How CBD Works on Acute and Chronic Pain Management

Did you know CBD can help manage acute and chronic pain management? This is how CBD manages acute and chronic pain; how CBD works to relieve pain, CBD and chronic pain, CBD and neuropathic pain, CBD and arthritis pain, CBD and multiple sclerosis, the benefits of using CBD for pain relief, effects of using CBD, CBD dosage, side effects of CBD, can CBD get you high.

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is used by many people as a pain reliever. Gaining an understanding of CBD is one step in overcoming the stigma that surrounds it. The cannabis plant is where CBD is extracted from. This oil can help relieve pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep issues in those who use it. As a result of restrictions placed on the consumption of cannabis as well as research into its potential benefits, there is insufficient evidence from human studies to back up these claims. Research is picking up steam and showing some encouraging results as cannabis becomes legalized in various jurisdictions. This article explores the mechanism of action of CBD and the many ways people utilize it to treat chronic pain.

CBD Relieves Pain

Zenone (2020) stated that CBD is gaining ground in the scientific community as a potential pharmacological agent for treating pain, inflammation, seizures, and anxiety without producing the mind-altering effects of THC. CBD's involvement in pain treatment is still being explored. Still, data from animal research suggests that it works by interfering with and modulating the endocannabinoid, inflammatory, and nociceptive (pain-sensing) systems in different ways. CB2 receptors in our bodies are part of the endocannabinoid system, which regulates our body's production of cannabinoids. Many bodily processes are influenced by this system, including metabolism, appetite, stress, and pain perception, to name just a few of the more well-known.

CBD and Chronic Pain

Dickersin et al. (2018)  analyzed the results of dozens of trials and research from numerous systematic reviews. The study above suggested that chronic pain can be effectively treated with cannabis. Thapa et al. (2018) stated that CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The study above concluded that individuals would not need to increase their CBD dosage over time. Cannabinoids such as CBD may offer new therapeutic options for chronic pain patients.

CBD and Neuropathic Pain

Damage to the nerves causes pain that is referred to as "neuropathic." Multiple sclerosis, traumas like herniated discs, and infections like shingles can cause this pain. CBD effectively treated patients with chronic neuropathic pain. Grant et al. (2020) suggested that its potential risks may exceed the potential benefits of cannabis-based treatment. The study above examined the impact of cannabis-derived drugs, such as CBD, on treating chronic neuropathic pain. More research is required to fully comprehend CBD's potential significance in treating persistent neuropathic pain.

CBD and Arthritis Pain

Verrico et al. (2020) investigated if CBD could help people with arthritis control their pain. Price (2020)  applied a CBD-infused topical lotion to arthritic rats.

Their findings showed significant reductions in inflammation and discomfort without additional adverse effects. Hall et al. (2019)  explained that people who take CBD oil for arthritis might experience some relief, but further human research is needed to prove this.

CBD and Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an auto-immune disease affecting the entire body through nerves and the brain. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis include muscle spasms, among the most prevalent. Some people's spasms might be so severe that they cause them to suffer from chronic discomfort.

Cohen et al. (2016) showed that those who consume CBD oil for a short period experience fewer muscle spasms. The study above also suggested that many participants reported a decrease in symptoms, despite the small results. Further human investigations are required to confirm these findings.

Benefits of Using CBD for Pain Relief

Chronic pain may improve modestly from cannabis or CBD. The FDA has not yet approved CBD for pain treatment, even though it is a good choice for alleviating pain. Teitelbaum (2019) suggested that if you're suffering from chronic pain or insomnia, CBD may be able to alleviate some of the symptoms. However, these effects are condition-specific. They need further research before conclusions about CBD's medicinal potential or recommending specific amounts for treating pain.

Effects of Using CBD

Cannabinoids are a group of more than 100 chemical compounds discovered in cannabis. CBD is one of them. Cannabis is the most widely referred to plant that contains cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produces a euphoric "high," whereas CBD does not. This is because CBD does not engage the same receptors as THC.

ECS (endocannabinoid system) is a part of the human body that processes and interprets signals from cannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are the name given to the cannabinoids produced by the body. Sleep, immunological reactions, and pain are all regulated by the ECS.

The endocannabinoid receptors in the brain are activated when THC enters the body, resulting in a "high" experience. The brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure.

