What are the Benefits of Pain Management While Using CBD?

Most individuals in the United States are affected by pain of different types. The pain ranges from severe to mild. The government is using millions of dollars in the management of pain. Other people suffering from pain are developing alternative conventions to aid in countering despair. CBD can alleviate pain of different nature as it contains some pain-relieving properties. This article explains some of the benefits of pain management when using CBD.

Individuals have been using cannabis and related products for medicinal and ritual purposes for millions of years. In recent years, there have been advances in treating various health conditions. As one of the significant non-psychoactive compounds, CBD is gaining popularity in the modern world because of its health benefits. With the legalization of hemp cultivation in 2018, manufacturers are producing CBD-related products in different forms and types for the use of the individual. People can access CBD in the market in various forms, concentrations, and potencies.

CBD Basic

CBD is a plant extract that is widely popular and used for recreational or medicinal purposes. All hemp-based CBD products are legal in the United States, unlike marijuana-based which are illegal because of containing higher THC levels than CBD. THC is an intoxicating and psychoactive component that can make a person experience euphoric effects. During the extraction of CBD, it is obtained as a pure product free from THC, terpenes, and flavonoids. Although many people widely use it, it is not regulated by the FDA or the government. In the CBD market, only Epidolex is a regulated CBD product used to treat a rare epilepsy condition in children. Other products depend on an individual’s knowledge in choosing the best CBD product per their needs. CBD is being adopted because of its medical claims like reducing pain and inflammation, among other benefits.

CBD for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is any pain that lasts for months. Individuals using CBD have benefited from it as it helps in alleviating the pain from a chronic condition. Überall (2020) explained that Sativex, a CBD, and THC spray, acts as an analgesic for persons with cancer-related pain. The spray is used In Canada to manage cancer-related pains but is not yet approved in the United States because research about it is still ongoing. Using CBD and related products is well tolerated and effective in treating patients with stemming chronic pain. CBD can aid in managing pain affecting body tissue, mixed pain, and an individual's nervous system. Also, pain from the spinal cord and conditions like MS can be aided.

CBD for Neuropathic Pain

Some injuries and conditions can damage nerves or the nervous system, leading to neuropathic pain. Individuals can feel this pain as a tingling, sharp, and numb body, accompanied by burning pain in weak muscles. One of the leading causes of neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis is the disease interrupts the myelin that coats the nerve cells. Maayah et al. (2020) explained that CBD and its related product like Sativex could be used in managing Multiple sclerosis and reducing cases of neuropathic pain. Individuals consume different amounts of dosage based on their body weight, age, metabolism, and height. A person suffering from peripheral neuropathy of the PNS can benefit from topical application of CBD on the affected areas, which helps reduce the sharp and intense pain a patient experiences. Learn more about how does cbd help seizure patients?

CBD for Arthritis and Joint Pain

Arthritis is related to hundreds of joint pains and conditions in an individual. Some of the symptoms associated with arthritis are swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints, which are progressive. CBD is used in the treatment and management of other pain-related conditions. It also has some anti-inflammatory properties that aid in treating arthritic conditions. Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from CBD as it can reduce pain and inflammation in the joints making individual movement better and improving sleep quality. Taylor et al. (2018) explained that the reactions to CBD were mild to moderate. Individuals suffering from osteoarthritis can benefit from topical CBD when they consistently use it for quite some time. The pain will be alleviated, and the inflammation will be reduced drastically. Individuals with fibromyalgia can benefit from combining THC and CBD as they help manage widespread body pain and fatigue.

CBD for Pain Relief

In the United States, although with the high usage of CBD, there is no verified CBD-based medication used as a painkiller. Only Epidiolex, used in managing the epileptic condition, is the only CBD-approved product by the Federal and Drug administration. Some countries have approved CBD to help treat some diseases. Al-Ghezi et al. (2019) stated that in the United Kingdom, CBD is approved for treating Multiple sclerosis, and in Canada, CBD is approved for managing cancer-related pain. Although the research is anecdotal, CBD is seen to help address some medical conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis when used in varying doses. Some chronic pains lead to combining CBD with THC to aid in efficiency. Since its legalization, CBD has been widely used in the United States as a pain remedy.

Dosage of CBD 

Individuals should be cautious when purchasing CBD products. The dosages of CBD consumption are not regulated as the FDA has not held any CBD product for any condition. Individuals mostly use the dosages that suit them, making them open to interpretation as per personal knowledge. Individuals should seek doctors' advice to ensure safety. This help prevents any adverse effects that can result from the consumption of CBD.

Side Effects of CBD

Although it is safe for consumption and use, some side effects can result from overdosing. Different individuals experience CBD differently because of their body functions. Some of the primary side effects of CBD are; fatigue, diarrhea, change in sleep pattern, appetite loss, dry mouth, and drowsiness, among others.

Conclusion

CBD is widely used in pain management, but more research is needed to support the claim. Individuals consume CBD for many reasons, and pain management is one of them. It helps in the direction of chronic, neuropathic, and arthritic-related pain. Individuals should consult a doctor before consuming CBD for any health purpose for better dosages and safety. Learn more about how does cbd affect mental health disorders?

References

Al-Ghezi, Z. Z., Miranda, K., Nagarkatti, M., & Nagarkatti, P. S. (2019). A combination of cannabinoids, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and cannabidiol, ameliorates multiple experimental sclerosis by suppressing neuroinflammation by regulating miRNA-mediated signaling pathways. Frontiers in immunology, 10, 1921.

Maayah, Z. H., Takahara, S., Ferdaoussi, M., & Dyck, J. R. (2020). The molecular mechanisms underpin the physical benefits of full-spectrum cannabis extract in treating neuropathic pain and inflammation. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Molecular Basis of Disease, 1866(7), 165771.

Taylor, L., Gidal, B., Blakey, G., Tayo, B., & Morrison, G. (2018). A phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose, multiple-dose, and food effect trial of the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of highly purified cannabidiol in healthy subjects. CNS drugs, 32(11), 1053-1067.

Überall, M. A. (2020). A review of scientific evidence for THC: CBD oromucosal spray (nabiximols) in chronic pain management. Journal of pain research, 13, 399.