CBD health products are increasingly popular nowadays, and many people use CBD for pain. You’ll notice that many people use CBD for joint pain, chronic pain, and pain caused by orthopedic injuries.
Plants such as hemp and cannabis naturally produce chemical compounds called cannabinoids. One of those compounds is cannabidiol, also known as CBD. This compound in particular seems to have many health benefits and can be found in health stores, pharmacies, or bought online.
Generally, CBD is considered non-intoxicating and safe to use. Many people use CBD for pain daily and claim that it improves their symptoms. Before you try it for yourself, you need to read this quick guide on the benefits and safety of using CBD for joint pain.
What Does the Research Say About CBD and Pain?
There’s a fair amount of research that discusses CBD use for pain relief. A 2018 review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology is one of the most robust studies on CBD. This review analyzed multiple studies on CBD and pain conducted between 1975 and March 2018. The study concluded that CBD can be effective in relieving pain. More specifically, the study found evidence that it seems to soothe cancer-related pain, neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia (which is a painful chronic condition).
Since then, more studies have reached the same conclusion. For example, a 2020 review found evidence that shows CBD could soothe the pain in animals. While a 2020 review concluded that CBD seems to be a common and effective way to manage chronic pain.
However, the idea that CBD could help with pain isn’t brand new. Prescription medications such as Sativex, a cannabis-based mouth spray, can help manage symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). A study dating back to 2006 also found that Sativex also helped reduce joint pain caused by arthiritis.
Despite its global long-time use, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only approved its use in the US in 2018. Sativex includes both CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the compound in cannabis that can make you feel high.
CBD for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. It causes the joint cartilage and bones to break down over time. This eventually causes joint pain and stiffness that can cause difficulty with certain motions. According to the Arthritis Foundation, many people claim to use CBD for joint pain in order to help manage their symptoms.
Can CBD Help With Osteoarthritis?
There’s relatively little research on CBD and arthritis pain, but the available research seems to suggest that it can be an effective treatment. Some animal studies, such as this 2017 study on rats, show that CBD might have the potential to soothe symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Interestingly, your four-legged friend might benefit from CBD too. One recent study looked at the effects of CBD on dogs with osteoarthritis. The results suggest that CBD might be able to soothe joint pain in osteoarthritic dogs. Although this needs to be studied further, it’s extremely promising.
Can CBD Help With Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is not the only type of arthritis that CBD can help with. CBD might help with rheumatoid arthritis, which is a painful autoimmune condition that causes swelling and stiffness in the joints. Studies have suggested that CBD might have both anti-inflammatory and anti-pain properties. Therefore, it makes sense that many people with rheumatoid arthritis use CBD. One 2016 study found that CBD-infused topical patches seemed to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. However, this needs to be studied more.
Is CBD Safe to Use for Joint Pain?
According to the available research, CBD is considered safe for human consumption. However, it can have some potential side effects, including:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- A change in weight or appetite
However, many people prefer using CBD over opioids and other pain medications. Since the side effects of CBD seem to be uncommon. More research is needed before we can compare conventional pain medications to CBD.
Unlike opioids and many other pain medications, CBD is not addictive. A recent report compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that there’s no evidence to suggest that CBD could be addictive. And no – CBD cannot make you feel intoxicated or “high” as it’s a non-intoxicating substance.
It’s essential to talk with your doctor before using any new health product, including CBD. CBD can interact with certain medications, specifically medicine that carries a “grapefruit warning,” so it’s important that you have your doctor’s approval before trying it. Remember that you shouldn’t use CBD to replace any prescription medication or physical therapy without your medical team’s approval, too.
How Do I Use CBD for Joint Pain?
CBD comes in a range of different forms, also known as delivery methods. Popular CBD delivery methods include:
- Tinctures and oils
- Topicals
- Vapes
- Edibles and beverages
- Capsules
CBD tinctures and oils are probably the most popular method. Topicals containing CBD are most effective if your pain is localized to one area. Vapes are also very popular for pain relief, because you’ll feel its effect almost immediately.
You can experiment with a few different methods until you find something you prefer. You should always consider high-quality lab-tested CBD products.
Finding your ideal CBD dosage can be difficult. The dose will vary from person to person, based on factors like weight, metabolism, and individual biology. It’s best to start with a small amount and gradually increase it until it takes the edge off your symptoms. Most people start within the 10mg to 20mg range. For best results, try to take CBD every day.
Lastly, if you’re still not sure which CBD product to use for pain, we recommend speaking to a CBD-friendly doctor. They’ll help guide you on using it for your particular needs. They can also recommend a dosage that will work for you.
Although CBD for joint pain should be studied further, the available research suggests it can help with many chronic pain issues. It can even help with osteoarthritis and chronic pain to injury-related pain.
To get the most joint relief, things are best done in combination with other treatments including physical therapy. Talk with a board-certified physical therapist today and take advantage of a FREE online joint screen while available.
