Does CBD oil work for chronic pain management?
While many people use cannabidiol oil to relieve pain, more scientific research is needed to be certain it can be safely used. Understanding cannabidiol can help overcome the stigma associated with it.
Some people experience side effects when taking cannabidiol (CBD) oil and there are other things to consider before using CBD oil for pain.
In this article, we look at how CBD oil works and how it can be used to relieve chronic pain.
Effects
CBD oil is usually extracted from industrial hemp.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of over 60 compounds called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are found in many plants but are most commonly linked to cannabis.
Unlike other cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce a euphoric "high" or psychoactive effect. This is because CBD does not affect the same receptors as THC.
The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that receives and translates signals it receives from cannabinoids in the body. The body produces some cannabinoids on its own, which are called endocannabinoids. The ECS helps regulate functions such as sleep, immune-system responses, and pain.
THC produces a "high" feeling by affecting the brain's endocannabinoid receptors. This activates the brain's reward system, producing pleasure chemicals such as dopamine.
CBD is an entirely different compound, and its effects are very complex. It is not psychoactive, meaning it does not produce a "high" or change a person's state of mind. Instead, it influences the body to use its own endocannabinoids more effectively.
According to one study posted to Neurotherapeutics, this is because CBD itself does very little to the ECS. Instead, it activates or inhibits other compounds in the endocannabinoid system.
For instance, CBD stops the body from absorbing anandamide, one compound associated with regulating pain. Increased levels of anandamide in the bloodstream may reduce the amount of pain a person feels.
Cannabidiol may also limit inflammation in the brain and nervous system, which may help people experiencing pain, insomnia, and certain immune-system responses.
What is CBD oil?
There are different levels of compounds found in the natural hemp or cannabis plant. CBD levels vary depending on how the plant is bred. Most CBD oil comes from industrial hemp, which usually has a higher CBD content than marijuana.
Makers of CBD oil use different methods to extract the compound. The extract is then added to a carrier oil and called CBD oil. CBD oil comes in many different strengths and is used in various ways. It is best to discuss CBD oil with a qualified health care practitioner before using it.
Benefits
CBD oil has been traditionally used for thousands of years to treat various types of pain, but it has only recently begun to be studied again by the medical community. Here are some of the potential benefits of CBD oil:
Arthritis pain
CBD oil is popular for easing pain associated with arthritis.
A study in the European Journal of Pain used an animal model to see if CBD could help people with arthritis manage their pain. Researchers applied a topical gel containing CBD to rats with arthritis for 4 days.
Their research noted a significant drop in inflammation and signs of pain, without additional side effects.
People using CBD oil for arthritis may find relief from their pain, but more human studies need to be done to confirm these findings.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the entire body through the nerves and brain.
Muscle spasms are one of the most common symptoms of MS. These spasms can be so great they cause constant pain in some people.
One report found that short-term use of CBD oil could reduce the levels of spasticity a person feels. The results are modest, but many people reported a reduction in symptoms. More human studies are needed to verify these results.
Chronic pain
The same report studied CBD use for general chronic pain. Researchers compiled the results of multiple systematic reviews covering dozens of trials and studies. Their research concluded that there is substantial evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults.
A separate study in the Journal of Experimental Medicine supports these results. The research suggests pain and inflammation can be reduced through CBD use.
They also found that subjects were not likely to build up a tolerance to the effects of CBD, so they would not need to continually increase their dose. Researchers noted cannabinoids such as CBD could be a helpful new treatment for people with chronic pain.
Other uses
Despite its varying legality across different states and at a Federal level, CBD oil has a range of current uses and promising possibilities.
These include:
smoking cessation and drug withdrawal
treating seizures and epilepsy
anxiety treatment
reducing some of the effects of Alzheimer's, as shown by initial research
antipsychotic effects on people with schizophrenia
future applications in combating acne, type 1 diabetes, and cancer
Although more research is required to confirm some uses of CBD oil, it is shaping up as a promising and versatile treatment.
Dosage
As CBD is not regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dosages are currently open to interpretation and as such need to be approached with caution. Some companies advise dosages that are too high, and some recommend under-dosing.
However, a sensible dose to treat chronic pain is thought to be taking between 2.5 and 20 milligrams (mg) by mouth for no more than 25 days.
Due to the uncertain dosages, it is better to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it. If you begin to feel adverse effects, or you do not see any positive effects of this dosage after 25 days, speak to your doctor or practitioner.
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