Living with chronic pain is something way too many people have to endure. Luckily, today we have many ways to tackle such conditions and improve our well-being. One of the most popular methods is using natural relief products, including substances such as CBD (cannabidiol).
CBD produces many health benefits, most notable of which are pain relief and improved relaxation. Many people have already used it to deal with symptoms of arthritis and multiple sclerosis. However, you might be wondering if CBD can really help you manage your chronic pain and, if it does, then to which extent.
In this article, we want to address any doubts about CBD’s potential as a medication for treating chronic pain. We explain what CBD is, how it works, and how efficient it is at dealing with pain. Let’s get started.
What Is CBD?
CBD is a chemical compound that comes from the cannabis plant. This compound is largely responsible for most of marijuana’s effects, including pain relief. The Latin name for this plant is Cannabis sativa and, as its fame grows, so does the number of suppliers and manufacturers.
The cannabis plant produces more than 100 different substances, one of which is CBD. Other compounds are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBN (cannabinol). As you probably already know, THC is the substance that gets people high, but it also helps with pain relief.
However, if you want to get the best results from using CBD, make sure you’re buying it from a reputable source. It can be found in the form of sprays, oils, and drops, among other things.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD interacts with certain receptors in the body known as CB1 receptors. These receptors are primarily located on the surface of neurons in the brain and spinal cord. They also exist in other areas throughout the body like the peripheral nervous system and immune cells.
CBD doesn’t act on these receptors directly. Instead, it influences their activity by attaching to them and blocking their ability to receive certain signals. When we say that CBD blocks CB1 receptors’ activity we mean that it prevents them from being stimulated by THC and similar substances.
CBD actually enhances the activity of CB2 receptors. These are located mainly in the immune system and have a positive effect on inflammation and pain.
In short, CBD has analgesic properties. It improves the overall function of our body’s natural system for pain management (the endocannabinoid system).
How Does CBD Help You Relieve Pain?
CBD can help us deal with chronic pain in a number of ways.
First, this compound reduces inflammation. It relieves pain by reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (messengers of inflammation).
Second, CBD is a powerful antioxidant. It prevents oxidative damage to our cells, their membranes, and proteins. This makes CBD a great medication for preventing and fighting various types of pain.
Third, CBD improves the function of the endocannabinoid system. As we mentioned earlier, this system manages many functions in our body, including the control of pain responses. By boosting its activity, CBD helps relieve pain more efficiently.
Finally, CBD has analgesic properties thanks to its ability to interact with CB1 receptors. These receptors are generally involved in pain responses, and CBD can block them. This way, it can prevent certain cells from sending pain signals to the brain.
How Effective Is CBD for Chronic Pain?
CBD is remarkably effective for relieving chronic pain. In fact, its popularity in treating such conditions is growing every day.
CBD has the potential to treat a wide range of conditions: from arthritic pain to multiple sclerosis symptoms. In some cases, you might need only small doses of this compound to get rid of your pain.
CBD is more effective at relieving chronic pain than acute pain. The reason for this is that its effects build up over time and, depending on the dose you use, they can last for up to 12 hours or more. Because of this, CBD is especially good at treating things such as joint pain, arthritis, and painful symptoms of fibromyalgia.
CBD is not as effective when it comes to acute pain. This is because the effects of CBD take a while to build up and, in some cases, they don’t even kick in if you use a low enough dose. In any case, acute pain should not be ignored and you should always ask for assistance from your doctor.
As for side effects, you should know that CBD is very safe to use and will not cause you any harm. However, it might give you feelings of relaxation which lead to drowsiness. If you use CBD to treat chronic pain, make sure you’re taking it before going to bed or during the day when you have enough time to rest.
Overall, CBD can definitely help you deal with chronic pain, especially if it’s caused by an inflammatory condition. Because of its long-lasting effects, it will help you manage your condition and stay functional throughout the day, so that you can work, study, and enjoy life to the fullest.
Do I Need a Prescription If I Use CBD?
No, you do not need a prescription if you use CBD for chronic pain. CBD is a completely natural compound which is not addictive and has no known side effects (usually). It also doesn’t interfere with other medications you’re taking for any other conditions, whether physical or mental.
However, you might want to talk to your doctor before using CBD for pain relief, especially if you suffer from epilepsy or take drugs that affect serotonin levels (antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics etc.). Before using CBD as a medication, make sure to consult your doctor about possible risks and side effects.
Conclusion
CBD is a very effective way of treating chronic pain. It has the potential to deal with a wide range of conditions and it’s available in many forms, including oils, sprays, and drops. If you suffer from any type of pain, consider using CBD to relieve it. All you need to do is buy your CBD products from a reputable supplier, use them according to the instructions, and enjoy their benefits.
As CBD is rapidly gaining popularity, we expect more studies to be done on its effects in the future. This is good news for people who suffer from chronic pain and want to manage it in a natural way.
If you’re interested in trying CBD for pain relief, we suggest you go for the best brands in the market. Look for those that are manufactured with organic ingredients and that have no harmful active ingredients like THC or pesticides.
