Among the many potential health applications of CBD oil, relieving arthritis is one of the most promising.
This inflammatory joint condition is estimated to affect 3.6 (15%) million Australians, with the two most common forms being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid (autoimmune) arthritis.
People with arthritis use CBD-based products not only to decrease pain and inflammation but also improve anxiety, mood, and sleep.
Although more research is needed to demonstrate CBD’s ability to ease arthritis symptoms, the current findings are quite promising. Here’s what the research has to say about using CBD-based products to relieve this debilitating condition.
How Can CBD Help with Arthritis?
CBD and other cannabis-derived cannabinoids can relieve the symptoms of arthritis and even address its underlying causes by supporting the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system helps maintain a state of internal balance by regulating essential processes such as sleep, stress, metabolism, immunity, inflammation, pain, and mood.
As such, activation of the endocannabinoid system can produce many beneficial effects for arthritis sufferers, such as reduction of pain and inflammation, improvement of sleep, anxiety, and depression, and even alleviation of the overactive immune system responses that characterize rheumatoid arthritis.
Additionally, research shows that CBD interacts with many receptors that control pain and inflammation, the two key processes implicated in arthritis. For example, several studies have demonstrated that CBD interacts with TRPV1, GPR55, and glycine receptors, all of which regulate inflammation and pain.
CBD has also been shown to raise the levels of adenosine, a brain chemical involved in regulating pain, inflammation, and immune function.
Medical Research on CBD and Arthritis
Most of the current evidence for the beneficial effects of CBD in arthritis comes from animal studies, and more human trials are needed. Nonetheless, the current findings are very promising.
One 2011 study reported that CBD reduced inflammation pain caused by arthritis in rats. Similarly, a 2016 study looked at the effects of a CBD-based gel on rats with arthritis. The treatment reduced pain and inflammation in the affected joints without producing side effects, leading the researchers to conclude that “topical CBD application has therapeutic potential for relief of arthritis pain-related behaviours and inflammation.”
Furthermore, a 2017 study reported that CBD reduced pain and nerve damage in rats with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.
Meanwhile, a 2006 clinical study found that Sativex, a pharmaceutical drug combining equal amounts of CBD and THC, was effective in relieving pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, the second most common form of the disease.
Additionally, there is a good deal of anecdotal evidence that CBD improves the quality of life for people with arthritis. Most notably, a survey of arthritis sufferers done by the Arthritis Foundation reported extremely promising findings.
Out of 2,600 respondents, 79% reported trying or currently using a CBD product, with most taking CBD oil (62%) or topical products applied directly to the affected joints (55%).
Out of these current users, 75% noted that CBD was either effective or very effective at relieving their symptoms, 71% reported improved sleep, and over 30% reported relief of morning stiffness and fatigue. Additionally, 77% reported improvement of anxiety, 67% had improvement of mood, and 41% had an improved sense of well-being.
Taken together, the research and survey findings suggest that CBD oil and other CBD-based products are an excellent option for relieving symptoms and improving overall wellness in arthritis sufferers.
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil for Arthritis
Arthritis remains an incurable condition with a huge societal impact. As such, there’s a good reason to be excited about CBD’s ability to ease the symptoms of this debilitating disorder.
Furthermore, unlike standard arthritis medication, CBD can help relieve a wide range of issues experienced by people with arthritis, including anxiety, insomnia, depression, and fatigue. Better yet, CBD is a natural, safe substance that has not been associated with any significant side effects.
Australian arthritis sufferers interested in trying and purchasing CBD oil should opt for full-spectrum products. Full-spectrum CBD extract contains all of the naturally-occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial phytochemicals found in hemp. These compounds work in synergy with CBD and each other, producing greater benefits than CBD-only products.
As a result, a full-spectrum CBD oil will do a better job of relieving your symptoms and require smaller doses to be effective.
