Chronic pain affects millions of American adults. It is a sign of several disorders, and pharmaceutical companies provide treatments to control it. Pain medications have caused an addiction and overdose crisis. That is one of the reasons why patients and health providers are looking into alternative remedies.
CBD has grown in popularity over time, and studies reveal that one reason individuals take the cannabinoid is for pain relief. It is available in many forms and potencies to help alleviate various symptoms, including pain. Below is a guide on chronic pain and how CBD can help ease the discomfort for improved wellbeing.
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CBD for Chronic Pain
More research is required as CBD research is still in its early phases. Nonetheless, studies and trials that have already been done show a promising future for CBD products. Researchers have found CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties that may alleviate chronic pain. Many studies that have been done involved animals, and more research with human participants are necessary. Pain is a symptom that affects other aspects of a person’s life, such as sleep quality. With reduced pain, CBD may also help them rest better.
A 2019 study shows that CBD works by enhancing the functioning of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The system is responsible for controlling bodily functions such as pain, mood, sleep, appetite, memory, and immunity. Our bodies produce cannabinoids to regulate these roles. However, plant cannabinoids like CBD stimulate the endocannabinoid system, boosting its performance. CBD activates endocannabinoid receptors in various body parts for improved pain relief.
How CBD Can Help Reduce Chronic Pain
CBD may help reduce chronic pain, improving the health of users. The cannabinoid might alleviate the following types of pain.
CBD for Arthritis or Joint Pain
Arthritis is a condition with no cure, but treatments and medications exist to manage it. It causes inflammation and joint pain, making it hard for patients to move around. CBD has pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory benefits that may alleviate arthritis. Joint pain also has other causes, such as workouts or long trips. CBD relieves joint pain, helping with recovery.
CBD for Back Pain
Back pain is another discomfort that CBD may alleviate. It arises from various aspects, including injuries and medical conditions. Back pain affects your focus and movement. CBD’s analgesic properties may help with back pain. You can use CBD oil or a topical to reduce pain in the affected body part, in this case, the back.
CBD for Neck Pain
CBD may also assist with neck pain. Perhaps you slept with your head in the wrong position or spent much of your workday on a computer. Neck pain is likely to develop, and CBD may help ease the pain and tension instead of relying on addictive pain pills. Using CBD cream on the neck will provide localized relief, enhancing CBD’s efficiency.
CBD for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes whole-body fatigue and pain. It is a type of arthritis that can make life unbearable. Your entire body aching and tiredness, is something that needs an effective remedy. Medications help patients manage their pain. Additionally, CBD may help with its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
CBD for Neurogenic Pain
Dysfunction of the central or peripheral nervous system leads to neurogenic pain. Medical conditions and injuries may damage nerves leading to this type of pain. Like other types of pain, CBD’s pain-inhibiting potential may alleviate neurogenic pain. CBD oil targets your whole body to offer pain relief and support a healthier body.
How to Use CBD for Chronic Pain
Using CBD for chronic pain is simple. The cannabinoid is available in various forms, including oil, edibles, capsules, vape, and topicals. You should start with a low-potency product to enable your body to adjust smoothly to CBD. You can increase the dose gradually until you find an effective amount for the pain you are feeling. Using CBD oil for chronic pain sublingually provides fast and most effective relief in 15-30 minutes. Make sure you get the top quality CBD oil for pain in order to get the fastest effect. You can also utilize CBD topicals like cream and balm for targeted pain relief on the hurting areas of your body. Capsules and gummies take longer for effects to kick in, but their relief lasts longer in your system. Vaping is not a recommended way of using CBD, as it has been associated with respiratory complications.
Ensure you take high grade CBD products to protect your body from harm. High-grade CBD products are made from organic hemp and contain CBD made using CO2. They have all-natural components and undergo third-party testing for purity and quality purposes. The best CBD brands provide quick access to the lab reports.
While some use QR codes, others utilize batch or lot numbers that allow you to view the test results. A CBD manufacturer worth considering is also transparent and has a good reputation, with most customers happy with their CBD products.
The Side Effects of Using CBD
CBD is considered a safer compound with no risk of dependency. Moreover, the cannabinoid does not make users high, and most people can tolerate it. However, our bodies are different, and some people may experience fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and dry mouth after using CBD. Nonetheless, these side effects are rare and are likely to occur if you consume excessive doses of CBD. The dose recommendations we have previously mentioned must be followed.
Is CBD Safe to Along with Other Medicines?
CBD interacts with some medications such as blood thinners, heart medicines, and thyroid prescription drugs. For that reason, consult your doctor before using CBD if you are taking any medication. A doctor is a person to tell you whether you can use CBD with your medicine or not. Additionally, you should never use CBD in place of your medication.
Final Thoughts
CBD may relieve chronic pain. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and preliminary research shows promising results. You can use CBD oil and topicals to ease the pain. Follow the dosage guidelines and speak to your doctor before using CBD if you are taking any medicine. Ensure you buy high-quality CBD products that go through independent lab tests.