CBD Oil for Arthritis Pain : Benefits and Side Effects
In this topic,
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant. The two main substances are cannabidiol and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. The high that is caused by the consumption is due to THC. CBD oil does not cause the feeling of high or any other form of toxic things. There’s no oversight of CBD products from a regulatory authority. Most of the products you’re buying, unless they have a rigorous marketing and quality control that says it’s 100% CBD Oil For Arthritis, more than likely, it’s contaminated with other cannabinoids, including THC.
Does CBD help with Arthritis Pain?
Arthritis, which encompasses hundreds of joint-related conditions and pains, including symptoms like swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints, is the leading cause in the United States, affecting around 58.5 million trusted people.
CBD, a known and proven painkiller for other conditions, has shown promising results for arthritis treatment as well. CBD is a type of cannabinoid, a natural chemical found in cannabis plants. CBD Oil never causes a high feeling associated with cannabis. This feeling is caused by THC, a different type of cannabis.
People with chronic pain use CBD oil products, and CBD manages its symptoms. CBD oil can help:
- Reduce pain.
- Reduce inflammation.
- Relieve overall discomfort related to a variety of health conditions.
Though the clinical research dedicated to the success of arthritis treatment with CBD is still ongoing, some trials have shown positive results in curing different types of arthritis and reducing its pain. Animal studies have suggested that pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties are present in the Oil, whereas the effect of the Oil on humans is still unproven.
Some people suffering from arthritis pain have tried CBD oil but not all, but few have noticed that they have felt pain relieved and free from anxiety. CBD oil in chronic pain interacts with the receptors that influence pain and inflammation in the body. Scientists say that CBD oil affects the responding signals received by the receptor, possibly reducing inflammation and pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the two types of arthritis. Let’s deep dive into them.
- Rheumatoid arthritis – is a condition where a person’s immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation. Its most common effects are on the hands and feet and lead to painful, swollen, and stiff joints.
- Osteoarthritis- is a condition that affects the joint cartilage and bones, mainly the hip, knee, and thumb joints, causing pain and stiffness.
According to the arthritis foundation, there is evidence to suggest that some people who use CBD Oil report noticeable pain relief, improved sleep, or reduced anxiety. CBD oil is very effective for humans in treating arthritis. Evidence states that a cannabis-based mouth spray called Sativex could help relieve arthritis pain. The research on CBD oil products and pain management has been promising till now.
However, there is a lack of conclusive scientific evidence proving that CBD oil is very effective for humans in treating arthritis.
CBD for Arthritis Pain: Benefits, Use, and Side Effects
The effects of CBD oil on your brain receptors help you to manage pain.
CBD oil is a promising option as a pain reliever. According to the current research, there are possible benefits of CBD oil –
Firstly, I would like to talk about Neuropathic pain- it is caused by damage to the nerves. This pain is widespread in diseases such as multiple sclerosis, herniated discs, and shingles. According to a 2017 review, it is found that CBD oil has helped with chronic neuropathic pain in humans. This research looked into the effects of derived medicines, including CBD, for chronic neuropathic pain.
Now let’s talk about multiple sclerosis – Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which the nerves, the brain, and the whole body gets affected. In multiple sclerosis, muscle spasm is the most common symptom. These spasms are so strong that they can even cause constant pain in some people.
It is found that the use of CBD oil in the short term can reduce the level of muscle spasms a person feels. Results were modest, but many people assure the reduction of symptoms, but still, research is going on this.
And what’s about Chronic pain relief- The same study says that CBD is used for general chronic pain also. Researchers mixed all the systematic reviews to get the result, and this proves that CBD oil is an effective treatment for chronic pain. The Journal of Experimental Medicine even supports the research and has suggested that CBD oil reduces pain and inflammation.
Studies have shown that CBD oil can offer some benefits when we take chemotherapy treatments. Other preclinical studies sponsored by the National Institutes of HealthTrusted Source are also looking at the role of CBD oil in relieving symptoms caused by:
- Arthritis.
- Chronic pain.
- M.S. pain.
- Muscle pain.
- Spinal cord injuries.
Safety concerns of CBD Oil
CBD oil is derived from cannabis, and the same plants grow for marijuana. CBD oil contains a variety of possible health benefits. It is used as an appetite, a sleep aid, a treatment for skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, to relieve pain, to prevent seizures, etc.
