Millions worldwide are dealing with chronic pain and popping prescription painkillers that come with harmful side effects. Because of this, many people are turning to a natural or herbal alternative to address their pain concerns. One such natural approach to pain relief that is steadily gaining popularity is cannabidiol (CBD).
CBD is an active compound found in the cannabis. Nowadays, it is being pressed into oil and increasingly utilized to prevent and treat a wide array of health issues. There are numerous high-quality CBD oils available in the market, e.g., Lazarus Naturals. The top condition CBD can treat happens to be chronic pain. CBD is known to be stronger and more natural than most non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
If you’ve been wondering how CBD helps relieve pain, read on to find out everything you need to know about its benefits and its use.
CBD and Pain Management
Research has shown that CBD is an effective product that provides an option for treating and managing different chronic pains. It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of our body. The ECS is a specialized system that aids in regulating pain response, immune system, appetite, and sleep.
The ECS naturally produces neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids that bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the body’s nervous system to create a balance within all the body systems. CBD interacts with these neurotransmitters and impacts the receptor activity, thus regulating the pain response. This, in turn, reduces inflammation and chronic pain.
Considering its effective activity on the receptors, it also can help with chronic illnesses that are difficult to treat. Here are some of the pain types that showcase the benefits of CBD in treating them.
1. Chronic Pain
One of the major concerns across the world, chronic pain is very debilitating and can hamper anyone’s quality of life. The condition affects the central nervous system, in turn, affecting different body parts of the sufferer. Since chronic pain can last a lifetime, the need for its management becomes the topmost priority.
One cannot keep popping medicines for a lifetime. A natural approach may benefit the patient tremendously and improve the quality of life. CBD is one such natural product you can rely on when suffering from chronic pain. It interacts with C2 receptors in the brain that help manage the inflammation.
2. Arthritis Pain
Arthritis pain can affect your mobility and stop you from getting your daily activities done. Several people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are now using CBD as a treatment for joint pain.
CBD interacts with CB2 receptors in the brain, responsible for managing inflammation and chronic pain reduction. One of the best ways to use CBD for arthritis pain is by applying topical CBD oil on the affected joint to relieve pain.
3. Cancer Pains
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have to deal with significant pain and discomfort. Fortunately, CBD may help manage the burden of cancer-related symptoms and its treatment-related side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and pain. The analgesic properties of CBD are useful in providing relief from cancer-related pain. CBD interacts with α3 glycine receptors found in the brain and spinal cord. It targets these receptors to produce an analgesic effect that suppresses persistent neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Besides, CBD may also provide relief from nausea and vomiting by reducing the stimulation frequency of vomiting.
4. Multiple Sclerosis
One of the most promising benefits of CBD is to treat neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis. CBD has antioxidant and neuroprotective properties that help manage multiple sclerosis symptoms such as pain, muscle soreness, mobility issues, spasticity, restlessness, and sleep disorders.
CBD has the potential to prevent the progression of multiple sclerosis. It helps to relieve pain by increasing the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines. It also prevents T-cell induction by manipulating myelin-derived suppressor cells and helps to manage chronic pain.
5. Migraines
The effects of migraines can be pervasiveness and debilitating effects. CBD is found to be effective in treating migraine headaches by minimizing the frequency of migraines and alleviating the pain. CBD oil has properties like analgesic (pain-relieving), antiemetic (preventing nausea and vomiting), and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help to provide relief from migraines.
Conclusion
CBD is available in many forms that can provide relief from pain. The current market is loaded with products infused with CBD oil. While some may work for you, some won’t. You will have to figure out how to use CBD for pain in your way. Make sure to use the best full-spectrum CBD oil. Besides, its availability in different forms makes it adaptable to the various needs and lifestyles of users. Like any other pain management option, it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider or doctor before using CBD for pain relief.
References:
- Peter Grinspoon, MD. Cannabidiol (CBD) — what we know and what we don’t, APRIL 15, 2020 (https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476)
- Ethan B Russo. Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain, 2008 Feb. doi: 10.2147/tcrm.s1928.
Disclaimer:
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily WeSay.
This article is a great read. No one can avoid pain; however, we can always lessen it or do something to relieve it. Every kind of pain is manageable differently, but most people manage it by taking pain killers, which can be harmful if taken excessively. You’re correct, Ross, when you said that many people turn to a natural or herbal alternative to address their pain concerns because of the harmful effects of pain killers. And some people already found CBD to help them with their pain. Many forms of CBD are indeed available in the market, and you can… Read more »