CBD and Chronic Pain — Health Facts You Need to Know

Don’t mistake rumors for fact when discussing CBD products. There is a lot of misinformation floating around the web. And while some of it may be convincing, not all of it is supported by evidence. For example, many believe that CBD can get you “high.” On the contrary, CBD, unlike THC, has no psychoactive effects.

Another common misconception is that CBD comes from marijuana when instead it is derived from hemp plants. Some of this misinformation has also extended to CBD and its effects on conditions, such as chronic pain.

What is Chronic Pain?

Pain occurs when your body has an injury or illness of some kind. Your body will identify this when your neuron cells begin signaling in a non-synchronous pattern. This being against the norm, your body picks up on this strange pattern and alerts the brain that something is wrong. If you do not heal, the pain will continue. If pain lasts for over three to six months, it becomes labeled as chronic.

This long-lasting pain is often labeled as chronic pain syndrome. It can stem from nerve damage, surgery, headaches, muscle strains, back pain, cancer, arthritis, acid reflux, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, and more. To understand chronic pain, it’s important to know that it can manifest as both mental and physical pain.

How CBD Influences Health

CBD and wellness are closely intertwined. Here are some valuable CBD facts you can consider when you are looking for a solution to your pain.

Pain Relief

Because CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), it can help improve the immune system. This is because the ECS triggers an anti-inflammatory response which also provides pain relief throughout the entire body. For those who have chronic back pain and other physical ailments, this is a great tool for providing long-term relief. Understanding chronic pain will help us to know how we can more readily use CBD oil as an appropriate treatment for pain-related disorders.

Reduce Anxiety

Taking CBD orally can help to reduce anxiety. The treatment was also able to tackle more difficult disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD). Both of these are persistent emotional problems with a physiological response. Research has demonstrated that CBD has a beneficial effect on anxiety and can bring about a calmer emotional state. 

Arthritis Relief

Osteopathic and rheumatoid arthritis both can be managed with the reduction of swelling and inflammation. Doctors know that no two types of arthritis are exactly alike. Regardless, CBD has the ability to help reduce pain during movement in both joints and limbs. It can also relieve much of the stiffness associated with arthritis. For this type of pain, CBD is typically applied topically for immediate relief.

Treatment for Cancer Patients

Not only does CBD help to reduce chronic pain associated with cancer, but it can also be used as a preventative measure against cancer. Some researchers postulate that it can potentially suppress the immune system to inhibit the overgrowth of cancer cells. However, further research on this topic is needed, as marijuana research is still in its infancy.

Sleep and Restlessness

You can also take CBD for better quality sleep. If you suffer from insomnia or another sleep disorder, this cannabinoid can be a great remedy. Different methods such as a vape, a tincture, or an edible can all help to improve sleep quality.

Reducing Depression

One of the neural effects of CBD is that it stimulates the serotonin pathway. Serotonin can influence your emotional state, and it can increase your level of happiness and positivity. The interaction between serotonin and the brain is closely connected to depression. Because CBD helps to improve the volume of serotonin in the brain, it can alleviate the effects of depression.

Parkinson’s Disease

CBD can also have a positive impact on both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. This means that it can potentially help to improve brain function, while also reducing the tremors and pain associated with Parkinson’s Disease. Studies have shown that use of CBD helped reduce chronic pain, psychosis, and motor symptoms in patients.

Treatment of Epilepsy

The FDA has approved CBD for the treatment of seizures when taken orally. Before this measure, severe epilepsy was typically considered mostly untreatable. However, CBD serums have been demonstrated to deliver powerful results for epilepsy patients. It is now recognized as a safe solution to help with the body jolts and aftershock pains of epileptic episodes.

Improvement of Heart Disease and Blood Pressure

Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, CBD oil is great for heart disease as well. People who have migraines from high blood pressure and are at risk of suffering from heart failure can also benefit from CBD oil. One dose of cannabidiol can reduce blood pressure significantly.

Difference Between Medicinal vs. Industrial Hemp

Medicinal Hemp

When taken medicinally, hemp is often not used in its entirety. Instead, an extract of cannabinoids is taken out of the hemp seed in the form of an oil. Unlike industrial hemp, medicinal hemp tends to be grown indoors in very controlled environments. This is so that the hemp plants do not diversify too much from their CBD-rich genetic lines. They are highly regulated plants that offer a variety of beneficial uses.

Topical CBD Treatment

This is when CBD is used in the form of a salve or cream. It is typically applied topically to improve skin texture or to help reduce pain. CBD creams are usually fast-acting, and for chronic pain, you may find that topical application is the best way to deliver results.

CBD Tinctures

Depending on the dosage, a CBD tincture can be mild or extremely potent. Dosages vary between 10 mg and 3000 mg. Depending on your unique needs, you can adjust your dosage in consultation with your doctor to treat your specific ailments.

CBD Vape

This CBD product is delivered through the use of an electronic device that creates inhalable vapor. The CBD oil is usually paired with a liquid that is safe for inhalation. This allows for CBD to be absorbed quickly to deliver pain relief swiftly and effectively.

CBD Edibles

Many companies add CBD oil to candies, smoothies, or baked goods. These have different effects on the body but also can improve pain relief. Edibles offer the additional benefit of having an extended-release effect, where the pain relief is sustained throughout the body for a longer time than other methods of application.

Industrial Hemp

This type of hemp is mostly valued for its fibers when building industrial materials. It typically has less than .3% THC by its weight. For example, many companies may build hempcrete or materials made of fused composites. Many forms of hemp fibers are made into clothing as well. It can be used for rope and other useful tools. Others may use hemp for protein, and it can be used as a seed or grain. These vast varieties of hemp make it useful across many industries.

Hempcrete

This material is similar to concrete but is made of hemp fibers known as “hurds” or “shives.” Sand and limestone may also be added to this mixture. It is great for insulation and construction materials.

Hemp Protein and Grain

Because of its high nutrition and multivitamin provisions, hemp can be eaten as a dietary supplement. The main difference between medicinal vs. industrial hemp is that it is mostly used as a supplement. It can be baked in bread or added to protein shakes or other meals. It has high antioxidant content and many useful minerals.

Hemp Clothes

A lot of hemp fabric apparel can now be grown with little to no pesticides or fertilizers. Hemp can be made ethically and sustainably. It even has UV-resistant properties and is antimicrobial. That’s why it has risen in popularity in recent years. If you want to learn more about how CBD can positively impact your health and wellness, you can find out more information on our website. There are many great applications of CBD that can vastly improve your wellbeing and develop a pain-free life.

About the Author:
Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry and world of fitness.