CBD For Pain Management: Everything You Need to Know

Cannabidiol (CBD) can give several health benefits to the human body without the psychoactive effects of its close relative, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In particular, CBD’s analgesic or painkilling properties have been studied extensively over the past two decades, with encouraging outcomes. Though studies into the efficacy of CBD oil for pain management are still in their infancy, the following are some preliminary findings.

CBD For Pain Relief

There are currently no CBD-based pain medicines available in the United States. Epidiolex, used for uncommon kinds of epilepsy, is the only CBD medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Meanwhile, CBD’s usage for specific illnesses is legal in some countries. For instance, the U.K. approved it for multiple sclerosis, and Canada did the same for cancer pain. In addition, recent studies have shown promising results for using CBD oil to treat the pain associated with various medical disorders, including arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Interestingly, a recent poll of 2,000 American adults conducted by Forbes Health found that 60% of those who use CBD products do it hoping it may reduce their pain.

So what kind of pain relief does CBD have to offer? Let’s read on to find out.

Chronic Pain Management

There are many reasons why you may develop chronic pain. Common causes include severe injuries, illnesses, and your lifestyle, such as being hunched over an office desk. You can feel this pain anywhere in your body, yet almost eight in every ten Americans experience it in their back. Unlike most conditions, back pain is not easily treatable, often resulting in you taking a concoction of medication to subside it. So CBD for back pain may be a useful alternative for those with chronic pain who are currently taking opioids, which can be habit-forming and have several undesirable side effects.

 Helps with Inflammation

Inflammation is swelling that can lead to joint-related conditions like arthritis. If you’ve experienced pain in your joints, then you’re well aware of how swelling travels fast, causing stiffness and strong jolts of numbness in your limbs. One way to counter this pain is with CBD oil. You can massage the product onto your skin, feel it attack your sore spots, and reduce the swelling around your joints.

According to research carried out in 2018, participants with osteoarthritis-related knee pain used 250 mg to 500 mg of CBD daily on their joints, whereas a separate group used a placebo. When the participants got assessed weekly, those who applied CBD noticed a significant improvement in their condition.

Massaging the CBD oil into your skin will create heat, encouraging your body to react faster to stimulus. Though following the application, you may need to retry a few times before you see promising results, your consistent efforts in using this product will help.

CBD for Neuropathy

Neuropathy is an illness caused by problems with the peripheral nerves. Diabetes, systemic disease, and infection are just a few of the possible triggers of neuropathy.

Most nerve damages lead to muscle fatigue, a sharp pain that radiates everywhere in your body, and numbness. This can cause you to become bedridden or seek emergency care if you don’t feel the pain subside. As a long-term solution taking too many painkillers is not a sustainable option, and there is a massive risk if you opt for surgery.

A 2020 study that investigated the usage of CBD oil on patients with damage to the peripheral nervous system experienced an intense relief after several uses. However, those who used a placebo continued getting harsh and sharp pain which was sometimes unmanageable.

Helps Subside Cancer Treatment Pain

Cancer can take a massive toll on your body from when you get diagnosed to when you begin treatment. The rounds of chemotherapy and radiation can often leave you with unwanted side effects such as nausea, dizziness, a reduced appetite, and fatigue. In some cases, you may also need extra support in the form of high-dosage painkillers like oxycodone and morphine to numb the ache from your radiation spots.

But narcotic analgesics can lead to gastrointestinal problems, constipation, and cognitive issues such as increased drowsiness. This is where CBD comes into play. According to a 2020 peer-reviewed study, CBD can help manage palliative and non-palliative pain in cancer patients.

How To Pick A CBD Product?

It can be difficult to sort through the constantly expanding selection of CBD products and methods of use to find the one that best suits your needs. CBD can be taken orally or applied topically and is available in capsules, oil, tinctures, and other topical treatments.

Every CBD product must have specific labels that disclose both the CBD and THC concentrations, with the latter needing to be below 0.3% under the law. Try to find something that is high in CBD but low in THC. Make sure you know how much CBD is in each bottle or dose, and stay away from anything that doesn’t identify the supplement information and all of the ingredients it contains.

Also, you must determine your intended application of the product. For example, if you are looking for relief from chronic pain, it is best to use a product with a high concentration of CBD. Try taking CBD in capsule or oil form if you’re using it to help with anxiety or depression. You can add CBD oil to your beverage or put a few drops under your tongue.

Final Thoughts

Even if there isn’t solid evidence that cannabidiol (CBD) or CBD oil is superior to other pain treatments, experts agree that it has promising potential. Many patients with chronic pain may find relief with CBD products and won’t get high or become dependent on them, as can be the case with certain medications. However, picking out a CBD product can be a challenge. Consult your physician before using CBD oil for long-term pain. With their assistance, you can find the optimal initial dose and a possible product recommendation.