CBD for Pain

CBD for Pain

BENEFITS OF CBD FOR PAIN

CBD for Managing Arthritis and Inflammatory Chronic Pain 

In the last few years, cannabidiol (CBD) has generated a lot of excitement and interest as a possible treatment for pain relief. Recent scientific studies have examined the effectiveness of CBD for pain treatment, and a growing body of anecdotal accolades has brought CBD into the spotlight, stoking public interest and renewing calls for further research.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is quickly gaining popularity as a non-narcotic addition to many Arthritis sufferer’s symptom and pain management regimens. Managing arthritis pain through CBD use actually has quite a bit of legitimate scientific backing. 

How Does CBD Affect the Human Body?

The effect that CBD has on the human body is complex, but it is believed to involve the body’s own endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS was discovered in 1992, as a result of researchers discovering neurotransmitter receptors in the brain that responded to cannabis compounds.

The activation of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) found in the brain, central nervous system and elsewhere, was shown to relieve depression and to lower inflammation and anxiety, among other benefits. 
The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2), found primarily in immune cells as well as the spleen, thymus and tonsils, has been connected to many types of diseases and plays a role in sensations produced by pain-related conditions. 

Unlike THC, which binds directly to these receptors, CBD interacts in an indirect way, enabling the body to more effectively use its own endocannabinoids. For example, CBD can stop anandamide absorption in the body, which is a compound that helps to regulate pain. Increasing bloodstream levels of anandamide may reduce a person’s perception of pain.  

How CBD Relieves Pain

Arthritis sufferers are familiar with inflammation-related pain. The joint pain associated with arthritis is complicated and is attributable to several factors, many of which are related to inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, gout and psoriatic arthritis are all forms of inflammatory arthritis caused by problems with the immune system releasing inflammatory chemicals that then attack joints. 

The membrane surrounding joints, the synovitis, becomes inflamed and releases chemicals that irritate the nerves in joints, resulting in fluid buildup. That fluid buildup causes stiffness, pressure and pain. The inflammation can also damage the surrounding ligaments and reduce muscle strength, putting even more pressure on joints. 

CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects are largely believed to be attributable to CBD’s ability to help regulate the body’s immune system. CBD also binds to and desensitize TRPV1 receptors which are thought to regulate pain and sensory perceptions, inflammation and body temperature. 

In addition to blocking pain sensations and regulating inflammation, CBD also increases what’s known as oxidative stress. This stress occurs when there’s a discrepancy between the body’s free radicals and antioxidants, which are partially responsible for inflammation and tissue damage. CBD’s antioxidant properties provide balance, reducing the oxidative stress and inflammation commonly associated with aggressive chemotherapy. 

CBD for Pain Relief Research 

One randomized double-blind study compared Sativex (CBM) with placebo to measure each’s effect on rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers measured pain at rest and when moving, sleep quality and morning stiffness. There was a statistically significant improvement in pain, both at rest and moving, as well as sleep quality. They didn’t measure a statistically significant change in morning stiffness but noted that the baseline scores were already low for their study group. 

A research review published in the Journal of Pain Research is evidence for just how much research has already been done and how much more is currently in the pipeline. The researchers reviewed 18 different trials, 15 of which recorded significant analgesic (pain relief) benefits offered by cannabinoids compared with placebos. As with many cannabinoid studies, the primary side effects common among the studies’ participants were mild to moderate and included things like drowsiness and dry mouth. 

Their review concluded that cannabinoids are “safe and modestly effective in neuropathic pain” management. After analyzing all the studies’ results, the reviewers concluded the ideal dose for many chronic pain suffers would be 27 mg THC and 25 mg CBD. 

A rat study reinforced the already documented inflammation fighting effects of CBD. The researchers measured a significant drop in prostaglandin, a lipid relating to inflammation, when the rats were administered CBD. The researchers concluded that the results indicated a potential therapeutic use for CBD for chronic pain. 

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