Studies of potential pain-relieving benefits of CBD show that it may offer a safe, non-habit-forming alternative for people experiencing chronic pain, as well as pain associated with various health conditions.
Hemp-derived CBD products may reduce pain related to a variety of health conditions.
CBD’s roster of potential health benefits includes pain relief, mainly due to its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its positive influence on receptors in the brain and immune system. A growing body of research has shown promising results when it comes to CBD for pain relief. In this article, we explore the research-backed potential benefits of CBD for people experiencing pain from such ailments as arthritis and multiple sclerosis, as well as injuries and muscle pain.
Pain Management Potential
While there’s an ongoing need for more clinical research to determine exactly how CBD can be used to help manage pain in humans, many companies have begun testing CBD oils and other CBD products for their pain-management potential. For example, Zynebra Pharmaceuticals recently reported that a topical CBD product the company had tested during a clinical study for osteoarthritis knee pain did reduce the severity of pain and appeared to improve function.
The FDA has also called CBD beneficial for people with neurological and seizure disorders, and has recently approved the first CBD-based prescription drug in the U.S., called Epidiolex, designed to reduce seizures in two rare forms of epilepsy.
Proven Anti-Inflammatory Properties
CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties are among its best-known benefits. Inflammation affects millions of Americans and has been linked to a number of serious conditions, including hypertension, depression, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and diabetes.
When consumed, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in humans, encouraging the ECS to produce more natural cannabinoids. This release of natural cannabinoids affects a wide range of physiological functions, including how we feel pain and how fast we heal.
Relieving Chronic Pain
Some clinical trials and studies have also shown that CBD can potentially reduce chronic pain, and most commonly chronic back pain and various forms of muscle pain. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that CBD can help with pain management by positively interacting with brain receptors and receptors in the immune system. Another review of studies conducted since the late 1980s and up to 2007, concluded that CBD could be effective in relieving general chronic pain (and, as a consequence, insomnia related to that pain).
Easing Arthritis-Related Pain
CBD can also potentially ease pain associated with arthritis. One animal study, published in the European Journal of Pain in 2016, tested a topical gel that contained CBD, registering a notable reduction in signs of pain and inflammation.
Reduction in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptoms
Muscle spasms are one of the most common symptoms of MS and can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort in people suffering from this autoimmune disease. A reduction in MS symptoms, including levels of spasticity, has been reported in at least one study involving short-term use of CBD oil.
Additionally, a drug called Nabiximols (Sativex), made from CBD and THC, has been approved in Canada and the U.K. for treating MS.
Relieving Pain Associated With Cancer Treatment
Research associated with determining whether CBD could play any role in preventing cancer cell growth is at the early stages, and involves mostly preliminary animal studies. Therefore, the National Cancer Institute and other reputable authorities in the field are cautious about endorsing CBD for any type of cancer treatment at this point. However, some earlier animal studies done as part of the National Toxicology Program have determined that cannabinoids may help relieve some cancer symptoms and treatment side effects, including, for instance, relieving pain and vomiting/nausea related to chemotherapy.
CBD has no proven adverse side effects and is not addictive.
Two very promising factors in CBD’s potential in pain management are the lack of side effects and habit-forming properties. According to the World Health Organization, “an orally administered dose of 600mg of CBD did not differ from placebo on the scales of the Addiction Research Centre Inventory,” a measure of abuse potential that considers factors such as hallucinogenic activity, intoxication, and sedation. CBD may also serve as a safe alternative to potentially harmful narcotic substances, such as opiates. And, because users of CBD aren’t likely to build a tolerance to its effects, dosage increases are not typically necessary.
In addition, unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive or intoxicating properties, so users can enjoy the benefits of CBD without worrying about breaking the law or failing a drug test.
Simply CBD carries only hemp-derived CBD products that are lab-tested to ensure they are 100% THC-free. We offer CBD products in an array of different forms, including edibles, oils, tinctures, vape cartridges, and e-liquids, as well as body and pain creams.
Still have questions about CBD for pain relief? At Simply CBD, we’re actively following the science to keep our customers informed, and we’re more than happy to show you how to use any of our products and discuss the dosage that might work best for your pain symptoms. Stop by any of our Simply CBD shops in New Orleans to learn more about CBD and to check out our huge selection of hemp-derived CBD products.