Arthritis is one of the most painful and disabling conditions. It hurts. A lot. All the time. And, it makes you unable to function in daily life. When you have arthritis, it’s difficult to participate in social activities or even do the dishes. With an arthritis diagnosis, you can expect a life of painkillers, physical therapy, and even surgery.That was until now.Today, we have CBD. CBD gummies, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the marijuana plant. It’s not psychoactive like its counterpart THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, so it doesn’t get you high. What it does, though, is provide pain relief from arthritis. Additionally, it reduces inflammation, improves mood, and gives you an overall sense of well-being.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 23 percent of all adults—over 54 million people—have arthritis in the United States. About 24 million of those are limited in their activities from their condition. And, more than one in four adults with arthritis report severe joint pain.
It’s no wonder people with arthritis are looking for alternative methods of treatment. CBD, it seems, is the alternative that these people want and need.
In 2020, the Arthritis Foundation conducted a poll to learn the amount of CBD usage among arthritis people. The poll indicated that 29 percent were current users (primarily in topical or liquid form), and nearly 80 percent were using it, had used it before, or had it under consideration.
This finding marks an urgent need for human studies to begin. As of today, there are only animal studies proving that CBD relieves pain. And, the people who use CBD for arthritis pain are reporting its effectiveness.
Does CBD Help With Arthritis Pain?
If people are using CBD for their arthritis pain, what are they saying about it? Is it working?
While there are no human studies as of 2020, several animal studies support the use of CBD for arthritis pain.
According to a September 2020 study examining osteoarthritis in dogs and their response to CBD treatment, researchers found that CBD for arthritis pain is safe and therapeutic. The researchers also noted that further investigation and research with human subjects are necessary.
A July 2016 study examined the effectiveness of transdermal CBD (topical) on inflammation and pain in rats with arthritis. The research indicated that transdermal CBD has long-lasting therapeutic effects with no psychoactive side effects.
Topical CBD is a highly effective treatment for arthritis pain relief. But, you need to be careful when selecting a CBD product. Make sure that it’s hemp-derived with only .03 percent of THC. Don’t worry. That small amount of THC won’t make you high. To find hemp-derived CBD products, look for Sunday Scaries CBD gummies.
How CBD Helps With Arthritis Pain
It’s well-known that CBD helps with arthritis pain. Studies and reports from people who use it indicate that this is true. But, how does it work? Take a look at five ways CBD can help with your arthritis pain below.
- Reduces pain signals. CBD decreases pain and its sensation by stimulating the reuptake of adenosine, a neurotransmitter. Adenosine causes adenosine levels to boost in the brain, and thus, stopping pain sensations. Additionally, CBD binds to TPRV1, which is located in the processing centers in the brain. TPRV1 regulates pain and inflammation. CBD may block pain signals from reaching TPRV1, thus stopping pain.
- Reduces inflammation. CBD acts as an antioxidant, thereby decreasing oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. It might also reduce inflammation by preventing reductions in microelements, such as zinc and selenium, which are both critical components for a balanced immune response. CBD may also decrease neuropathic pain, such as neuropathic back pain or fibromyalgia, by counteracting hyperalgesia, an unusually raised pain response.
- Provides analgesic relief. A 2009 report on the analgesic potential of cannabinoids demonstrated that cannabinoids, like CBD, was used since Ancient China for their analgesic properties. Today, people are using CBD for the same reason, touting that it’s a valid alternative to opioids, thus reducing the risk of opioid addiction.
- Increases the immune response. CBD can regulate the immune response by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting the rapid increase of T cells. T cells are found in autoimmune and systemic inflammatory disorders.
- Improves mood and sleep. Depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue aren’t unusual when it comes to arthritis pain. It can hinder your daily life, work, relationships, and mental health. That’s why it’s so important to get healthy rest. CBD relaxes and calms you down so that you can sleep better. And, better sleep means less pain. Also read:How can CBD Oil Improve Your Wellness?
Arthritis is a debilitating disease that can disrupt your entire life. The pain can be so intense that you may resort to painkillers, such as opioids, for treatment. But, you run the risk of addiction. With CBD, you can alleviate your arthritis pain without risking addiction.
CBD is a natural pain-reducing medication that has been used for centuries. Today, there’s more acceptance of it as a medicinal drug that can provide pain relief. Research on human subjects is necessary, as there are currently only animal studies on how CBD affects pain.
Since CBD dissolves in fats, always choose products that have healthy oils to increase absorption rates. The best way to achieve this effect is by choosing products you have to ingest orally, such as edibles (for example, gummies and chocolate), oils, capsules, and oral sprays. Transdermal patches are also highly effective at reducing arthritis pain quickly.
CBD is a miraculous alternative treatment for arthritis pain. Binding to the endocannabinoid system in your body, CBD works by reducing inflammation and inhibiting pain signals. It’s not addictive and doesn’t make you feel high. Be sure to get quality hemp-derived CBD to ensure that there’s little or no THC in your product.
Always speak to your doctor before trying CBD. He can provide you with more information, including dosage, as there are no dosing guidelines to this date.
