CBD is known to help with relieving pain, and today I am going to talk through how this is done.
CBD and Chronic Pain Relief
Researchers have found CBD interacts with the receptors in your brain and immune system. Receptors are tiny proteins which are attached to your cells that receive chemical signals from different stimuli, helping your cells respond. This creates anti-inflammatory and pain killing effects which help with pain management, meaning that CBD oil may benefit people with chronic pain, such as chronic back pain.
A 2008 review looked into how good CBD works to relieve chronic pain. The review investigated studies conducted between the late 1980s and 2007, and concluded CBD was effective in overall pain management without adverse side effects. They also found CBD was beneficial in treating any insomnia relating to chronic pain, as well as helping people with multiple sclerosis.
CBD and Arthritis Pain Relief
A study from 2016 looked into the usage of CBD in rats with arthritis. Researchers applied the CBD gel to rats for four days in a row, applying 0.6, 3.1, 6.2, and 62.3 milligrams per day. The researchers found a reduction in inflammation and overall pain in the rats’ affected joints without side effects.
The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects of CBD could help people with arthritis. However, more human studies are needed.
CBD and Cancer Treatment Relief
Mentioned in another blog, CBD oil is also used to help with cancer. A few studies in mice have found a reduction in cancerous tumors, but most human studies have involved researching into the role of CBD oil in managing pain related to cancer and cancer treatment. The National Cancer Institute has said CBD is a possible option for relieving symptoms caused by chemotherapy.
One study tested CBD oil extracts sprayed into the mouth. The CBD oil was used with opioids. This study found CBD oil helps with better pain management, but more research is still needed.
Overall, researchers agree that while there isn’t enough data to conclude that CBD oil is the preferred method of pain management, these products have a lot of potential. CBD products may be able to offer relief for many people who have chronic pain without causing intoxication and dependence. Oil versions of CBD are possibly not as effective as other forms. At the moment, more human studies are needed.
