6 uses of CBD for pain and inflammation relief with evidence

25. 04. 2024

The benefits of CBD oil in fighting pain include:

• Reduces inflammation
• Relieves common side effects of pain
• Promotes nerve cell health
• Activates pain receptors in the spinal cord and brain

1. CBD for arthritis-related pain

There are two types of arthritis - osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. CBD has been shown to promote both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, as well as tissue regenerative effects. There are dozens of studies looking at the effects of CBD on arthritis. Most of these studies have yielded promising results for arthritis when using both CBD pain-relieving ointments and CBD oils.

The benefits of using CBD oil for arthritis include:

• Relieves underlying inflammation
• Relieves chronic pain
• Prevents T-cell infiltration in rheumatoid arthritis
• Supports joint tissue regeneration

Evidence: CBD and arthritis

An animal study involving mice with collagen-induced arthritis showed a dramatic improvement in pain symptoms in CBD-treated subjects compared to a control group. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. This means that the cause of joint pain in this type of arthritis comes from the body's own immune cells attacking and destroying the cells that make up joint tissue. This leads to pain, inflammation and swelling. Immune cells called T-cells are responsible for attacking and destroying the joints.

In rheumatoid arthritis, CBD has been shown to inhibit T-cell infiltration into joint tissue. Other studies have shown that CBD has also been able to prevent T-cell infiltration of joints.  CBD has also been shown to block key inflammatory messengers associated with rheumatoid arthritis - such as nitric oxide, TNF-a, IL-1, IFN-g and much more.

2. CBD in fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a common condition (affecting up to 2% of the population) that includes chronic pain, fatigue, insomnia, depression and poor concentration. There is no cure for fibromyalgia and most of the currently available drugs are not very effective.

The benefits of using CBD oil for fibromyalgia include:

• Relieves chronic pain
• Improves sleep quality
• Alleviates side effects of the disease such as anxiety and depression

 

 

Evidence: CBD and fibromyalgia

Not much research has been done on the effects of CBD on fibromyalgia. A 2018 systematic review of CBD in pain management found only seven studies involving CBD or other cannabinoids for the treatment of fibromyalgia, and the evidence was limited for each of these studies [Stockings 2018]. Hence, there is a wealth of evidence for the benefits of using CBD for pain in other types of neuropathic pain. Although more research is needed, the chances of using CBD oil to manage pain associated with fibromyalgia are promising. There are also studies on the effects of synthetic cannabinoids on pain, but the results are much less impressive than for CBD in its natural form. A large meta-analysis conducted by the Cochrane group (considered the highest level of research) analyzed two clinical trials that examined the effects of a synthetic cannabinoid called nabilone on fibromyalgia . This study found no significant improvement when using the synthetic cannabinoid.

3. CBD for migraine headaches

Migraine is a severe form of headache. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light, sound or smell. Many people reach for a bottle of CBD oil for a migraine instead of using prescription drugs. There is even evidence to suggest that CBD may offer preventative effects against migraine attacks.

The benefits of using CBD oil for migraine headaches include:

• Relieves inflammation
• Blocks the transmission of pain
• May prevent the release of serotonin from platelets
• May reduce vascular spasms

 

 

Evidence: CBD and migraines

Despite recent advances in neurology, migraine headaches are poorly understood.

There are several theories about what causes migraine headaches:

• Excessive release of serotonin from platelet cells
• Spasm of the arteries supplying blood to the brain
• Neurological inflammation

There are no clinical studies specifically examining the impact of CBD use on migraines, but there are several studies that suggest CBD is a promising candidate for treatment. CBD has been shown to inhibit the release of serotonin from platelets in the brain, block inflammation in the brain , and directly inhibit pain signals.
In general, CBD can prevent vascular spasms in the brain due to its antispasmodic effects and ability to upregulate GABA. GABA is responsible for inhibiting glutamate, which is associated with muscle spasms in the arteries supplying the brain.

4. CBD for neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain is any pain resulting from damage or dysfunction of the nerve cells themselves. This type of pain is difficult to treat - up to 60% of neuropathic pain sufferers have no effective treatment. There has been a lot of promising research in recent years regarding the use of CBD oil for neuropathic pain. It works by targeting a system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for regulating the health of nerve cells.

This effect on the endocannabinoid system is thought to be the primary mechanism CBD uses to block pain originating from the nerves. However, further research is needed to understand this effect in more detail.

