Many people across the world deal with some kind of pain, whether it be short or long term chronic pain, no one should have to deal with it.
We are constantly presented with new products and medications that are supposed to make us feel better but most fall short whilst offering unwanted side effects and this is where CBD comes in. Inflammation is usually the root cause of a lot of pain related ailments and with CBD being known to treat inflammation - we could have a real natural solution on our hands.
In the last few years, it has been impossible to ignore the talk about the powers of CBD oil, or cannabidiol – a compound found in cannabis/hemp plants. Due to the potential health benefits of CBD, demand has rapidly increased over the years, so you can now buy CBD online or nearby in a number of shops.
Pain relief is one of the most common reason for taking CBD. Studies have shown that CBD can reduce discomfort related to a variety of health conditions. Unlike its’ cousin THC, CBD does not produce the euphoric effects, so don’t worry you won’t get ‘high’
Chronic pain represents an emerging public health issue of massive proportions, particularly in view of aging populations in industrialized nations. Associated facts and figures are daunting: In Europe, chronic pain of a disabling nature affects over one in four elderly people.
What happens when you take CBD?
When you take CBD oil regularly, it takes 30-60 minutes to work and the effects last somewhere between four and six hours. But the effect also builds up over a number of days, and crucially from what we know, unlike with opioids, there is no withdrawal effect when stopping CBD intake.
'Applied topically, CBD binds to a special set of receptors in the skin known as TRPV-1 receptors, where CBD can reduce feelings of pain, heat, and itch.' (1,2,3,4)From what we know so far, CBD works in three main ways:
• Reducing inflammation by decreasing the production of cytokines (an inflammatory chemical)
• By binding to and blocking receptors in the central nervous system that are associated with pain
• Reducing anxiety associated with pain by interacting with serotonin receptors and giving a natural anti-depressant effect.
CBD for chronic pain
A study carried out by researchers from Imperial College London using 140,000 adults found that around 43% of people in the UK experience chronic pain – and it’s about time we brought that figure down!
The cannabis plant has long been known to have pain-relieving effects and now we are seeing evidence for anti-inflammatory properties too. This 2015 review analysed research on cannabinoid usage for chronic pain. Seven of the 11 studies included in the review demonstrated that CBD relieved pain.
A 2017 study concluded that CBD might counteract the hypersensitivity of cells surrounding nerves in people with chronic pain, including those with fibromyalgia. However, it also points to the need for more research.
can cbd oil help with fibromyalgia?
Researchers cannot decisively say why cannabis/CBD appears to reduce some fibromyalgia symptoms, but there are some strong theories that are still being tested in research. Such as, the anti-inflammatory action of CBD reducing heat and swelling around the ailment. This, in turn, reduces pain.
This 2016 study suggested that a lack of endocannabinoids, may be at the root of chronic pain syndromes, including migraines and fibromyalgia. Taking CBD may correct this deficiency, explaining the compound’s success in alleviating chronic pain.
A review from 2013 states that cannabidiol (CBD) can help to relieve pain caused by fibromyalgia and other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness, and CBD will not cure it. Symptoms may vary with time, whether or not a person is treated. However, anecdotal data suggests that taking CBD may alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia in some people. It may change the way that they process pain, with beneficial effects. Please comment below about your experience if you use CBD for Fibromyalgia.
Does CBD work for arthritis?
'CBD is thought to work on pain in two parts of the body: the site of soreness (such as your joints) and the central nervous system, which sends pain signals to the brain when it detects certain stimulation or damage to nerves and cells.' (5)
The ability of CBD to calm that response is one reason the compound might be a viable pain remedy for people with arthritis. Another is CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s important to note that while early research on animals has shown promise for CBD, more research is needed before we can draw anything conclusive for humans. Anecdotally, some people with arthritis who have tried CBD, but not all, report noticeable pain relief.
What CBD we recommend
We aren't medical professionals, so we can't advise, but for most of our customers, the most effective form of CBD for pain is our 1000mg Full Spectrum CBD Oil. For more severe pain, you can go for our 2000mg Full Spectrum CBD Oil. If you want flavour, opt for our mixed berry or mint flavoured cbd oil.
It is important to be patient when starting your CBD journey. A lot of people give up way too soon or do not experiment enough to find what works for them. Start low and gradually increase drops over time as CBD needs to build up in your system. A good starting point is taking 20mg a day and increasing by 5mg every 5-7days.
It is important to be patient when starting your CBD journey. A lot of people give up way too soon or do not experiment enough to find what works for them. Start low and gradually increase drops over time as CBD needs to build up in your system. A good starting point is taking 20mg a day and increasing by 5mg every 5-7days.
Check out this in depth CBD dosing guide.
We recommend taking CBD drops as a base routine for severe pain, with a balm or vape used as a top-up.
If you’re interested in trying CBD to alleviate pain, you have lots of options, consider the following ways to take CBD:
- CBD Oil Drops (Sublingual): The most popular method. Put a few drops under the tongue for a possible full body relief. This is the sublingual method which is effective but takes longer to act, as it needs to move through your body.
- CBD Balm/Cream (Topical): To tackle the area of pain, simply rub in the balm or cream to start benefiting from CBD's anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits. As CBD is applied directly to the area of pain, the effects are usually felt faster.
- CBD Vape E-Liquid: This is the quickest way of potentially benefiting from CBD. You can not vape normal CBD oil, so please don't try to, it must be mixed with the correct ingredients (PG/VG).
Takeaway
While there isn’t conclusive data to support CBD or CBD oil as the preferred method of pain management, researchers agree that CBD and medical cannabis have a lot of potential.
CBD has been found to effectively reduce pain, improve sleep, and diminish refractory pain in patients with fibromyalgia, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, and similar conditions involving chronic pain. Although it is important to remember that CBD isn't a quick fix or a magic cure and it may not work for you.
If you decide to try and buy CBD, talk with your doctor — if for no other reason than to make sure it won’t affect other medications you are taking.
