What if CBD were the answer to your chronic pain? Did you know that more and more people are turning to this compound to manage their pain? Chronic pain is often difficult to treat, leaving patients to seek alternative solutions. Fortunately, CBD is increasingly recognized for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising option for relieving chronic pain.
In this article, we examine what current research suggests about the use of CBD for chronic pain and how it might help patients manage their pain.
Toward Natural Pain Management
You’ve probably tried many things to reduce your chronic pain: talking to your doctor, seeing a specialist, trying different medications, acupuncture, massages, cognitive-behavioral therapy, surgery, and more. But have you tried CBD? It might be worth a try. A recent Forbes Health survey found that 60% of adults who have used CBD products said they did so to manage pain.
In fact, when healthcare providers are asked which conditions are the most difficult to treat, chronic pain is often mentioned. By its very nature, it is a complex and multifaceted experience. Our perception of pain is influenced by our unique biology, our emotions, our social environment, and our past experiences. If you live with chronic pain, you already know the burden it imposes.
With the legalization of CBD in France, interest in using this compound to treat a wide range of medical conditions—including pain—is on the rise. People are looking for new ways to relieve pain that aren’t addictive, and CBD is one such option. Unlike its cousin THC, it has no psychoactive effects.
What justifies the use of CBD for chronic pain?
CBD appears to be a highly promising alternative for treating pain, inflammation, spasms, and anxiety without the psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol. In fact, it is thought to exert its analgesic effects through various interactions with and modulations of the endocrine, inflammatory, and nociceptive (pain perception) systems.
It is worth noting that the endocrine system consists of cannabinoid receptors that interact with the body's natural cannabinoids. This system is involved in regulating many bodily functions, such as metabolism and appetite, mood and anxiety, and pain perception.
Furthermore, according to scientists, CBD’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects are based on another key factor: CBD’s ability to activate glycine receptors. Abbreviated as GlyR, these receptors play an important role in the sensory nervous system’s response to certain harmful or potentially harmful stimuli. When these receptors are activated, they trigger a sensation of pain. Studies have shown that CBD significantly reduces chronic pain by inhibiting GlyR receptors.
And what are the benefits of CBD for chronic pain?
In general, chronic pain comes in many forms and can affect the entire body. Whether you suffer from joint pain, back pain, nerve pain, or headaches, chronic pain can ruin your life. And you’re wondering how CBD might come to your rescue. To help you find your way and understand what this cannabinoid might do, here are a few studies that highlight the benefits of CBD:
Arthritis and Joint Pain
The Arthritis Foundation reports that some arthritis patients who have tried CBD have experienced significant pain relief, improved sleep, and/or reduced anxiety. In addition, an exploratory cross-sectional study has also shown that CBD may help alleviate joint pain and certain arthritis-related symptoms.
Migraine
Migraine is a neurological disorder that affects 15% of the adult population, primarily women. It is often associated with additional symptoms that can have a significant impact on daily life.
In fact, CBD has been proposed as a potential solution for relieving migraine symptoms, and two clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate its effectiveness. The first study, conducted in 2016 on 121 patients, found that 40% of the participants reported a decrease in the frequency of their migraine attacks, and that for 11% of them, the attacks disappeared completely.
The second study reported by Forbes, conducted in 2017 on 127 people suffering from chronic migraines, showed that cannabidiol was slightly more effective than conventional medications at reducing the frequency of attacks and the associated pain, with fewer side effects.
Note: The use of hemp to relieve migraines is not new, as evidence of its use can be found in documents dating from antiquity through to more recent medical publications from the 19th and 20th centuries. These results are promising and suggest that CBD could be an effective and safe option for relieving migraines in people with chronic migraines.
Multiple Sclerosis
Scientific studies have recently highlighted the potential beneficial effects of CBD on multiple sclerosis (MS). Indeed, the endocannabinoid system and CBD use may play an important role in regulating spasticity and muscle spasms thanks to their anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and neuroprotective properties. This could help reduce MS symptoms and slow the disease’s neurodegenerative progression. These findings are encouraging for people with MS, who can now consider using CBD to improve their quality of life.
Healthline also confirms this, suggesting that CBD could be beneficial for patients with multiple sclerosis, as it may help reduce fatigue, pain, and cramps and improve mobility.
Other Chronic Pains
There is anecdotal evidence and studies suggesting that CBD may help relieve a variety of chronic pain conditions, including dental pain, menstrual pain, and fibromyalgia. In fact, CBD’s analgesic effects may be due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to interact with endocannabinoid receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although research on CBD’s effects on pain is still ongoing, many CBD users report an improvement in their quality of life and a reduction in chronic pain thanks to this natural compound.
The Best CBD Products for Relieving Chronic Pain
Whether you suffer from chronic or acute pain, using CBD oil is highly recommended. It allows for precise, long-term administration and effective absorption through the mucous membranes. With that in mind, we’ve selected the three best CBD oils to help relieve your chronic pain:
5% CBG Oil
High Society has developedthe 5% CBG oil, which is our top choice for pain relief. This oil combines CBD and CBG in a single bottle, offering powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, with a CBD concentration of just 5%. It’s an ideal natural solution for those who have never used CBD before. You can adjust the dosage based on your tolerance and the level of pain you need to relieve.
20% CBD Oil
The 20% CBD oil is our second choice, thanks to its high CBD concentration and powerful effects. It is made from organic hemp and is full-spectrum, containing all of the plant's cannabinoids.
15% CBD Mint Oil
Our third choice is the 15% Mint CBD Oil, which strikes the perfect balance between the previous two options. With a CBD concentration of 15%, this oil is potent enough to quickly relieve persistent pain, yet mild enough to be taken daily without any dosage restrictions. It promotes a sense of overall well-being, with a refreshing hint of wild mint.
Conclusion
In short, CBD appears to be a valuable ally in relieving chronic pain. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and its calming effect on the nervous system, it may help improve the quality of life for people suffering from the conditions mentioned earlier. Although further research is needed to better understand CBD’s mechanisms of action and its effectiveness for chronic pain, the results of available studies are promising. As such, CBD may be a worthwhile option for those seeking a natural solution to relieve their chronic pain.
Please note that cannabidiol is not a medication. If you have any questions, consult a healthcare professional.
