
If you’ve tried looking for a natural alternative for pain management and other various diseases, you must have encountered cannabidiol (CBD). It’s becoming more popular, especially in states that legalize the use of medical marijuana. So, you might wonder: “Does CBD oil really help stop the pain?” Well, it may alleviate pain and other conditions. If you want to know how that works, keep scrolling!
Chronic Pain
Research on the use of CBD for chronic pain has been promising. For instance, a 2018 review that analyzed studies between 1975 and 2018 emphasized that overall, CBD may be an effective alternative. There have been no adverse side effects as well.
If you’re wondering how that’s possible, CBD is thought to interact with the endocannabinoid system. This system is the one responsible for different body processes, which include pain management and anti-inflammation. However, more research is needed to illustrate the benefits of CBD in pain management, especially that pilot human studies only involved small sample sizes.
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is common if you have problems with the central nervous system. These include multiple sclerosis and herniated discs. In a 2017 review from “Anesthesia & Analgesia,” CBD has been shown to help mitigate chronic neuropathic pain among humans.
Ever heard of Sativex? This product is a combination of CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component found in CBD’s plants. According to a 2006 review, Sativex may help reduce chronic neuropathic pain, advanced cancer pain, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis without intoxicating effects.
Another review in 2018 noted the capacity of cannabis-based medicine like CBD to reduce neuropathic pain. However, researchers stated that the potential side effects may outweigh the benefits. So, further research is imperative to explore the effectiveness of CBD for neuropathic pain.
Arthritis Pain
Did you know that CBD may also help relieve pain caused by arthritis? This is due to CBD’s potential pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. So, you can take advantage of various CBD products, like topicals and CBD dabs.
However, available studies were mostly done on animals. For instance, a study conducted in 2016 showed that the application of CBD gel to rat subjects may help reduce pain-related behaviors and inflammation.
There were also anecdotal reports of pain relief and anxiety reduction from people who used CBD. Others even noted better sleep after taking CBD oil. However, given that available data are mostly focused on animal subjects, more human studies are necessary.
Epileptic Seizures
CBD may help manage epileptic seizures. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, to help treat rare kinds of childhood epilepsy called Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It can also be used to manage another rare type of seizure known as tuberous sclerosis complex. They may help improve sleep and reduce anxiety and depression too among individuals with epilepsy.
Important Considerations
Given the wide range of potential health benefits of CBD oil products, including CBD dab, you can use them to help manage pain and improve your overall health. However, you should also note the possible side effects of CBD. These include drowsiness, loss of appetite, dry mouth, and fatigue.
Interactions with other medications, including blood thinners, are possible too. That is why you should consult a doctor knowledgeable enough in CBD use to gain proper guidance on the appropriate dosage based on your needs.
Use CBD the Right Way
As you’ve seen, CBD may be beneficial in overall pain management. It even plays a significant role in managing epilepsy. Want to make sure you’re taking CBD dabs and cleaning your accessories the right way? Check out our page for more helpful tips and tricks!