Without the intoxicating properties of its cousin delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) can provide the human body with a handful of health benefits. Cannabinoids such as CBD work with receptors in the endocannabinoid system. It helps regulate body functions, from emotional reactions to motor control to energy balance.
In the past two decades, researchers have examined CBD's potential as an analgesic or painkiller specifically and have had promising results. The research is still in progress, but here's what we know thus far: how to utilize CBD oil to ease the Pain.
CBD for Pain Relief
At present the moment, CBD-based drugs are not accepted as painkillers in the U.S. Epidiolex, which is used to treat rare forms of epilepsy, is the only CBD treatment that FDA has approved-food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In addition, many countries have approved CBD for treating specific ailments. For instance, the U.K. approved it for multiple sclerosis, and Canada approved it to treat cancer pain. Research suggests that CBD oil can assist with medical conditions like fibromyalgia-related arthritis in different dosages. Specific pains may not be treated with CBD by itself. However, CBD oil can be helpful when combined with THC or Western medications.
It is interesting to note that 60 percent of U.S. adults who use CBD products do so due to its potential effects on pain relief in an earlier Forbes Health survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by OnePoll.
In addition, 60 percent of U.S. adults have tried CBD and believe it offers therapeutic benefits.
CBD as a treatment for chronic Pain
Chronic Pain refers to any pain that lasts longer than several months. Research has found CBD and, in many cases, THC is an effective pain reliever for many chronic ailments.
In clinical studies, Sativex, a spray that contains equal amounts of CBD and THC, has been proven to be highly effective as an analgesic treatment for cancer-related Pain . The spray, also utilized to treat MS-related Pain, is licensed in Canada to treat Pain from cancer and is currently under trial for approval and usage within the U.S.
A study from 2019 found Sativex is one of the "effective and well-tolerated addition-on treatments" for those suffering from chronic Pain that is severe and resulting from a variety of ailments. The study found three kinds of Pain: nociceptive (affecting body tissues), neuropathy (affecting nerves), and mixed Pain. Sativex aids in treating all three types of Pain but is particularly effective in treating neuropathic Pain.
A previous study also showed CBD effective in relieving chronic pain in conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal injury, though in fewer participants.
CBD to treat Arthritis and Joint Pain
Arthritis is a broad term that encompasses numerous joint-related issues and symptoms. The most common symptoms are stiffness, swelling, and Pain in joints. It can develop over time.
A well-established analgesic proven to treat various conditions, CBD shows promise as an anti-inflammatory drug in preclinical and animal trials, which is a positive sign as a treatment for arthritis. However, research on CBD administration to treat arthritis is less robust and continues.
The initial controlled trial that was conducted in 2006 was focused on people who have rheumatoid arthritis. An autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the joints and other areas affected. Researchers discovered that compared to the control group, Sativex significantly improved participants in terms of Pain when moving and at rest and the quality of sleep. The adverse reactions to the treatment were minor or moderate; however, there were no issues in withdrawal.
In 2018 researchers tested topical CBD gel's efficacy on osteoarthritis-related knee pain participants over 12 weeks. Participants took 250 or 500 milligrams divided into two doses each day. The participants' pain levels did not improve significantly with CBD compared to the placebo. However, when the researchers analyzed the weekly average of lowest pain scores as well as Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) physical functional scores, people who took 250 milligrams of CBD every day experienced significant improvement over those who took the placebo.
In addition, a small 2019 study suggests that a combination of CBD and THC could benefit those who have fibromyalgia, a form of arthritis that causes body-wide fatigue and Pain. The study showed that inhaling a single time, CBD-THC products did better than a placebo or any substance alone.
CBD as a treatment for neuropathic Pain
Injuries and conditions affecting neuronal or nervous systems could cause nerve pain. The Pain can manifest as numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and an intense burning, shooting, or sharp Pain.
Multiple MS (M.S.) can be a frequent reason for neuropathopathic Pain. The disease damages myelin, a combination of phospholipids and proteins that protect nerve cells. Sativex is currently accepted as a treatment for M.S. worldwide because of its efficacy in clinical tests. In the form of a spray, Sativex is absorbed in the mouth. Research suggests a median dosage of 8 sprays per day for people suffering from M.S. And provides around 20 milligrams of CBD and 21.6 milligrams (mg) of THC. But, the doses differ between patients, and every patient must determine their ideal dosage.
A study in 2023 also examined the topical application of CBD oil as a treatment option for those suffering from peripheral neuropathy or injuries to the peripheral nervous system, which transmits information throughout your body through the central nervous system. Compared with a placebo, the CBD applied to the skin significantly decreased the intensity of painfulness and intense Pain along with the sensations of itching and cold.
