You’ve probably seen these initials everywhere: CBD. CBD products can be bought in specialty shops, alternative medicine facilities, and even pharmacies in states where medical marijuana is considered legal. However, to the average person, CBD may still be a foreign type of pain treatment. In this post, we will seek to understand what CBD is and if it is really effective for pain management.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for Cannabidiol, a derivative from the cannabis plant. CBD can be derived from the plant in the form of an oil. It is known for its properties that can make the body feel calm and relaxed.
Dr. Nikesh Seth, a well-known pain management physician and Anesthesiologist, recommends the use of CBD as a natural alternative for his patients suffering from lower back pain. Although this alternative treatment is relatively new in the medical community, it has presented numerous promising results from evidence-based studies and first-hand patient experiences.
Most patients who experience chronic pain are skeptical about CBD and its effectiveness. Below are some things you might want to know about CBD and pain management before replacing your traditional medications.
Is CBD Really Effective for Pain Management? Things You Should Know
Effectiveness of CBD oil for pain management is backed up by research.
This is good news for chronic pain sufferers because CBD is a natural alternative with minimal to no side effects. According to an article in Medical News Today, researchers have found that CBD produces positive results in managing pain by absorbing a compound named anandamide.
Anandamide is a substance which is known for enabling the regulation of pain. As CBD enters the bloodstream, it produces a calming effect by bonding with anandamide and numbing the pain sensations produced by the body.
CBD oil does not make you “high”.
Another important thing to clarify when using a derivative from the cannabis plant is the side effects of CBD. There are many compounds found within the cannabis plant and the two main types are CBD and THC. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive and will not produce the “high” sensations that are often associated with marijuana use.
Furthermore, CBD relaxes the body by reducing the activity in the pain receptors, allowing for effective pain management of various illnesses. This should reassure chronic pain sufferers that they are not taking illegal substances, but rather utilizing another derivative that produces a different effect.
CBD can be used for various painful medical conditions.
Chronic pain can be debilitating and can reduce a person’s overall quality of life. Throughout the career of Dr. Nikesh Seth, he has witnessed how patients have gone from uncomfortable to being almost disabled due to the effects of chronic pain.
Thus, CBD can be a possible answer to help these patients resume their daily activities. Some of the most common medical conditions where CBD can help are:
Osteoarthritis
When joints are no longer elastic or are thinning out, pain often radiates in parts of the body where two major bones meet. CBD is known to reduce the painful sensations as well as inflammation caused by osteoarthritis.
Lower back pain
Lower back pain is sometimes caused by aging or poor posture habits. It can be chronic when the condition lasts for more than 6 months. CBD oil is known to numb the pain that radiates from the lower back for many patients.
Anxiety
Aside from physical ailments, CBD is also effective for treating mental health conditions such as anxiety. Since it has calming properties, CBD can be effective in treating anxiety symptoms such as rumination, irregular bowel movements, or insomnia.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is described as a musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue and mood problems. Sometimes, the cause of this condition is unknown. CBD is known to produce positive effects on mood and pain intensity for fibromyalgia sufferers.
There are many ways to take CBD.
Unlike most medications for chronic pain, there are several ways to take CBD. Some take it orally through oil tinctures which are placed under the tongue. Another oral way of administration is through CBD edibles in meals, smoothies, juices, or baked goods. As for edibles, CBD must be consumed within 2 hours of preparation in order to take effect.
There are also external ways to use CBD such as creams, lotions, or skin patches. They can be applied directly to the affected area to reduce pain. Another external method is through vaporization. A vape is used to heat up a form of CBD. Inhalation of the substance makes it easier to pass through the bloodstream for immediate effects.
As you consider CBD for pain management, the information listed above may hopefully provide you with a basic understanding of its mechanism and effectiveness. Whether you decide to use CBD or not, these facts can help you make an informed choice for pain management.