If you’re struggling with chronic pain, you may be searching for alternative treatments to help you manage your symptoms. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one such treatment that has been gaining traction in the medical community due to its potential therapeutic benefits. In this article, we’ll discuss the evidence-based benefits of using CBD for pain relief, as well as how you can use it in your own health regimen. We’ll also go over some of the potential risks associated with CBD use, so you can make an informed decision about your health. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of how CBD may be able to help you manage your pain.
What are the most effective methods of using CBD for pain relief?
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The most effective methods of using CBD for pain relief include topical applications of CBD creams and oils, ingesting CBD capsules or tinctures, and vaping CBD oils. Topical applications are often preferred due to the localized effects of the CBD, while ingesting CBD is better for more systemic effects. Vaping CBD can provide rapid relief as the CBD is absorbed quickly through the lungs.
Are there any adverse side effects associated with using CBD for pain relief?
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The best way to use CBD for pain relief is to start with a low dose and work your way up. While CBD is generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated, there are some potential adverse side effects associated with using it, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and changes in appetite or weight. It is important to consult with a doctor before beginning any type of CBD regimen.
How does CBD compare to other pain relief methods?
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Using CBD for pain relief is a safe, natural, and effective way to reduce pain and inflammation. Compared to traditional pain relief methods such as over-the-counter medications, CBD does not have the same side effects and is generally considered to be much safer. Additionally, CBD can be used in a variety of ways such as topical creams, oils, and edibles. These methods are often preferred to more aggressive treatments such as surgery or prescription medications.
Is it safe to combine CBD with other pain relief medications?
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CBD can be combined with other pain relief medications, but it is important to talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can help you understand the potential risks and benefits of combining CBD with other medications and can make recommendations on the best way to use CBD for your particular pain relief needs.
People looking for a safer pain reliever are turning to cannabis-derived CBD. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is undergoing a surge in popularity as the hot new supplement, with a promise to treat a variety of conditions including pain, anxiety, and insomnia, just to name a few. But does it work? CBD is one of the compounds in the cannabis plant, better known as marijuana. The scientific evidence around CBD use is thin, a fact that is mainly due to politics. Under the U. Federal Controlled Substances Act, Schedule 1 drugs are defined as having no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Yet marijuana has been used as a medicinal plant for thousands of years, he notes. In fact, one of the first recorded uses of cannabis was for rheumatism, also known as arthritis. Cannabis products were widely used as medicines in the 19th and early 20th centuries , and were listed in the U. Pharmacopoeia before the onset of Federal restriction in under the Marijuana Tax Act. Much of the research literature around CBD in particular supports its use as a treatment for childhood epilepsy. In a substantial policy shift, Epidiolex was designated as Schedule V, which is the least restrictive drug schedule and indicates little potential for abuse. So many people are turning to CBD as an alternative pain reliever, especially in light of the opioid crisis, that in a commentary published in Annals of Internal Medicine , Boehnke and Daniel Clauw, M. Boehnke and Clauw recommend that people with chronic pain talk to their doctor about adding CBD to their treatment plan, and continue to use their prescribed medication. They offer the following advice for people wanting to try CBD. Bottom line is smoking anything harms the lungs. Purchase from reputable sources. Route of administration matters. CBD is best taken in pill or capsule form for slow extended release or as an oral tincture infused oil that contains CBD for faster effect onset. Start low, go slow. Take a small amount and slowly increase your dosage until you start to get symptom relief over a matter of weeks. Track your symptoms to get a sense of whether or not CBD is a helpful part of your treatment plan. Check your state laws. Health Management. Kelly Malcom. October 30, PM. Want to learn more on this topic? Alternative Medicine. Chronic Pain. Joint Pain.
The Forbes Health editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Health site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First , we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health. While we work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Medically Reviewed. Without the intoxicating properties of its cousin deltatetrahydrocannabinol THC , cannabidiol CBD can provide the human body with a handful of health benefits. Cannabinoids like CBD interact with receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in signaling bodily functions, from emotional responses to motor control to energy balance 1 Mouslech Z, Valla V. Endocannabinoid system An overview of its potential in current medical practice. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. For now, no CBD-based medications are approved as painkillers in the U. Meanwhile, several countries have approved CBD to treat certain conditions. For instance, the U. Ongoing research suggests CBD oil for pain can aid medical conditions, including arthritis and fibromyalgia, at varying doses. Chronic pain is defined as any pain lasting longer than several months. Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Ther Clin Risk Manag. The spray, also used for multiple sclerosis-related pain, is approved in Canada to treat cancer pain and is currently undergoing trials for approval and use in the U. The study identified three types of pain nociceptive affecting body tissue , neuropathic affecting nerves and mixed pain. Sativex helped treat all three kinds but proved especially effective against neuropathic pain. A preliminary controlled study to determine whether whole-plant cannabis extracts can improve intractable neurogenic symptoms. Clin Rehabil. Arthritis is a broad term that encompasses hundreds of joint-related conditions and pains. Common symptoms include swelling, pain and stiffness in the joints and may progress over time.