Chronic pain is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide – approximately 50 million adults in the United States only! It can be caused by a variety of factors, including injuries, illnesses, and conditions that damage the nervous system. Chronic pain can be extremely debilitating and hard to cope with daily, making it difficult to perform everyday activities and leaving many feeling helpless and frustrated.
It can be hard to find relief from the persistent aches and pains that come with this condition – although there are a variety of treatments available for chronic pain, many of them come with unwanted side effects.
Many people have turned to CBD oil as an alternative treatment to help them manage their chronic pain and improve their overall quality of life, considering that the substance is generally safe and well-tolerated. This is especially true if you buy your CBD from reputable manufacturers like Foliage – hemp-based CBD products from this brand, for instance, indicate that there is no detectable THC, i.e., the products won’t produce any intoxicating effects.
In this article, we will explore how CBD oil can help you alleviate chronic pain and provide an overview of its potential benefits, in addition to essential information on how to use it safely and effectively to improve your overall health. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is defined as any pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks.
The exact cause of chronic pain is often difficult to determine, as it can be the result of a variety of factors. However, some of the most common causes of chronic pain include:
- Injuries (sports injury, car accident, or fall).
- Illnesses (arthritis, cancer, or fibromyalgia).
- Conditions that damage the nervous system (multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury).
The symptoms of chronic pain vary from person to person, but they can often be debilitating and interfere with daily activities, work, and sleep. Some of the most common symptoms of chronic pain include:
- persistent aches and pains,
- stiffness and difficulty moving,
- fatigue,
- sleep problems.
It can also lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness.
There are a variety of treatments available for chronic pain, but many of them come with unwanted side effects that include drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset, and addiction. As a result, many seek alternative, all-natural chronic pain remedies, and CBD is one such thing.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a natural product that is derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it does not produce the intoxicating effects responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use.
CBD oil has a variety of potential health benefits and has been shown to be effective in addressing a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, and even providing relief from symptoms associated with cancer treatments.
How Does CBD Oil Work?
CBD oil works by influencing the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) – a network of receptors located throughout the body that are responsible for regulating a variety of important functions, including pain, inflammation, mood, and appetite.
When CBD oil is consumed, it affects these receptors and helps to modulate these functions, providing relief from a variety of symptoms.
CBD and Pain Relief
CBD oil has a variety of potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving sleep. In addition, CBD oil is non-addictive and does not cause the same side effects as many medications used to treat chronic pain.
Already a proven analgesic for other conditions, CBD shows promise as an anti-inflammatory substance in both animal and preclinical trials, which bodes well for arthritis treatment.
CBD is also frequently studied paired with THC. For instance, a 2019 study suggests that a mixture of CBD and THC may prove beneficial for people with fibromyalgia, a type of arthritis that causes widespread pain and fatigue. The study concluded that in a single inhalation, a CBD-THC solution outperformed a placebo and either substance alone.
CBD Oil Side Effects
CBD oil is generally well-tolerated and considered to be safe for most people. The most common side effects associated with its use include diarrhea, changes in appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue.
It is important to note that CBD oil can interact with certain medications, so it is always best to speak with a healthcare professional before using it if you are taking any prescription medications.
CBD Oil Dosage
When using CBD oil for chronic pain, it is important to start with a low dose, observe how your body reacts to the changes, and then increase gradually as needed.
There are a variety of ways to use the substance for chronic pain relief – CBD oil can be taken orally in the form of capsules, tinctures, or edibles. Your healthcare professional can also help you determine the best dosage for your individual needs.
Conclusion
CBD oil is becoming an increasingly popular treatment for chronic pain, as it offers a natural alternative to medications that can come with unwanted side effects. It has been found to be effective in alleviating the pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, nerve damage, and fibromyalgia, among others.
CBD oil is generally well-tolerated and considered to be safe for most people, but, as with any form of treatment, it is important to speak with your doctor before trying CBD oil to ensure that it is safe and effective for you. With careful use, CBD oil may offer effective relief from your chronic pain and improve your overall quality of life.
