If you suffer from chronic pain, you know it can be one of the most debilitating conditions to cope with. From headaches and muscle aches to fibromyalgia and arthritis, pain is a constant companion for millions of people around the world. And while there are plenty of prescription medications available to treat it, many are accompanied by side effects that make them less than ideal for long-term use.
Fortunately, recent research into cannabidiol (CBD) has shown that it may be an effective alternative to prescription medications when it comes to treating chronic pain.
One 2017 study found that 74% of people who take CBD for pain management say it helps significantly reduce their pain levels.
In this article, we will discuss five ways that CBD can help manage your pain and why you should consider adding CBD to your routine.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, which means it doesn't produce a high or any other mind-altering effects. It has been found to have numerous therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory properties, which make it an excellent option for those looking for natural ways to manage chronic pain.
How does CBD work?
CBD has been shown in studies to help with several conditions, including epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. But the most promising research has come from studies on CBD's effectiveness as a treatment for pain.
The best way to understand why this is so important is to look at how CBD works. The cannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors in the body that respond to cannabinoids—chemical compounds that occur naturally in cannabis plants. The two main types of cannabinoids are phytocannabinoids (found in plants) and endocannabinoids (produced by our bodies).
CBD activates these receptors. This can have effects such as reducing inflammation or decreasing anxiety.
Some research has shown that CBD can help manage chronic pain by inhibiting an enzyme called FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase). This enzyme breaks down anandamide—a neurotransmitter produced naturally by our bodies that helps regulate mood and pain response. By inhibiting FAAH activity, it can increase levels of anandamide in the brain, which results in more effective pain management.
Pain relief
CBD is a natural pain reliever, and it can help with everything from arthritis to migraines. It does this by interacting with your body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates your immune system, mood, sleep cycle, memory, and more.
How does CBD work to manage pain?
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CBD has analgesic properties
The analgesic properties of CBD have made it an appealing option for those who suffer from chronic pain or other conditions that cause chronic pain, such as arthritis or joint discomfort. It’s also great at helping with muscle soreness after working out or after a game.
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Relieves Inflammation
Inflammation is a biological process that causes pain, swelling, redness, and tissue damage. It occurs when cells release inflammatory mediators into the bloodstream, such as histamine, serotonin, and prostaglandins. These mediators can affect your blood vessels by making them dilate or constrict, which leads to changes in blood flow throughout your body. This causes swelling and irritation in the surrounding tissue.
CBD has been proven to reduce inflammation by interacting with CB2 receptors located on immune cells throughout your body. This results in an increase in immune cell activity, which helps reduce pain associated with inflammation by keeping them from releasing inflammatory mediators into your bloodstream.
In one study, researchers found that CBD helped reduce chronic pain by interfering with the transmission of pain signals from the receptors in your spinal cord to your brain.
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Improve blood circulation
The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD also help improve circulation throughout the body by opening up blood vessels so that more oxygen reaches tissues throughout the body, including those in joints which helps relieve pain caused by joint inflammation or injury like arthritis.
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CBD can help relieve neuropathic pain
Neuropathy is a specific type of nerve damage that causes a whole new set of pains all on its own. This type of nerve damage often occurs due to injury or disease and cannot be repaired easily by simply healing the initial injury or illness.
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Relieve muscle stiffness and soreness by lowering oxidative stress on the body's cells
The body has an internal antioxidant system that helps to fight off free radicals, which are harmful by-products of metabolism. As we age, our bodies produce more free radicals than they can handle, causing oxidative stress on the cells. This can lead to muscle stiffness and soreness. CBD may help reduce this by acting as an antioxidant in your body and preventing the production of these harmful compounds. This can be especially beneficial for athletes and active people because it helps to reduce pain and stiffness from exercise.
1.CBD as an anti-spasmodic agent
CBD has been shown to work as an anti-spasmodic agent by helping relax muscles that are tight or contracted. This can relieve muscle tension caused by spasms or cramping in muscles like those in the back or neck area, where everyday stressors such as sitting at a desk all day long can take their toll on our bodies over time!
2. Sleep aid
If you're having trouble sleeping or staying asleep, CBD oil can help calm your mind and body so that you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The ECS plays a role in regulating sleep cycles, so when it gets out of balance, it can contribute to insomnia or other sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome (RLS).
3.Treat osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by wear and tear on the joints over time. Studies show that CBD may help reduce inflammation in damaged joints, which can relieve chronic pain associated with OA.
CBD Dosage For Pain Relief
CBD is an effective way to fight pain, and it can be used in many ways. The most common way to use CBD is through tinctures and capsules, which can also be used topically or vaped.
How much CBD should you use?
It depends on your reason for taking CBD and your tolerance level. If you're uncertain about how much CBD to use, start with a small dosage and then increase as needed until you get relief from your pain.When you first start taking CBD, stick with just one dose at a time so that you can see how it affects your body without checking out too much information at once. Once you've established what works best for you, take note of the amount of CBD that gives you relief without causing side effects like drowsiness or fatigue. This will help ensure you get the most out of your treatment plan!
Choose a Brand You Can Trust
Taking the time to learn more about this plant is an excellent investment in your health. Understanding the science behind CBD can help you understand its effectiveness.
ReposeRx is a full-spectrum CBD oil containing 2,000 MG of CBD per bottle. We are proud to offer one of the most premium and affordable CBD tinctures on the market today. Harvested in Colorado, our CBD-rich hemp oil is isolated through supercritical Co2 extraction.
Our philosophy is to help patients improve their quality of life and maintain their function. Whether it's chronic pain or sleep disorders, we believe CBD can be an effective treatment option for many conditions.
ReposeRx is formulated by a board-certified, fellowship-trained interventional pain physician, Dr. Jessica Jameson who specializes in treating patients with chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.
With ReposeRx, we strive to provide patients with a natural alternative that can help improve their quality of life without the side effects associated with other medications.