But there is no proven clinical research about how safe using CBD oil for Arthritis. Also, there are concerns regarding dosage unreliability. People using CBD for Arthritis have experienced side effects such as dry mouth, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, drowsiness, anxiety, and fatigue. Though these effects are well-tolerated however, we are not aware of their impact in the long run.
At last, CBD oil promises treatments for arthritis-related pain. Researchers believe that if the receptors in the brain and immune system get affected, then it may reduce inflammation and pain.
However, from human studies, pieces of evidence are minimal to support the benefits of CBD oil because still, research is going on, and it is gaining momentum and yielding promising results.
In a nutshell, there are possibilities of positive results and some side effects. So, it is better to go for a consultation with the doctor treating your arthritis, or you can start with a low amount of CBD oil. If you do not see any results or experience side effects after a week, discontinue using it and inform the doctor.
What to look for in a CBD Oil Product?
Here are the essential factors to be considered while looking for using CBD oil for Arthritis.
- A Certificate of Analysis (COA):
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) shows the details of the compounds present in the CBD product. If a company fails to provide you with COA, it indicates a lack of transparency and considers a red flag. It means the company is not testing the safety of its product or hiding the product’s side effects from the consumers. A trustworthy COA must have A cannabinoid analysis (for the weight and concentration of the cannabinoids present in the product), A heavy metals analysis (for the amount of heavy metals present in the product), and A pesticides analysis (to trace pesticides substances).
- Third-Party Testing:
Research the third-party testing lab by yourself to ensure the authenticity of the product because third-party testing promotes accurate and unbiased results and proves a company’s trustworthiness.
- A Short, U.S.-Grown Ingredient List:
Generally, CBD oil is mixed with inert carrier oil to boost the effectiveness of the product and make it more beneficial. You can check the ingredient list and select the best CBD oil mixed product for you.
- Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan, and Gluten-Free:
Organic CBD oil is free of synthetic chemicals. If the product is U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified, then it is an organic CBD oil. You can also double-check by going through the CBD oil companies listed under USDA Certified on their website.
Non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) CBD oil is extracted from hemp plants. It is not genetically altered through external intervention.
Vegan CBD oil is easily available as CBD comes from hemp seed. In this, animals are not used to extract the oils or create tinctures. Instead, it contains gelatin or dairy to make CBD oil edible products.
Gluten-free CBD oil Tinctures, capsules, and topical products are usually gluten-free. If you are allergic to gluten, check the ingredients before you buy.
How to Find a High-Quality CBD Brand?
Follow these ways to narrow down your search and segregate the High-Quality CBD Brand from the rest of the CBD oil brands available in the market.
- Read the Certificate Of Analysis (COA): A trustworthy CBD oil brand will have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Check the COA thoroughly before buying the product. If the company fails to provide the COA, consider it a red flag.
- Ask questions: Before opting for the product, ask questions to the retailer or in the dispensary. The brand should be knowledgeable about the product. If not, check the brand’s information on your own and then buy it.
- Look for organic: Always go for Organic CBD oil. CBD oil extracted through organic processes is better in terms of taste, effectiveness, and safety.
Should I go for CBD or not?
There are no quality clinical studies on the benefits of CBD and its uses. Some agreement suggests that CBD should not be considered as a substitute for disease-modifying treatment for inflammatory arthritis. However, if you are willing to try CBD, it is advised to consult your doctor first under whom you are treating arthritis. This will help you get the difference and track your recovery. Also, make a note that Quality CBD products are pretty expensive, so use them only if you see positive results after using them.
Using CBD for Arthritis
CBD-based products are generally taken orally, applied to the skin, or inhaled. However, there are pros and cons for each.
By mouth: Here, CBD is taken in the form of capsules. However, absorption becomes slow, and dosing is also unreliable, which becomes a setback for it.
On the skin: Here, CBD is applied to the skin as lotions and balms, but the success rate has not been figured out yet.
Inhaled: CBD can be inhaled via a vaporizing or vape pen. However, this way might bring unknown risks in the future.
Although the correct dosage of taking CBD has not been established by the clinical guidelines yet it is better to start with a few milligrams of CBD in the sublingual form twice a day. If you don’t get relief after a week, increase the dose by the same amount. If the problem persists, consult the doctor.
