How to Use CBD Oil for Pain: A Comprehensive Guide

With the popularity and legalization of hemp cultivation in the United States, CBD oil has been found to help treat pain due to its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is made of core receptors responsible for controlling pain. CBD oil helps in reducing pain by reducing inflammation that causes pain. This article explains how one can use CBD oil for pain.

CBD is a natural chemical found in the cannabis hemp plant. It is known for its potential health benefits, such as reducing pain, inflammation, anxiety, stress, and other medical conditions. CBD does not have psychoactive effects, so it can't get one ‘high’.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil comes from industrial hemp containing a high concentration of CBD. It is extracted using different methods, and the extract is added with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. Xu et al. (2020) stated that in 2018, the FDA approved the prescription of Epidiolex, made of pure CBD oil, for treating two types of epilepsy.

Is CBD Oil Legal?

The legalization of CBD oil depends on the state’s law. In states where the growing of cannabis hemp is legal, CBD oil containing less than 0.03% of THC is legal. It means that it is important to familiarize yourself with states law concerning CBD products, especially when traveling, to avoid breaking the laws.

How Does CBD Oil Works?

Britch et al. (2017) explained that CBD is believed to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is made of two core receptors. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain and are responsible for coordinating movement, emotion, thinking, mood, appetite, and pain. CB2 receptors are commonly found in the immune system and affect pain and inflammation.

How to Use CBD for Managing pain?

CBD interacts with the receptors in a person's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in signaling body functions from the emotional response to motor control, balancing the whole system. Xu et al. (2020)  stated that the only approved CBD-infused medicine by the FDA in the U.S.A is Epidiolex which is used in treating rare forms of epilepsy. Other countries have approved using CBD for treating certain conditions such as cancer pain, arthritis pain, and pain associated with fibromyalgia using different doses.

CBD for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain happens in the whole body and can last for a month. This kind of pain can lead to depression and anxiety. Chronic pain interferes with your daily routine making it hard for you to rest or sleep. Chronic pain has an obvious cause, like the presence of ongoing illness such as arthritis or cancer, which causes ongoing pain. Chronic pain can also be caused by injuries that leave pain even after healing. A broken bone or sprains may cause such injuries. Johnson et al. (2010) explained that CBD is believed to work better when used with THC compound in treating chronic pain. Using CBD and THC in the treatment of chronic pain is well tolerated and effective because of the entourage effects brought by both CBD and THC working together to improve the overall benefits of CBD.

CBD for Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is associated with a damaged nervous system. A person can feel pain from any part of the nervous system from peripheral nerves, spinal cord, and brain. Peripheral nerves are spread in a person's organs like arms, legs, fingers, and toes, whereas the spinal cord and brain are known as the central nervous system. If the nerve is damaged, it can send the wrong signal to the pain centers. Neuropathic pain can also be caused by diseases such as diabetes, complex nervous system disorders, facial nerve problems, and central nervous system disorders. It manifests as tingling, muscle weakness, and sharp, shooting, burning pain. This disease can be treated with a media dose of eight daily spays the patient. Serpell et al. (2014) explained that these sprays provide about 20 mg of CBD and 21.6 mg of THC, but the dose may vary depending on the patient's needs. CBD can also be used topically by patients with peripheral neuropathy. This nerve is responsible for transmitting information from the central nervous system through the body. Learn more about which cbd oil is best for tinnitus?

CBD for Arthritis and Joint Pain

Arthritis is a disease commonly affecting the joints. This disease is associated with pain and inflammation, making it difficult for the patients to stay active or move. Different types of arthritis have different symptoms and require different treatments. Arthritis is commonly found in older people and those who are overweight. Several factors cause arthritis, such as the family history of arthritis, repeated joint stress, poor dieting, overweight, certain autoimmune disease, and lack of exercise. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties which bond well with arthritis treatment. CBD for treating arthritis can be done orally or topically. Using both methods of administration altogether can improve the expected results.

Beginners Guide on CBD Oil for Pain Treatment

There are two most common ways to take CBD oil to relieve pain. They include:

Orally

Ingesting CBD orally is very simple, and beginners of CBD can use it. CBD products administered orally are capsules, soft gels, and edibles.   Pills and edibles come with a fixed amount of CBD, making it easier for beginners to monitor their doses. This CBD administration may take some time to react because it undergoes the digestive system fast before getting absorbed into the bloodstream.

Topical Application

CBD oil for back pain can be administered topically by rubbing deeply on the affected area with the required amount of CBD. If you are dealing with muscle pain, you can use CBD oil topically, which will get absorbed in the skin. Athletes commonly use this method of CBD administration because it works quickly and targets one area.

Conclusion

CBD is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It is known for its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system resulting in the desired effects. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it perfect for dealing with pain. CBD can be administered in different ways, such as orally and topically.

References

Britch, S. C., Wiley, J. L., Yu, Z., Clowers, B. H., & Craft, R. M. (2017). Cannabidiol-Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol interactions on acute pain and locomotor activity. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 175, 187–197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.01.046

Johnson, J. R., Burnell-Nugent, M., Lossignol, D., Ganae-Motan, E. D., Potts, R., & Fallon, M. T. (2010). Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study of the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of THC: CBD Extract and THC Extract in Patients with Intractable Cancer-Related Pain. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 39(2), 167–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2009.06.008

Serpell, M., Ratcliffe, S., Hovorka, J., Schofield, M., Taylor, L., Lauder, H., & Ehler, E. (2014). A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of THC/CBD spray in peripheral neuropathic pain treatment. European Journal of Pain (London, England), 18(7), 999–1012. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1532-2149.2013.00445.x

Xu, D. H., Cullen, B. D., Tang, M., & Fang, Y. (2020). The Effectiveness of Topical Cannabidiol Oil in Symptomatic Relief of Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 21(5), 390–402. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201020666191202111534