DOES CBD HELP WITH JOINT PAIN?

If you're looking to find relief from joint pain, you might have heard of cannabidiol (CBD) oil. But does CBD work? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about CBD oil and whether it's safe and effective in treating joint pain and inflammation.

According to Wang et al. (2020), cannabis sativa has anti-inflammatory properties. People who have had prevailing joint pain over the years and tried CBD have attested to the pain-relieving properties of CBD. However, room for further studies is created to gain more insight into the impact of CBD on pain management.

Endocannabinoid System, CBD, and Joint Pain

The endocannabinoid system is a regulatory system that responds to cannabinoids found in cannabis. The endocannabinoid system consists of endocannabinoids (produced by the body), cannabinoid receptors (found on cells throughout the body), and metabolic enzymes (that create and break down endocannabinoids). It plays an important role in regulating many physiological processes that span from appetite, immune function, mood, pain sensation, and memory. Cooray et al. (2020) explained that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to relieve inflammation, improve sleep quality, relieve chronic pain, and reduce nausea. Below are the benefits of CBD.

Reduces Inflammation

One of the main causes of joint pain is inflammation, which leads to swelling and redness. By reducing inflammation in your joints, you reduce the amount of pain you feel when moving them.

Releases Endorphins

O'Neill et al. (2009)suggested that when you exercise or do something that makes you sweat (like jogging), you release endorphins into your body. Endorphins work as natural painkillers, which help relieve any joint pains caused by exercise. CBD works similarly to release endorphins into your body to help relieve joint pains caused by exercise or other movements like walking or lifting heavy objects.

Improves Circulation

It improves circulation within the joints, which helps reduce swelling and stiffness associated with arthritis.

What are the Different Forms of CBD?

There are several ways to use CBD for joint pain. You can take it as an oil, capsule, or tincture if you don't want to smoke it. You can also use topical creams on your joints to help relieve pain and swelling.

Oils

These oils come in different strengths and flavors, but all contain cannabidiol. Some oils may have other cannabinoids, such as THC or CBN.

Tinctures

Tinctures are liquid extracts that are taken orally using a dropper or syringe. They're sometimes flavored or unflavored depending on preference and maybe ingested sublingually (under the tongue) or swallowed whole as an edible supplement with food or drink.

Vape juice

This form of CBD comes in liquid form that's added to your vape device, which turns it into a vapor you inhale, much like smoking marijuana would smoke it but without any smoke or smell because there is no.

Creams 

They are typically applied on the skin surface and then rubbed gently so they can spread all over the skin surface.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a general term that describes swelling and pain in the joint. The joints are where two bones meet, such as the knee or elbow. Arthritis can also affect other parts of your body, such as your spine or hips.

There are different types of arthritis. Some forms are common among people with HIV. They include :

Osteoarthritis (OA)

According to Shen & Chen (2014), osteoarthritis (OA)  is a degenerative disease usually affecting older people. However, it can affect younger people too if they have an injury or illness that weakens their joints. OA effects of osteoporosis are majorly felt on the hips and knees, that is, in the weight-bearing joints. However, it can also affect smaller joints like the hands and fingers. Early signs of osteoarthritis include stiffness, tenderness, and swelling in one joint at a time that comes and goes over time. As the disease progresses, these symptoms may become more constant and severe. Eventually, OA causes permanent damage to the cartilage-the tough tissue covering bones at joints, leading to pain and stiffness during movement.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is described as a disease in which the body attacks its tissues, in this case, the lining of the joints. This causes pain and swelling. RA can damage any joint in your body but mostly affects the hands, wrists, feet, and knees. Rheumatoid arthritis usually strikes people between the ages of 20 and 50, but it can occur at any age.

CBD Oil Relieves Arthritis

According to the arthritis foundation, people who use CBD products encounter pain relief, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep. However, further research should be undertaken since most clinical research has been conducted on animals. Since most of the studies have not been conducted in humans, the Food and Drug Administration should regulate the CBD products In the market.

Are there Guidelines on the Use of CBD for Arthritis

Minimal guidelines have been published on the appropriate ways for CBD use. Depending on the type of arthritis, interest, and availability, patients and their doctors have come up with options for treating each case. However, the arthritis foundation has had some recommendations on how to use it.

Purity, potency, and safety should be independently tested on the drug, which should be a major consideration. Moreover, While searching for a product, ensure it has the 'good manufacturing practice' certification. It is important to note that CBD should be part of a comprehensive pain management strategy that includes non-pharmaceutical solutions (like exercise) and psychological support.

Routine Suggestion

Start with a mild dose in the evening and an oral treatment (rather than inhaled medications). Establish treatment goals within a reasonable time frame. For example, a reduction in knee pain that permits you to walk around the block after two weeks of starting therapy; goals can be changed later if your condition improves.

Inform your doctor(s) about your CBD treatment plans and existing regimen; instead of consulting nonmedical practitioners, check your pain and alter prescriptions with your medical doctors (such as those selling CBD products).

Conclusion

If you're considering CBD treatment for chronic arthritic pain or are already using it, discuss the benefits, drawbacks, and newest news with your healthcare professional to devise a suitable treatment plan. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, it may be critical to continue taking your traditional prescription treatments, even if CBD products provide additional comfort.

References

Cooray, R., Gupta, V., & Suphioglu, C. (2020). A review is a review of current aspects of the endocannabinoid system and targeted THC and CBD phytocannabinoids as potential therapeutics for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Molecular neurobiology, 57(11), 4878-4890.

O'Neill, C., Lancaster, E., Herb, K., Whitcomb, L., Megs, N., Lamoure, T., ... & Select, S. CBD Eye Drops A New Frontier For Ocular Pain A new frontier for ocular pain.

Shen, J., & Chen, D. (2014). Recent progress in osteoarthritis research. The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 22(7), 467.

Wang, B., Kovalchuk, A., Li, D., Ilnytskyy, Y., Kovalchuk, I., & Kovalchuk, O. (2020). In search of preventative strategies: novel anti-inflammatory high-CBD cannabis sativa extracts modulate ACE2 expression in COVID-19 gateway tissues.