicine to traditional medicine the world over, one of the most striking differences is the need in the West to pinpoint one specific molecule that is responsible for treating a disease or symptom. This viewpoint stands contrary to the idea of holistic medicine, where you take something in its entirety for medicinal purposes.
The Cannabis sativa plant is one of the greatest present-day examples of this tug-of-war between Western medicine and traditional medicine. It has been found to have a variety of health-related benefits for the user. CBD is the second most well-known cannabinoid found in cannabis, and like most of the other phytocannabinoids, it is non-psychotropic.
These are the two most abundant and well-studied cannabinoids in marijuana, and both have been found in numerous published studies to have pain-relieving properties in humans. While they may be the most abundant, THC and CBD are certainly not the only compounds found in cannabis that are known to exert positive effects on human health. In every cannabis plant, there is a unique mixture of hundreds of plant compounds, comprised of phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
Research suggests that these compounds too have an influence on our neurochemistry, and together they may work synergistically, producing better improvements in pain relief than anyone would produce on its own. This research supports the idea that it is best to use the whole cannabis plant, with CBD, THC, and the natural medley of additional compounds. This harmony between the various plant chemicals found in marijuana is colloquially referred to as the entourage effect.
The most well-studied compounds found in the marijuana plant that support the idea of the entourage effect are THC and CBD, which have been found to work differently together than when separate. Using these two compounds in concert has been shown to help mitigate side effects and enhance efficacy, with CBD plus THC showing more benefit for some conditions than THC alone. It has also been found to extend the half-life of THC, which may help to extend the pain-relieving benefits.
This has allowed the use of higher doses of THC in clinical trials for the treatment of pain caused by multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathic pain, intractable cancer pain, and rheumatoid arthritis. When used in concert, a greater efficacy in treating these types of pain have been observed. Every strain of bud that you can purchase at a dispensary will be labeled with its THC and CBD content, which can be helpful when choosing which strain to choose for pain relief.
CBD has been found to exhibit enhancements in treating pain both when used on its own and when used in combination with THC. When used alone, CBD is largely best for inflammatory pain, such as that caused by arthritis or injuries. In one animal study on arthritis pain, it was found that the topical application of CBD led to a reduction in inflammation and pain. Another animal study found that CBD helps to reduce neuropathic pain through the suppression of chronic inflammation.
CBD does not directly bind to the receptors found in the endocannabinoid system but rather works to modulate the effects of the endocannabinoids the cannabinoids found naturally in our bodies as well as working as a CB1 receptor antagonist.
The main mechanism by which CBD is thought to help mediate pain is by reducing inflammation , largely by blocking inflammatory mediators. It is also believed to potentiate glycine receptors, which help to regulate pain at the spinal level. This suppresses both neuropathic and inflammatory pain. THC is used clinically for the treatment of pain and studies find it helps relieve central and neuropathic pain.
It is also used to help reduce pain in cancer, AIDS, and fibromyalgia patients, for which resistance to other pain treatments have been found. The mode of action for THC is as a partial CB1 receptor agonist, which means that it will bind to these receptors but not fully which leads to the variability in effects documented when THC is present with other CB1 agonists, antagonists or both.
It has been found to impact the serotonergic, dopaminergic, and glutamatergic systems — an action which may contribute to its pain-relieving benefits. Additionally, THC has been found to act as an anti-inflammatory agent. While human studies have found benefits from the use of THC, CBD, and whole-plant marijuana in relieving pain, much of the evidence for this use comes from user reports and surveys.
When searching for the best cannabis strains for pain relief, you will first want to consider how much THC and CBD is found in the strain. This is because CBD can help to mediate the side effects of THC while also providing additional anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
One example would be if you are experiencing inflammation, yet you are wanting to go about your day normally, without the psychotropic effects of THC.
Other times you may be in enough pain that you would like something that takes your mind off the pain while also offering pain relief. In one survey , participants reported that indicas helped more than sativas when it came to headaches, joint pain, neuropathy, and spasticity.
Users also reported indicas to be more helpful when it comes to sleep and sedation. Lastly, there are countless user reports on specific strains of weed that have been found to be powerful for relieving pain.
While some of these strains are high CBD, indica strains, some strains of weed used for pain do not fall into this category. It may be that the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids have come together in a harmonious balance that leads to strong pain-relieving properties. There are limited studies examining the effect of CBD alone on pain in humans. When it comes to CBD only studies, the majority are preclinical or animal studies. That said, the research conducted thus far, along with countless user reports, suggests that CBD itself may be able to help relieve pain.
Activation of cannabinoid receptors has been linked to the inhibition of pain. The exact mechanisms of action are still being researched, however, CBD has been found to increase the levels of endocannabinoids in the body, specifically anandamide. It is plausible that this increase in endogenous endocannabinoids could have an impact on pain. Another study suggests that CBD in rats induced suppression of chronic inflammation and neuropathic pain through potentiating glycine receptors.
Here we will examine the limited scientific evidence, along with theories relating to the use of CBD for pain. Neuropathic pain, also known as nerve pain, is a unique type of pain that is caused by injured, dysfunctional, or irritated nerves. This pain tends to be chronic and severe, and with no known cure or remedy, every individual is left to try numerous strategies to find something that works for them. Some of the most common sources of neuropathy include diabetes, injury, cancer, infections, alcoholism, and autoimmune disorders.
