The use of Cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment for medical conditions has been gaining popularity in recent years. CBD has been found to be an effective treatment for a variety of ailments, from anxiety to chronic pain. One condition that has been studied for its potential benefits from CBD is arthritis. This article will explore the effects of CBD on arthritis, discussing current research and potential therapeutic benefits. Additionally, potential side effects and safety considerations for people considering CBD for arthritis will be discussed.
What are the potential benefits of CBD for people with arthritis?
According to recent studies, CBD may offer several potential benefits for people with arthritis. These include reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving sleep. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that CBD may help reduce the side effects of certain medications used to treat arthritis. Lastly, CBD may be able to help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are often associated with living with arthritis.
What types of symptoms are associated with arthritis that may be relieved by CBD?
CBD has been studied for its potential to relieve arthritis symptoms such as joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. CBD may help reduce pain, improve mobility, and reduce inflammation. CBD may also help improve sleep quality, reduce fatigue, and improve overall quality of life in patients with arthritis. Additionally, CBD may help to reduce anxiety and depression associated with chronic pain.
How has the use of CBD for arthritis been studied?
CBD has been studied for its potential to help relieve symptoms of arthritis. A number of studies have been conducted in both humans and animals, and they have shown that CBD may reduce pain, improve mobility, and reduce inflammation associated with arthritis. Additionally, many anecdotal reports from users point to CBD’s potential to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. More research is needed to understand the long-term effects of CBD use for arthritis.
Is there a recommended dosage of CBD for treating arthritis?
A recent study on the use of CBD for treating arthritis found that patients who used CBD showed significant reduction in joint pain and inflammation. However, the study did not recommend a specific dosage for CBD, emphasizing that it could vary from patient to patient. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any CBD supplements for arthritis.
Are there any potential side effects associated with taking CBD for arthritis?
According to a study conducted by the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, taking CBD for arthritis may result in minor side effects such as dry mouth, diarrhea, and drowsiness. In rare cases, high doses of CBD have been associated with liver toxicity, but this has not been reported in studies involving the use of CBD for arthritis.
How long until CBD gummies start working?
The timeframe for when CBD gummies will start working can vary depending on the study and the individual. In a recent study of CBD for arthritis, the participants reported a reduction in pain and inflammation within one week of consuming CBD gummies. Additionally, further improvements were reported after two weeks of use.
CBD shows promise in reducing the side effects of arthritis, but more long-term studies are needed to examine whether it can prevent and fully treat the condition. Cannabis is an incredibly unique and complex plant, full of compounds that give it its characteristic effects, taste, and smell. CBD is popular and widely appreciated for its well-tolerated nature and its vast range of therapeutic effects that can benefit our physical and mental wellbeing. Arthritis is a common condition that affects individuals of all ages and causes inflammation and joint pain. The individual symptoms experienced will depend on the type of arthritis. Still, they generally include joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, high inflammation levels, weakness, and restricted movement around the joint 1. Two of the most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. While there is currently no cure for arthritis, treatments including surgery, physiotherapy, and medication have been successful in slowing down arthritis for many patients. CBD has already been utilised to ease and assist many health conditions, including insomnia, anxiety and depression, nausea and chronic pain. Under the umbrella of chronic pain conditions is arthritis. While studies are still in their infancy, the results are promising. Traditional medication for arthritis varies, but usually includes a mix of different options 2 . While these medications are effective, safety from long-term use is often questioned. When doses are too high or taken for a prolonged period, this can also cause liver damage in some instances 3. More patients are becoming aware of alternative treatment methods like lifestyle changes or physical therapy. In addition, natural medication alternatives like CBD have risen in popularity as an option with fewer adverse side effects. The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system responsible for regulating body processes, including our mood, metabolism, energy levels and pain output. The ECS consists of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and receptor proteins. Cannabinoids like CBD can interact with receptors in our brain and nervous system and cause an uptake of certain compounds and hormones 4. CBD can influence how our brain perceives pain and increases the level of serotonin by interacting with serotonin receptors 5. This creates feelings of relaxation in our brain and body, which can help reduce the intensity of arthritis side effects. Cannabinoids can also block specific receptors that influence inflammation and pain within the body. In particular, CBD can block receptors that allow for levels of anandamide, an endocannabinoid, to increase in the body 6. This affects the way receptors respond to signals that they receive, reducing both inflammation and pain. The relationship between CBD and common health conditions like chronic pain has long been a topic of interest. Researchers have begun to branch out to similar conditions like arthritis, in particular, rheumatoid arthritis. This autoimmune and inflammatory disease causes the immune system to attack healthy cells, usually resulting in one of several joints being attacked. One of the first trials that investigated the effectiveness of cannabis-based medication to treat rheumatoid arthritis involved patients who used Sativex, a spray containing cannabis extract, over five weeks. Participants found the drug was effective in reducing inflammation and pain while also contributing to improved sleep quality. Another study involving rats looked at the topical application of CBD gels for joint pain and inflammation. Researchers found that the transdermal absorption from the CBD was sufficient enough to reduce joint swelling and reduce pro-inflammatory biomarkers. They concluded that topical CBD application has strong therapeutic potential for relief from arthritis and inflammation-related conditions without extreme adverse side effects 8. While preliminary research is highly promising, more long-term and large-scale studies involving human participants are still required for researchers to comprehend the effects of CBD on arthritis symptoms fully. Arthritis is incredibly common and affects individuals from all walks of life. With the rise in the prevalence of different types of arthritis, significant attention has been given to preventing this disease. The causes of arthritis are complex and can result from several risk factors that create a compounding effect 9. These include. While patients cannot control most of these risk factors, one that can be monitored is obesity. It is well acknowledged that obesity is highly influenced by lifestyle choices like diet, exercise, sleep and even stress levels This means incorporating a healthy and well-balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, increasing the frequency of exercise, practising mindfulness, and getting good quality sleep.