What is CBD?
CBD is one of the numerous cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant trusted Source. CBD and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two examples of cannabinoid compounds found in plants. THC is the chemical that causes the “high” that many people associate with cannabis. CBD is a separate type of cannabinoid that does not get you high on its own.
The endocannabinoid receptor system (ECS) is a complex network of neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors found in the human body. Cannabinoids, such as CBD, and the ECS, according to research, may have a role in a variety of body processes, including pain regulation rested Source.
Is CBD beneficial for pain relief?
Cannabinoids are both endogenous and exogenous. Endogenous cannabinoids are lipids that the body makes spontaneously. Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol are two of the most well-known endogenous cannabinoids.
Exogenous cannabinoids are chemicals found in the cannabis plant that are not produced by the body. CBD, THC, cannabichromene, and cannabigerol are examples of exogenous cannabinoids.
Endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids bind to endocannabinoid receptors on the surface of cells. Cannabinoid 1 and cannabinoid 2 receptors are among them. This binding activity triggers a variety of cell responses that have an impact on pain signaling pathways.
CBD has a poor affinity for endocannabinoid receptors. According to one mouse study, it may interact with neurological receptors in the spinal cord that decrease chronic inflammatory pain. The benefits of AEA, an endogenous cannabinoid that decreases pain, may be enhanced by CBD.
Researchers assessed CBD’s pain-relieving benefits in seven persons who had chronic pain following kidney transplants, according to a tiny 2018 study. Six of the seven individuals said their pain had lessened. Higher CBD doses caused increased pain for one of the subjects, while lower CBD levels provided the best pain relief.
Researchers discovered that topical CBD reduced arthritis-related joint swelling and pain in mice in a 2015 animal study by trusted Source. The authors claim that effective daily doses ranged from 6.2 to 62 milligrams (mg).
While more study is necessary, such as large-scale, high-quality clinical trials, these preliminary findings show CBD may aid with pain management. Participants in the study have positive opinions toward CBD therapy alternatives and report positive outcomes while utilizing the medication for pain-related disorders, according to a 2021 study trusted Source.
How to Use CBD Safely
CBD is available in a variety of formats, including oils and tinctures, candies, oral capsules or pills, lotions, balms, salves, and topical patches.
CBD gummies and capsules must go in your body by mouth. Topical CBD products, on the other hand, are only for external usage. These items can apply to specific parts of the body, such as painful muscles or aching joints. CBD oils and tinctures are more adaptable than other CBD products, and they are typically in tinted glass vials with a dropper. People can either add a few drops of CBD oil to their food or drink, or they can place a few drops under their tongue and hold the oil for up to one minute before swallowing.
The guidelines and dosage information on the CBD product label should be followed.
How can I pick the best CBD products?
Only one CBD-containing medicine, Epidiolex, is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating rare kinds of epilepsy in children aged 2 and up.
This means that CBD products sold in stores are not regulated by the FDA. When searching for CBD, people should look for high-quality items from trustworthy producers and sellers.
High-quality items go through independent testing by laboratories with no ties to the manufacturer. Pesticides, heavy metals, microorganisms, and hazardous compounds are all tested for in CBD products.
A certificate of analysis, which provides information about the product’s CBD potency, the presence of THC and other cannabinoids, and safety test findings, will accompany products that have undergone third-party testing.
Side effects and risks
CBD has a number of side effects.
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Weight fluctuations, according to a reliable source
The following are more serious side effects:
- Liver damage
- Male reproductive difficulties
- Possibly severe interactions with alcohol and certain drugs
Advantages and disadvantages
There are several benefits and drawbacks to using CBD products for pain treatment.
Advantages
- They may help with pain alleviation.
- They come in a variety of formulations to help treat various types of pain, and varied dosages are available to meet individual needs.
Disadvantages
- More research is a must to validate CBD’s usefulness as a pain reliever.
- CBD products may vary in quality and safety, with potential adverse effects including gastrointestinal upset and liver harm.
Alternatives
CBD supporters claim that the products can aid with muscular, joint, and nerve discomfort. However, scientific data to back up these claims is sparse.
- A warm or cold compress for stiff, hurting muscles
- Mild physical activity for joint discomfort is some alternative pain remedies.
- Injections of corticosteroids for nerve pain and inflammation
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen over-the-counter (OTC) pain remedies
- Topical pain treatments including NSAIDs, capsaicin, or menthol
- Therapeutic massage
- Acupuncture
People who have persistent or worsening pain despite using OTC and at-home therapies should consult a doctor about other treatment alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some frequent questions concerning CBD for pain:
Can CBD relieve pain?
While additional research is needed to prove CBD’s usefulness for pain management, present evidence suggests it may be a good and appropriate alternative for some people.
How quickly can it alleviate pain?
The speed with which CBD relieves pain depends on a number of factors, including the underlying health condition, CBD product, and dosage. According to the American Arthritis Foundation, the effects of a CBD spray or tincture might appear in 15–45 minutes.
What CBD products are the most effective for pain relief?
Your condition and personal preferences will determine the best CBD product for you. People can try whatever works best for them because these products come in a variety of formats, including oils, lotions, gels, and patches. A person can also talk to their doctor about their alternatives.
What are the problems that CBD can help with?
CBD is still being researched to see what conditions it can help with. CBD may assist with the following health issues:
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Sciatica and back pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Neuropathy
Summary
While preliminary clinical and animal studies indicate that CBD may help with pain relief, more research is necessary to confirm these findings.
CBD is typically harmless, although it might cause adverse effects such as fatigue and changes in appetite.
People who are currently receiving pain treatment may want to talk to their doctor about the potential advantages and dangers of adding CBD to their regimen.
Discussion about this post