In an animal study , researchers found that oral supplementation of CBD led to improvements in neuropathic pain in rats. Back pain is one of the most common forms of both acute and chronic pain.
Acute back pain tends to be caused by an injury, such as by falling or lifting something heavy. Chronic back pain is that which lasts more than three months and is often caused by a ruptured or bulging disc, arthritis, osteoporosis, scoliosis, or nerve pain.
Some back pain is partly caused by inflammation, and numerous preclinical and animal studies have found benefits of CBD for inflammation. Through possible reductions in both nerve and inflammatory pain, CBD may help relieve back pain. When it comes to localized pain, topical CBD lotion or creams may be a great option. While human studies on the efficacy of CBD lotion are lacking, there are plenty of animal studies and personal accounts to support this use.
In one study , researchers found that rats with arthritis treated with transdermal CBD experienced reductions in pain-related behaviors and inflammation. Cannabis and CBD dosing for pain are highly individual. Studies have found a bell-shaped dose-response curve with cannabis extract, meaning that it slowly becomes more effective until it hits a certain point, and then the effectiveness decreases.
To further complicate matters, the effective dose found in human studies varies greatly from one condition and one study to the next. However, doses of Sativex, an oral spray that delivers 2.
CBD dosage for pain has not been examined in any human studies. Like the Cannabis sativa extract, studies have found that exceeding the optimal dose of CBD can lead to a reduction in efficacy. In a study examining the effect of CBD on anxiety, mg and mg were not effective, where mg was. So where, then, should you start when it comes to dosing Cannabis sativa or CBD oil? Follow these steps when adding in a cannabis or CBD oil product:.
Stay at the same dose for 3 or more days, evaluating your response. Increase your dose until you find the best dose for you. Studies and anecdotal reports have shown that cannabis is good for pain.
Whether you enjoy smoking weed or not, there are numerous products available for you to use if you live in a state where pot is legal. This allows you to access the full potential of the wide array of healthful and anti-inflammatory compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant.
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, made from cannabis, is sometimes used for chronic pain. We'll review the research on whether CBD oil is effective. Several human studies have found that a combination of CBD and THC is effective in treating pain related to multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
We've updated our Privacy Policy to make it clearer how we use your personal data. We use cookies to provide you with a better experience, read our Cookie Policy. Article Nov 28, by Nicole Gleichmann. If you are struggling with chronic pain, one of the safest and most effective options could be marijuana. Medical marijuana is becoming one of the most popular alternative treatments for chronic pain - this can range from pain caused by conditions such as migraines or arthritis to pain caused by injury.
Medically reviewed by C. Fookes, BPharm Last updated on Oct 17,
Learn what the science says about the risks and benefits of CBD use for arthritis and what to shop for. What is CBD? CBD, short for cannabidiol, is an active compound found in the cannabis plant.
Should You Take CBD for Pain?
Cannabidiol CBD has been recently covered in the media, and you may have even seen it as an add-in booster to your post-workout smoothie or morning coffee. What exactly is CBD? Why is it suddenly so popular? CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis marijuana. While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana , it is derived directly from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant.
Best Marijuana for Pain Relief: CBD or THC Strains?
Apr 4, 10 min read. Approximately 54 million adults and , children in the U. If you consider all of the individuals who have arthritis but have not yet been diagnosed, the AF suggests that the true count is likely closer to To make matters even worse, that number is expected to grow by 49 percent by the year The most precarious and debilitating symptoms suffered by arthritis patients include pain, stiffness, and decreased movement within the joints, all of which can be severe and worsen over time. In addition, there are other symptoms that are just as troublesome, such as anxiety and depression. Not only that, but it can become especially trying when you have to contend with other medical problems that tend to coexist with arthritis, like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Some medications and treatment programs can potentially help ease these negative effects, but many people are searching for a more natural pain relief option. This is where CBD oil comes into play. Thus, cannabis oil, or CBD oil as it is more commonly known, is an oil that is developed using this particular compound.
For many people experiencing chronic pain , cannabidiol CBD oil has steadily gained popularity as a natural approach to pain relief. A compound found in the marijuana plant, cannabidiol is sometimes touted as an alternative to pain medication in the treatment of common conditions like arthritis and back pain.
Joni Sweet. So naturally, you might be wondering: Can CBD help people with arthritis and related diseases cope with pain? Anecdotal reports from patients and some preliminary research suggests yes, but the science is still emerging and more research is needed. CBD is a chemical found derived from hemp.
Does CBD Oil work for pain relief?
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CBD Oil for Pain
For those living with chronic or acute pain, finding a safe, effective method of managing it is a key concern. Commonly used painkillers include acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , and opioids. However, many of these medications carry side effects or lead to dependency stemming from long-term use. Cannabidiol CBD oil is currently gaining traction as an alternative form of pain relief. It is thought that CBD may work to alleviate pain by reducing inflammation in the body. CBD is believed to help reduce pain in several ways.
