CBD for Pain Relief

There are an estimated 50 million Americans living with pain. As the body of scientific and anecdotal evidence supporting the use of CBD for pain relief grows, it’s no surprise that interest in and use of CBD products are on the rise.

CBD has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine to treat pain and certain medical conditions. As more modern research goes into this cannabinoid, it shows that it’s an effective alternative to traditional medicines for relieving pain.

It’s still a relatively new drug in the East. There are ongoing studies into exactly how it relieves pain, the health conditions CBD can help treat, and any potential side effects.

Here’s what we know about CBD, and how it’s used for pain relief:

How Does CBD Help Relieve Pain?

CBD interacts with tiny proteins called receptors in our brains and immune systems. This stimulates the release of pain-relieving chemicals such as serotonin and anandamide. CBD itself is also a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants suppresses inflammation and help reduce pain.

Using CBD for Chronic Pain Relief

CBD currently helps patients suffering from specific conditions with symptoms including chronic pain. This is an area where a lot of studies are currently ongoing, and the early signs are very positive.

A study conducted in 2008 looked into how effective CBD is at helping patients manage “difficult to treat pain,” or chronic pain.

Researchers looked at several studies and clinical trials conducted between the ‘80s and 2007 in which patients used CBD to treat a range of chronic pain issues. From the information available, they concluded CBD was effective at treating chronic pain – and had no adverse side effects.

A couple of conditions that underwent a good deal of research are arthritis and multiple sclerosis. These are two chronic conditions that have a big impact on the quality of life for sufferers.

One of the issues faced is that prescription painkillers, opioids in particular, and anti-inflammatory drugs have some harmful side effects. All the research to-date points towards CBD being just as effective at relieving pain. As well as some of the other symptoms of these conditions, while not having any adverse side effects.

Using CBD for Arthritis Pain Relief

A 2016 study measured how effective CBD is at reducing the chronic pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

Researchers conducted the trials on laboratory rats, not humans, but the results were conclusive. There was a significant decrease in inflammation and pain without any adverse side effects.

Using CBD for Multiple Sclerosis Pain Relief

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive disease that affects the entire body. Some of the symptoms sufferers experience are muscle spasms, numbness, and chronic pain. It’s often difficult to manage the symptoms with traditional medicines.

A study looked into the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids (CBD) for treating the symptom’s of MS. Researchers noted a significant decrease in chronic pain, as well as a reduction in muscle spasms.

What Are the Side Effects of Using CBD to Treat Chronic Pain?

One of the main reasons for a lot of patients requesting to use CBD for pain is because there are fewer known side effects than traditional medicines.

A study of the side effects of CBD carried out by Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found the following known side effects:

● Changes in appetite

● Diarrhea

● Tiredness

● Weight loss or weight gain.

The study concludes the necessity for further clinical trials with a greater number of participants. But the results so far are very positive, especially when you compare these side effects to those of prescription painkillers.

Should You Use CBD for Pain Relief?

If you want to try CBD for pain relief, the first thing you need to do is check if it’s legal in your state. The legality of CBD varies from state to state, and some states have specific conditions for its use.

The second thing you need to do is consult your doctor before ever taking CBD. They will advise you on whether or not you should be taking it and the dosage you need.

The evidence to support using CBD for pain relief is very promising. The lack of side effects and all the potential upsides has been dominating the headlines for the past few years, and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon. Educate yourself further on this natural pain reliever before you try it for yourself.