CBD has proven itself an effective pain reliever and anti-inflammatory remedy in multiple preclinical and clinical studies. CBD’s analgesic effect correlates with its activation of GlyRs and TRPV1 receptors, as well as with its ability to reduce hyperalgesia or mechanical/thermal allodynia symptoms.
Before taking CBD to treat arthritis, always consult with a healthcare provider about whether and how much CBD would be right for you. Be sure to keep a symptom and dose diary so you can assess its effectiveness as a treatment method.
How Does CBD Help Manage Aches and Pains?
CBD is a safe, well-tolerated natural compound known for exerting analgesic effects in preclinical and clinical studies. It binds to CB2 and Gi-coupled receptors and modulates several neurotransmitters involved in pain regulation, including blocking mechanical allodynia while blocking tolerance to morphine use. CBD also enhances low doses of D9-THC by increasing their efficacy while simultaneously decreasing side effects [68].
CBD proved effective against inflammation pain models by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and suppressing their activity – including TNF-a and COX-2 production – as well as increasing chondrocyte and synoviocyte viability while decreasing apoptosis rates.
CBD may not have FDA approval as a treatment option for any particular pain condition, but its risks and side effects are minimal compared to many conventional painkillers and it has proven helpful for many individuals with various ailments. Therefore it may be worthwhile trying CBD with approval from your physician, since unlike traditional pain medications it does not cause addiction or have other known adverse side effects.
Can CBD Help Manage Chronic Pain?
CBD interacts with numerous receptors in our bodies, modulating our endocannabinoid system (ECS) to ease pain, anxiety and insomnia symptoms. Furthermore, research is underway regarding its potential effectiveness for treating neuropathic pain resulting from nerve damage.
CBD can be consumed in many different forms, from pills and tinctures that can be swallowed directly, capsules that can be mixed into food or beverage, oils, creams and patches that can be applied topically directly onto skin as well as vape pens that deliver doses directly into lungs.
No matter the form you opt for, starting off slowly with low dosage is best to monitor for side effects and adjust up accordingly. Furthermore, speaking to healthcare providers can offer guidance regarding CBD dosage and interaction with other medications.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of CBD?
CBD is an all-natural compound without apparent adverse side effects, though some medications such as blood thinners or antiepileptics could interact with it and should only be taken under medical advice.
Researchers conducted a 2022 study and discovered that CBD can effectively reduce seizures for those living with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome who also take other antiepileptic drugs. For 14 weeks, 86 people received either 10 or 20 mg/kg oral CBD daily; most experienced mild side effects like somnolence. One patient eventually withdrew due to experiencing serious sedation due to CBD use.
CBD may lead to digestive issues, including dry mouth and diarrhea. It may also decrease appetite and make you queasy, while long-term use may alter liver enzyme levels and lower the amount of medicines such as Tylenol in your system due to competition for its metabolic processes by CBD.
Do I Need a Prescription to Take CBD?
CBD comes in various forms, from pills and tinctures to creams and oils for topical application or sublingual placement under the tongue. Vape pens also exist for those who would rather inhale rather than swallow their medicine.
Scientists conducted an animal model-based 2016 European Journal of Pain study which concluded that when CBD was applied topically it significantly reduced arthritis pain and inflammation. Studies and clinical trials are currently being conducted to see if CBD can also help with other chronic conditions, including fibromyalgia nerve pain or even chronic backache.
CBD has not yet been approved for use in the US to treat any illness or condition, though an extract derived from cannabis, called Sativex, has been approved to help manage muscle spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis. CBD also serves as the key component in Epidiolex which has been FDA-approved to treat rare childhood epilepsy syndromes like Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. Before beginning taking CBD supplements it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider first as this molecule interacts with medications like corticosteroids and antidepressants which make understanding how CBD could impact existing treatments crucially.