CBD Dosage

Reboussin et al. (2021)  explained that CBD is not subject to FDA regulation for most illnesses. As a result, dosages are currently ambiguous and should be taken with a grain of salt, as they could be dangerous. Consult a physician before beginning any CBD regimen to ensure it's safe and effective for you. The FDA has approved CBD in a pure form for treating epilepsy. Patients taking this drug should heed their physician's instructions on dosage.

Side Effects of CBD

While CBD oil is generally safe, there are a few potential adverse effects.

The most prevalent side effects of cannabis use include:

• fatigue

The symptoms of diarrhea include changes in appetite

The effectiveness of other treatments may be increased or decreased if CBD oil is used in conjunction with them.

CBD's long-term effects on hormones are yet to be studied. It will be helpful to do more long-term studies to see if CBD negatively impacts the body.

Use caution when using CBD because it may interfere with several over-the-counter and prescription medications, especially those that warn against drinking grapefruit. The cytochrome P450 complex enzyme may also be affected by CBD. The liver's ability to break down poisons could be compromised due to this change, raising the possibility of liver poisoning.

Can CBD Get You High?

CBD is a distinct molecule from THC, and its effects are far more complex. No "high" or impairment of functioning is produced; somewhat, the body is influenced to utilize its endocannabinoids more efficiently. In conjunction with other cannabinoids, CBD affects numerous different receptor systems in our bodies, including the ECS.

Anandamide, linked to regulating pain, can be increased by CBD, which can lower pain perception and boost mood. Inflammation in the brain and neurological system may be reduced by cannabidiol, which may be helpful for patients with pain, sleeplessness, and specific immune system responses.

Conclusion

Although several studies have suggested that CBD oil may be helpful in pain, additional study is still needed, particularly in longer-term trials with human participants. However, there is some evidence that CBD oil could effectively relieve pain. Evidence, both scientific and anecdotal, shows that it can assist individuals in various settings with managing chronic pain.

The fact that CBD oil does not produce euphoria makes it a desirable treatment option, as does the fact that it may have a reduced risk of adverse effects than many other drugs used to treat pain. If an individual is thinking about trying CBD oil for the first time, they have to consult with their primary care provider first.

References

Grant, I., Atkinson, J. H., Gouaux, B., & Wilsey, B. (2012). Medical Marijuana: Clearing Away The Smoke. The Open Neurology Journal, 6, 18.

Mayo‐Wilson, E., Li, T., Fusco, N., Dickersin, K., & MUDS Investigators. (2018). Practical Guidance For Using Multiple Data Sources In Systematic Reviews And Meta‐Analyses (With Examples From The MUDS Study). Research Synthesis Methods, 9(1), 2-12.

Price, S. L. Best CBD Creams For Pain Relief: Top Hemp Topicals Review (2022).

Stith, S. S., Vigil, J. M., Brockelman, F., Keeling, K., & Hall, B. (2019). The Association Between Cannabis Product Characteristics And Symptom Relief. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 1-8.

Teitelbaum, J. (2019). A Hemp Oil, CBD, And Marijuana Primer: Powerful Pain, Insomnia, And Anxiety-Relieving Tools. Altern. Ther. Health Med, 25, 21-23.

Thapa, D., Cairns, E. A., Szczesniak, A. M., Toguri, J. T., Caldwell, M. D., & Kelly, M. E. (2018). The Cannabinoids Δ8THC, CBD, And HU-308 Act Via Distinct Receptors To Reduce Corneal Pain And Inflammation. Cannabis And Cannabinoid Research, 3(1), 11-20.

Wagoner, K. G., Lazard, A. J., Romero-Sandoval, E. A., & Reboussin, B. A. (2021). Health Claims About Cannabidiol Products: A Retrospective Analysis Of US Food And Drug Administration Warning Letters From 2015 To 2019. Cannabis And Cannabinoid Research, 6(6), 559-563.

Verrico, C. D., Wesson, S., Konduri, V., Hofferek, C. J., Vazquez-Perez, J., Blair, E., ... & Halpert, M. M. (2020). A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Of Daily Cannabidiol For The Treatment Of Canine Osteoarthritis Pain. Pain, 161(9), 2191.

Zenone, M. (2020). Cannabidiol (CBD) Marketing And Decision-Making: Examining 164 Crowdfunding Campaigns And 2,165 CBD Products For Sale Online In Canada (Doctoral Dissertation, Health Sciences: Faculty Of Health Sciences).