The past few years have seen a symbolic explosion of CBD products in the market. The increasing popularity and acceptance of CBD have led to an increase in their demand. From gummies to oils and ointments to capsules, you will find several options in CBD products to choose from.
More than 60 percent of people take it for relief from their medical condition. The top three conditions for which people take CBD are pain, anxiety, and depression.
Many studies suggest that CBD has health benefits. It’s effective for treating and managing chronic pain conditions. Here are some findings that support these claims and also learn how beneficial CBD is in managing pain.
CBD And Pain Management
According to the National Centers for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) report, there is some evidence that CBD can help in chronic pain conditions. CBD is a promising option in chronic pain relief. In fact, several studies have revealed that treatment with CBD improved the quality of life and sleep for people struggling with Parkinson’s disease.
A 2020 report suggests that CBD could be beneficial in improving sleep, relieving chronic pain, and reducing inflammation; however, its results are condition-specific. More research is being performed in this area to support the effectiveness of CBD. Some of the conditions where CBD products have proved to be beneficial are:
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain refers to burning or shooting pain that is caused by damage or injury to the nerves. In a few cases, it can go away on its own, but in most cases, it is chronic. It can be constant or come intermittently. Usually, it arises from complications and can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis, multiple myeloma, herniated discs, shingles, and other types of cancers.
A 2020 study reveals that CBD helps in relieving chronic pain. Even in the past, there have been reviews that support the findings. A 2017 review based on eleven randomized controlled trials with 1,219 patients also found that CBD effectively relieved chronic neuropathy pain in humans.
Arthritis pain
Arthritis is a condition that involves pain and inflammation in the knee and joints. There are two categories in this: osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A study conducted in 2016 reveals that CBD reduces pain and inflammation without any side effects.
The experiment was conducted on rats, and it was found that after applying a topical gel for four consecutive days, the signs of pain and inflammation were significantly reduced.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the entire nervous system. It is a chronic condition and can lead to disability too. There is no treatment for multiple sclerosis, and when the condition worsens, it can cause constant pain in some people.
A 2018 report found that a greater CBD:THC ratio reduces muscle spasticity and pain caused by multiple sclerosis. Another report suggested that short-term use of CBD oil can reduce the levels of muscle spasms.
Local Inflammation And Inflammatory Pain
Inflammation can cause acute or chronic pain. Acute and short-term inflammation usually results from an injury. On the other hand, Chronic pain is more severe and occurs when a person has sensitivity, autoimmune disorder, autoinflammatory disease, or persistent acute inflammation.
In an animal study conducted in 2007, it was found that oral CBD can be an effective treatment for inflammatory pain in rats. CBD reduces local levels of inflammatory messengers and enzymes and inhibits oxidative stress. This further helps prevent free radical damage to the tissues.
Migraines And Headache
Migraines can cause throbbing and pulsating pain on one side of the head. It can result in vomiting, nausea, and extreme sensitivity to sound and light in severe cases.
In a study in 2016, revealed that medical marijuana had a positive effect on the migraine. Out of 48 people surveyed, 39.7 percent reported fewer migraine attacks.
Even though the study and reports on CBD are limited, the evidence collected from the limited resources hints at the possibility of CBD as a great alternative to provide relief from chronic pain conditions.
The studies have been encouraging, and with more research in the field, it may gain worldwide acceptance as a pain-alleviating drug. CBD oil has also shown positive results in treating pain. CBD is popular because it has no intoxicating effect, which lowers the possibility of any side effects.
There are numerous ways you can consume CBD. But if you wish to add CBD to your diet, it is suggested to consult your doctor. CBD may interact with your prescription or over-the-counter drugs and other dietary supplements and alter the way they react. So, talking to your doctor is necessary before you start taking any of the CBD products.
This article appears in Apr 1 – Dec 31, 2019.
