A few weeks ago, CBD and arthritis pain was my blog topic. Since then, I’ve wondered what other kinds of pain CBD can help. I already wrote about arthritis pain, so I’ll leave that out of this blog.
CBD and you
Let’s brush up on the basics. First, CBD is a cannabinoid that doesn’t get you high as its distant cousin THC does. Second, our bodies already have an endocannabinoid system that responds to ingestible or topical CBD products to help establish or regain balance, called homeostasis.
CB1 and CB2 receptors in our immune and nervous systems respond to incoming CBD and they get busy helping reduce inflammation, which is often a major factor in pain.
The other big deal is that people who use CBD for pain don’t ultimately become dependent, or addicted, as they would using an opiate or similar drug. That alone is worth thinking about.
What kind of pain can CBD help?
Pain comes in several categories and we’ll look at a few:
· Chronic
· Neuropathic
· Cancer
CBD and chronic pain
Chronic pain has gone on for a period of time. It could be due to an old injury or a condition such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, or inflammatory/autoimmune conditions.
Although prescription medications are often recommended for chronic pain, they tend to come with side effects that people would rather avoid. Enter CBD, which research has shown to reduce inflammation. Also, people who use it don’t build up a tolerance that requires larger and larger doses to relieve their symptoms as is often the case with prescription or over-the-counter medications.
CBD and neuropathic pain
The tingling, burning and other symptoms associated with neuropathy react well to CBD. Neuropathic pain, as the name implies, involves the nervous system, often focusing in the hands and feet. CBD inhibits glutamate release, which can overly excite nerves to create these symptoms.
Rather than give you more science, I thought I’d let a Lost Remedy friend tell you her experience with neuropathic pain and CBD.
“I received your products for nerve pain and neuropathy two days ago. I have always used cannabis products (usually edibles and tinctures) for neuropathy from a spinal cord injury that put me in a wheelchair as a teen in 1986. I tried several big pharma products, but the benefits were not good enough to justify the side effects.
The pain is normally akin to dipping your leg in boiling oil while it’s being electrocuted. My pain is certainly not gone, but I don’t usually even touch the leg that has the issue. And, I can massage in your product.
Neuropathy relief has brought it down to something more like the beginning of mild pins and needles when your leg has been asleep. Essentially, up to 10/10 pain is now 3-4/10. Thank you. Your new constant customer and word-of mouth-marketer.”
CBD and cancer pain
A growing body of evidence has begun to show the value of CBD in treating cancer symptoms, as well as a potential preventive. In addition to relieving the symptoms of nausea and vomiting, CBD can help relieve pain. Sometimes even better than morphine. With less pain, people sleep better, have a better appetite and less anxiety. All of which bode well in improving quality of life.
CBD can also help reduce the severe burning associated with radiation treatments. Again, I’ll let a Lost Remedy friend speak. “I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in July. I wanted to let you know that I am now taking my radiation and used your Burn Formula. I am very happy to report that it has helped tremendously.”
As with any condition, CBD can be a great adjunct to medical treatment. Working with your doctor can help ensure you use a combination of treatments that will be effective for your condition.