CBD has shown great promise as an alternative treatment option for treating pain-related diseases, reducing both inflammation and pain sensitivity, while potentially serving as an effective replacement to opioid medications.
NaBrCl inhibits sodium channels present in nociceptors’ membranes to block pain-detecting neurons’ sending of electrical signals, thus decreasing pain signaling and preventing tolerance from developing in the body.
Pain relief
CBD works by manipulating brain receptors, but its anti-inflammatory properties also relieve pain at its source – this explains why many who suffer from chronic conditions like arthritis find relief through CBD use.
Studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of CBD oil to alleviate pain associated with fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis and neuropathies like peripheral neuropathy in legs and arms. According to one 2020 study on applying CBD topically can significantly lessen such discomfort.
Consumers should only utilize FDA-approved CBD products such as Epidiolex (which is prescribed for seizures) from reputable brands that employ good manufacturing practices similar to pharmaceuticals or dietary supplements. Other nonprescription CBD products have no regulatory oversight and vary greatly in purity and dosage; thus leading to potentially ineffective or harmful results.
Arthritis
Arthritis refers to more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that cause joint pain, stiffness, ache, burning or sharpness – sometimes lasting several months, sometimes lasting only days or even hours at a time. Symptoms may range from dull, burning or sharp sensations – sometimes lasting hours on end – often returning after time passes.
As there is no cure for arthritis, treatment aims to manage pain, reduce joint damage and enhance quality of life and function. Medication options available may include analgesics which only reduce pain without impacting inflammation (e.g. Tylenol); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB and Aleve); disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs like Methotrexate (Trexall) and Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil); disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs like Methotrexate (Trexall); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen; nonsteroidal antirheumatic drugs like Motrin IB); nonsteroidal antirheumatic drugs like Aleve; and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs like Methotrexall and Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil); disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs like methotrexall; disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs like methotrexate Trexall) and Hydrochloroquine Plaquenil).
If you have arthritis, regular physical activity will help strengthen and stretch your muscles while increasing flexibility. Working with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist to create safe exercises tailored specifically to you may also prove useful.
High blood pressure
CBD has been found to relax blood vessels and lower heart rates, thus helping lower blood pressure. This is especially useful for people living with chronically high blood pressure who could otherwise incur organ damage without treatment.
Studies on CBD are ongoing, but one report indicates it may provide relief from nerve-damage-induced pain. When purchasing products that contain CBD oil or extracts for therapeutic use, make sure they have been third-party tested using methods approved by either American Herbal Pharmacopoeia/US Pharmacopeia or Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC).
A 2018 report concluded that CBD was well-tolerated and did not make people feel sedated or high. Furthermore, CBD appears not to interact with most medications like opioids and antidepressants.
Muscle spasms
Muscle spasms are painful contractions or tightening of muscles that last from seconds to minutes and may radiate pain throughout the body. Muscle spasms may occur in any muscle group and often manifest themselves as symptoms of medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries.
These conditions and injuries may cause neuropathic pain, which manifests itself through tingling, numbness and sharp, burning or stabbing sensations. A 2019 study revealed that CBD when used together with THC via Sativex delivery system proved effective at relieving this form of discomfort.
A 2018 study revealed that participants with osteoarthritis saw their weekly worst knee pain levels decrease after using topical CBD gel containing 250 milligrams per day.
Migraines
Migraines affect 6 million people in the UK and can have devastating repercussions, from nausea, vomiting and blindness to temple and front head pain that progresses with triggers like food, stress or light and sound sensitivity. Most sufferers find relief within hours.
CBD oil and cream contain an extract derived from hemp, a species belonging to the cannabis family, that contains low amounts of THC – the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. They’re safe to use without interfering with any medications prescribed for opioid therapy, including prescription opioids.
CBD may help reduce migraine frequency by alleviating its symptoms such as pain and nausea. Furthermore, CBD helps prevent premonitory symptoms that signal impending migraine attacks like flashing lights, colors or patterns of lines appearing before they even hit you.
