If you have chronic arthritis, you may have wondered if you could use CBD topicals for arthritis pain. Research shows that CBD topicals act as a neuroreceptor blocking agent. Meaning it stops pain by shutting down the pain signals in the brain. In addition, it reduces inflammation, which causes pain in the first place.
But, let’s back up and get the bigger picture.
What is arthritis?
In essence there are two main categories of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. For the purposes of this blog, we’ll look at how CBD topicals can help ease osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis pain is something with which about 54 million people are inti
mate. Relieving pain is the most common reason people turn to CBD.
According to the National Institutes of Health arthritis is defined as, “A disease characterized by degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint as well as bony overgrowth. The breakdown of these tissues eventually leads to pain and joint stiffness. The joints most commonly affected are the knees, hips and those in the hands and spine.”
Symptoms of arthritis include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Decreased movement within the joint
- Swelling
As the joints continue to degenerate, you may experience recurrent inflammation as well as peripheral neuropathy.
Ready to move on? OK.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of at least 120 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. I mention hemp because all Lost Remedy CBD topicals are made with hemp-derived CBD, which does not get you high. Marijuana also delivers CBD, but that’s not in our products.
Properties that occur naturally in hemp-derived CBD are known to be:
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidative
- antiemetic
- antipsychotic
- neuroprotective
In addition, discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in everybody, helped us understand how CBD works to ease arthritis pain. The ECS is responsible for homeostasis, or balance, in our bodies. When our ECS becomes compromised, adding CBD can help restore balance. It’s a lot more complicated than that and you can learn more here.
In brief, the ECS is made up of CB-1 and CB-2 receptors. These receptors are found all throughout the body, and each has a role to play in the system to help maintain homeostasis.
The CB receptors present in the skin are activated with the application of CBD topicals. When used in a topical application, CBD provides an efficient and effective delivery agent to engage this system. Though CBD on its own is a powerful anti-inflammatory, its effectiveness is multiplied when used in conjunction with other carrier and essential oils to specifically target a particular issue, such as arthritis.
Can CBD topicals ease arthritis pain?
In fact, a 2017 study published in the European Journal of Pain, shows that using CBD topicals can help ease arthritis pain. Because CBD is an anti-inflammatory, and arthritis pain is caused by inflammation, it makes sense to reach for a CBD topical to ease the discomfort.
The beauty of CBD topicals in treating arthritis pain is that applied directly to the affected area it gets to the heart of the matter quickly. It’s a great alternative to prescription and over-the-counter products, which often can have side effects. Plus, the topicals moisturize and soothe dry skin, and who doesn’t need a bit more skin hydration as we age?
How to use CBD topicals for arthritis
First, you need to know what to look for when buying CBD topicals. There are a lot of products available, but not all are what they claim. So do your research and be sure you find clean, organic products that don’t have chemicals or toxins.
A major benefit of CBD topicals is that they have few, if any, side effects. In fact, according to a report from the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential… . To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
Once you have done your research, discussed using CBD topicals for arthritis with your doctor, find the product you want to try. Apply the topical directly on the painful area. Make sure to massage gently to generate warmth that will allow your body to assimilate the product more fully.
CBD to prevent arthritis pain?
There is also some potential for using CBD topicals as pain prevention. Lo Friesen is a lead chemist for cannabis wellness company Heylo. She says that using topicals multiple times a day, every day, allows the body to incorporate CBD faster, and build a CBD level in affected areas to prevent ongoing inflammation.
“It’s just preventive maintenance,” says Friesen. “For example, people who have arthritis in their hands who use [CBD topicals] on their hands every day are going to have less pain, less inflammation. They’re going to have less pain in their hands over time than people who use it to treat [the pain as it happens].”
Don’t be afraid to apply CBD topicals to areas before pain erupts. Although more studies need to be done to confirm the efficacy of using CBD for arthritis, using it may just help ease your pain. CBD and other compounds in cannabis are similar to chemicals created by our own bodies. As a result, CBD is incorporated better than many synthetic products. Plus, as I mentioned earlier, it’s not addictive and has few side effects, so you can’t overdose.