The benefits of using CBD oil for neuropathic pain include:

• Provides a protective effect to neurons
• Supports neuroregeneration
• Blocks the transmission of pain in the spinal cord and brain
• Supports GABA activity in neurons

Evidence: CBD and neuropathic pain

In a study involving 303 patients diagnosed with treatment-resistant peripheral nerve pain, a spray consisting of CBD and THC was administered [Serpell 2014]. The study concluded that the CBD/THC spray improved sleep quality and reduced pain severity in a significant portion of the treatment group.

5. CBD for muscle pain and recovery

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a common component of exercise. It happens when we use muscles more forcefully than they were working before, or in a way we are not used to. Stress on muscle fibers leads to damage and inflammation that can result in pain. DOMS usually occurs 24 - 48 hours after a workout and can last for several days in a row. This form of muscle pain can make it difficult to return to the gym until the pain goes away. CBD is a useful supplement to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with DOMS, helping you recover faster and get back to the gym as soon as possible.

The benefits of using CBD oil for muscle pain include:

• Relaxes tight muscle fibres
• Blocks the transmission of pain travelling from the muscles to the brain
• Relieves muscle inflammation
• Improves sleep quality and recovery
• Increases the differentiation of satellite cells in muscles
• Promotes protein synthesis by lowering cortisol levels

Evidence: CBD for muscle pain and recovery

While there is plenty of evidence to suggest that CBD products can be used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain - there are no specific studies examining the benefits of CBD products for DOMS or other forms of muscle pain in humans. Animal studies have shown that doses of CBD can effectively reduce various forms of chronic muscle pain.

6. CBD in sickle cell anaemia

Sickle cell anemia is a condition involving deformed red blood cells. The shape is often sickle-shaped, hence the name of the disease. One of the hallmarks of sickle cell anemia is chronic pain. The shape of the blood cells makes it difficult for them to adapt to some of the small capillaries lining the surface of the skin, in the muscles and in the internal organs. When these cells get stuck, it can lead to pain and inflammation that is very difficult to treat. While there is research into the effects of CBD on sickle cell anemia, it is still in its infancy.

The benefits of using CBD oil for sickle cell anemia include:

• Relieves pain
• Inhibits inflammation
• Stabilizes mast cells to prevent inflammation and irritation

Evidence: CBD and sickle cell anaemia

An animal study involving a CBD- and THC-containing pharmaceutical called Sativex demonstrated a dramatic reduction in pain and inflammation associated with sickle cell anemia. This study suggests that the primary mechanism of action of CBD's pain-relieving effects is through mast cell inhibition. These cells are activated when blood cells become trapped in capillaries, leading to a cascade of inflammation and pain.

Table of benefits of individual cannabinoids

CBD is not the only active ingredient that contributes to the overall health benefits of hemp extract. While CBD is the main component, other cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis also contribute to the overall health benefits of full-spectrum CBD oil.

Here is a brief list of the many health benefits of cannabinoids:

Health benefit	CBD (cannabidiol)	THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)	CBN (cannabinol)	CBG (cannabigerol)	CBC (cannabichromene)	THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin)
Adaptogenic effects	✓			✓
Analgesic	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Anti-inflammatory effects	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Effects against cancer	✓	✓		✓	✓
Anticonvulsant	✓	✓	✓			✓
Antidepressant	✓	✓		✓	✓
Antidiabetic	✓					✓
Antiemetic	✓	✓
Antiepileptic	✓				✓	✓
Antimicrobial effects			✓	✓	✓
Antioxidant	✓	✓		✓	✓	✓
Anxiolytic	✓		✓	✓	✓
Appetite Stimulant		✓	✓	✓
Suppresses appetite	✓			✓		✓
Immunomodulatory effects	✓
Neuroprotective effects	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Sedative effects	✓	✓	✓

What are the side effects of CBD?

All dietary supplements and medications carry a risk of side effects. The severity of these side effects depends on the specific substance. Compared to other dietary supplements, CBD has a very low risk of side effects. Most people who experience side effects report that the reaction is mild, most often involving fatigue or dizziness. In more severe cases, CBD can cause a noticeable drop in blood pressure, diarrhea or nausea, although this is very rare. Side effects are more common with high doses of CBD and when taken with other drugs, supplements or alcohol.

The most common side effects of CBD include:

• Low blood pressure
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
• Fatigue
• Diarrhoea
• Indigestion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash

Summary: The Benefits of Using CBD

CBD is a very useful supplement that offers a wide range of benefits across multiple organ systems. It is used to support neurological function, cardiovascular health, immune function, and much more. This impressive molecule can offer all these benefits by interacting with a system responsible for regulating various processes in the body called the endocannabinoid system. By supporting this system, CBD can influence hormone production, nerve function, inflammation, pain transmission, and more.

 

 

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