Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a derivative of the cannabis plant. Over the years, generations have used CBD for various health conditions such as treating insomnia, managing cancer and its treatment-related symptoms, relieving pain, managing depression, stress, and anxiety, among other conditions. Recently, research has shown that CBD has the potential to help in dealing with arthritis as well as relieving other chronic pains and inflammation.
Understanding CBD
Unlike another main derivative from the marijuana plant, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not alter the mental state of its users or make them high. It comes in many products that have varying CBD levels. Due to the recreational use of cannabis-based products, controversy is inevitable when it comes to the medicinal use of products with ingredients extracted from the plant. People classify the cannabis plant as either hemp or marijuana going by the plant’s level of THC. The hemp plant is the one that was approved by lawmakers for medicinal purposes and must contain no more than 0.3% THC.
Arthritis explained
Arthritis is one of the topmost causes of disability in the US and afflicts at least 50 million Americans. It manifests itself in two common types:
- Osteoarthritis (OA): This is a degenerative illness that harms joints, cartilage, and bones, resulting in pain and stiffness. It primarily affects the knees and hip joints.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): This is an illness characterized by the immune system attacking bones and joint cartilage, resulting in inflammation. The hands and feet are its most common targets and it causes swollen, painful, and stiff joints.
How CBD relieve arthritis pain
It is not entirely clear how CBD works to produce a positive impact on the body. However, researchers are of the view that the chemical binds to the body’s CB1 and CBD cannabinoid receptors. The effect is that the body produces more of its natural cannabinoids, bringing about a positive impact on the responses to pain and inflammation.
Besides other functions, CB2 receptors are involved in the immune system. This could assist in explaining how CBD helps with the autoimmune forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, that cause inflammation. According to a pain management specialist, people with arthritis have gotten relief after using CBD. The specialist clarifies that CBD is meant to be used alongside medications but not as a first-line treatment.
Those afflicted by arthritis or who want to use CBD for other purposes should be careful to buy from reputable sellers like Cannaflower to get quality and uncontaminated products.
Studies on CBD treating arthritis
There are several studies involving animals that show promises of CBD assisting in treating arthritis and alleviating the related inflammatory pain. A study done in 2011 led to the observations that CBD was of help in minimizing inflammatory pain in rats by impacting the manner of body receptors’ response to pain. Furthermore, a 2014 review of the collection of research done on animals led to the conclusion that CBD could be effective in treating osteoarthritis (OA).
According to a study in 2016, the topical application of CBD showed promises of relieving arthritis-related pain and inflammation. More recently in 2017, one study observed that CBD could be safe and effective for joint pains linked with OA. There was also a study in 2006 that showed that a cannabis-based mouth spray played a role in relieving arthritis pain. But it is noteworthy that the spray was made from cannabis extracts made of both THC and CBD.
Despite the above studies that CBD can help to treat arthritis, there is a need for more research to give conclusive scientific evidence on the efficacy of CBD for treating arthritis in humans.
Forms of CBD for arthritis pain
To help in dealing with arthritis pain, the patients can take CBD in the following forms:
- Liquid
- Tincture
- Topical applicants and cream
- Capsules
Negative effects of using CBD
Since CBD is a natural compound, it has very few severe side effects besides some mild ones including sleep problems and nausea. It has also been observed that the topical CBD arthritis cream can at times bring about allergic reactions. It is therefore advisable to try it first on a small skin area before applying it on a larger area.
Conclusion
CBD cream, as well as other forms of CBD, can help to treat arthritis. However, with the majority of the products being unregulated, users should buy from trusted sellers to be sure that they are getting quality products. It is also advisable to start with small doses of the product and increase the amount if the body tolerates it, and for the cream, test it on a small area before applying on a larger area.
