Overview
Some people use Cannabidiol (CBD) oil for chronic pain. CBD oil may reduce pain, inflammation, and overall discomfort related to a variety of health conditions. CBD oil is a product made from cannabis. It’s a type of cannabinoid, a chemical found naturally in marijuana and hemp plants. It doesn’t cause the “high” feeling often associated with cannabis, which is caused by a different type of cannabinoid called THC.
Studies on CBD oil and pain management have shown a great deal of promise. CBD can offer an alternative for people who have chronic pain and rely on more dangerous, habit-forming medications like opioids. But their needs to be more research in order to verify the pain relieving benefits of CBD oil.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t approve CBD products for any medical condition. They aren’t regulated for purity and dosage like other medications.
Keep reading to learn more about the potential benefits of CBD oil for pain. You can also talk with your doctor to see if it is an option for your condition.
CBD for Chronic Pain Relief
Researchers think that CBD interacts with receptors in your brain and immune system. Receptors are tiny proteins attached to your cells that receive chemical signals from different stimuli and help your cells respond. This creates anti-inflammatory and painkilling effects that help with pain management. This means that CBD oil may benefit people with chronic pain, such as chronic back pain.
One 2008 review, assessed how good CBD works to relieve chronic pain. The review looked at studies conducted between the late 1980s and 2007. Based on these reviews, researchers concluded CBD was effective in overall pain management without adverse side effects. They also noted that CBD was beneficial in treating insomnia related to chronic pain.
The authors of the study also noted that CBD was most helpful in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
CBD for Arthritis Pain Relief
A 2016 study looked at the use of CBD in rats with arthritis. Researchers applied CBD gel to rats for four days in a row. They applied 0.6, 3.1, 6.2, and 62.3 milligrams per day. The researchers noted reduced inflammation and overall pain in the rats’ affected joints without side effects.
The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects of the CBD gel could hold promise for people with arthritis. However, more human studies are needed.
CBD Oil Side Effects
CBD oil doesn’t pose significant risks for users. However, side effects are possible. These include:
- Nausea
- Sleeping issues
- Irritability
Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation has two convenient locations in the Richmond Hill – Queens and New Hyde Park – Long Island. Call the Richmond Hill office at (718) 215-1888, or (516) 419-4480 for Long Island office, to arrange an appointment with our Interventional Pain Management Specialist, Dr. Jeffrey Chacko.
