By Tariq Gardezi
Did you know that over 54 million people in the United States have arthritis? This is a large number of people dealing with pain on a daily basis. If you want to learn more about CBD oil and arthritis relief, you are in the right place.
Keep reading to learn more about CBD oil for pain along with how it can help you live a more pain-free life.
How Does CBD Oil Work?
Our bodies’ endocannabinoid system has two receptors known as the CB1 and CB2. Most of our CB1 receptors are in the brain and are linked with cognitive actions that are related to appetite, thinking, memory, and mood. CB2 receptors are in the immune system and they are responsible for the body’s response to inflammation and pain.
CBD has shown to impact CB2 receptors by enticing the body to make more of its own cannabinoids. This increase in cannabinoids has a positive effect on the body’s pain and inflammation responses.
THC (which is what is found in marijuana) affects the CB1 receptors instead of the CB2 receptors. This is why users are affected on a cognitive level.
CBD Oil and Arthritis
CBD for pain relief is a popular reason for its use. One of the main benefits arthritis sufferers notice with using CBD oil is less pain.
There was a study done where researchers found that CBD could prevent joint neuropathy and osteoarthritis pain. This was concluded because CBD served as a protectant to the nerves and it decreased joint inflammation.
Studies Done
Throughout the last few years, there were other studies done on animals that also suggest that CBD can help treat arthritis and relieve the inflammatory pain that comes with it.
A study done in 2011 found that CBD affected the way that pain receptors responded to stimuli. This, in turn, helped reduce inflammatory pain. Another study done in 2014 concluded that CBD can be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis.
In 2017 another study found that CBD is a useful and safe treatment for osteoarthritis pain.
Scientists and researchers will continue doing studies because more are necessary before researchers can confirm that CBD oil is an effective arthritis pain treatment. As of right now you can try it and see if it helps you with your pain because it is known to reduce pain-causing inflammation.
Oil Options
You have a few options when it comes to consuming CBD. There are CBD oils, CBD oil tinctures, CBD topicals, and CBD dietary supplements.
CBD oil in its purest form is considered the most potent version of CBD. CBD oil topicals allow the CBD to be applied to a more targeted area. Users suffering from specific pain areas can apply lotions or creams that are infused with CBD and notice relief in those areas where the CBD topical is rubbed on.
CBD oil tinctures can be ingested orally by placing a few oil drops under the tongue and holding it there for around one minute before swallowing the CBD. This tends to be one of the most popular choices of CBD application because of its quick effect. The dietary supplements are CBD oil in a powdered form or capsules. The powder can be added to food or smoothies for easy consumption.
The option you choose depends on personal preference. If you are looking to target a specific area then topicals might be best, if you have pain everywhere then taking a tincture or dietary supplement might be the most helpful.
When you are first buying your CBD oil you want to look for the following three terms, CBD volume, hemp oil volume, and CBD concentration. The most important of the three are the hemp oil volume and the CBD concentration according to Consumer Health Digest (CHD). They are the most important because they indicate the oil’s potency.
Another tip when you are first starting out with CBD is to start with a lower dosage of 10 mg per day. This will help you gauge if you have any side effects and how your body reacts to it. Usually, the higher your pain levels are the more CBD you will want to take.
Is This a Legal Treatment?
If you are worried about breaking any laws, CBD that is derived from hemp is legal according to federal law. The CBD also has to contain less than .3% THC. If the CBD is derived from the marijuana plant then under federal law it is illegal.
There are certain states that have made CBD derived from hemp illegal. You want to make sure that you do not live in one of those states if you plan on using CBD oil.
Something else to keep in mind is that CBD products are not FDA approved and therefore can be inaccurately labeled.
Side Effects
There are not many known side effects and they have also shown to be rare. Some side effects you might experience include fatigue, diarrhea, weight changes, appetite changes, or drowsiness.
Also, if you are taking prescription medications, CBD might interact with those medicines. For this reason, you always want to consult with your doctor before adding CBD to your daily life.
Ready to Experience Some Relief?
Now that you know the ins and outs of CBD oil and arthritis, you can make an informed decision whether you want to try CBD yourself or not. Trying CBD for the first time might seem scary because of all the options you have. Make sure to look for a reputable brand that is transparent with its manufacturing practices and tests.
Did you learn something new and helpful today? Please bookmark our site and come back soon for more helpful posts.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
