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CBD For Pain Management

Cannabis / CBD Oils / CBD Products / How to choose / October 8, 2020

When it comes to managing ongoing and chronic pain, many of those affected are wary of using prescription medications to manage their pain. A growing number of those who suffer from chronic pain are turning towards CBD for pain management as an alternative.

While alternative therapies are utilized throughout the world, their efficacy is a topic of fierce debate among doctors and scientists.

In this article, we’ll delve into the subject and identify the science behind CBD for pain management. Using that information, we encourage you to continue educating yourself on the alternative therapies available in a system dominated by prescription pain medications.

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How CBD Is Used Today

Hemp is the primary source of CBD used in the United States.

Until recently, hemp, and by association, had been outlawed in largescale processing and concentrating into oils tinctures, and other means for the purpose of ingestion.

While the explanation for this prohibition is long and convoluted, let it suffice to say that industry competition and the plant’s relation to THC-rich cannabis were the main contributors to that perception.

As regulations have loosened, CBD products have entered the market in a variety of ways. Positioned primarily as a pain management, anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory substance, CBD has quickly become a primary alternative to traditional pain management methods.

So many patients utilizing CBD do so because it lacks the psychoactive substances found in cannabis, such as THC.

With the ability to effectively manage pain with none of the impairing side effects found in both THC and opioids, it is likely that the number of patients using CBD for pain management will increase.

What Kinds Of Pain Can CBD Help Treat?

The research is ongoing for how CBD products can be applied to the relief of different kind of pain. However, individuals and organizations across the globe are fervently researching the applications for this useful substance.

The form CBD takes can give a good indication of how it is intended to be applied.

Inflammatory pain

For instance, in the case of inflammatory pain, the European Journal of Pain conducted one study using an animal model that showed the ability for CBD gel applied to the skin to be effective in dampening the inflammatory pain associated with arthritis.

In the case of the above example, the study applied CBD gel to rats with arthritis over the course of four days. The testing team observed diminished inflammation and indications of pain, with no noticeable side effects.

Human users of topical CBD products have reported many of the same results with no side effects. However, there have been very few lab studies conducted with human test subjects to officially substantiate those anecdotal accounts.

 

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease, affects the entire body and causes severe pain. In this case, the nerves and brain are the conduits the disease uses to cause pain in those afflicted.

Muscle spasms are also a commonly present symptom associated with MS. The spasms can manifest in severe cases that cause additional paint to those with MS

CBD has been seen to alleviate both the pain and the muscle spasms associated, though the results produced only moderate relief. As with the results of efficacy in human anti-inflammatory relief, so too do applications in the treatment of MS require further study.

Cancer And Chemotherapy

While not an outright treatment for the pain associated with cancer and chemotherapy, CBD has been observed as an effective option when used as a complementary treatment.

Preliminary research would suggest it is most effective in combatting the nausea and loss of appetite that results from chemotherapy and radiation therapies.

In the US, there is no FDA-approved option for those who wish to abate the symptoms of chemotherapy without relying on THC. Those who accept the presence of this psychoactive chemical in their treatment regimen will find two options, Marino lint he form of a capsule and Syndros in the form of a tincture.

Nabiximols is an oral spray containing both THC and CBD. It is available for use in Canada and Europe as a remedy to pain associated with cancers. Despite these findings, the product remains unavailable in the United States.

General Chronic Pain

Perhaps the application that has received the most focused study, CBD used to treat general chronic pain has shown promising results

Dozens of studies have been conducted and the results are conclusive that CBD for pain management is effective when applied to general chronic pain.

One such study, from the European Journal of Pain, outlines the efficacy of CBD for pain management. However, the exact mechanisms at work are not exactly clear.

Dosage Of CBD For Pain Management

Because CBD does not have the wealth of research and regulation behind it as other medications the FDA regulates, dosage levels by individual and use case can vary greatly.

As such, it is important to consult with a physician when administering CBD to treat an ailment.

This conversation will give a good indication of where to start in terms of dosage for your particular use case. From there, one can slowly increase or decrease dosage to achieve the desired level of relief.

Side Effects

Most people will tolerate CBD for pain management with no ill effects.

As with many chemical substances, CBD can produce unexpected side effects in users. However, these side effects are relatively benign.

According to the NIH on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol, the most common side effects produced in lab settings are:

  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Change in appetite
  • Weight gain or loss

These adverse effects can be compounded, or others may be arise, when CBD is used I tandem with other prescription medications. These interactions may amplify or diminish the effectiveness of CBD or the medication in question, as well.

Depending on how the CBD is utilized, users may also be putting themselves at risk for lung problems.

Whenever adding a new substance into your treatment regimen, it is important to consult with your doctor first. Your personal care physician will have the most information on your current health and how any additional medications will impact the effects of those you are already taking.

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