Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a natural component of the hemp plant used for its many health benefits.
One of the most common reasons people — and seniors in particular — take CBD oil is for chronic pain. This includes pain related to arthritis, herniated disks, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and many other conditions.
Altogether, as many as 1 in 5 Australians suffer from chronic pain. This health issue not only takes a significant toll on people and their families but also costs the Australian economy an estimated $34.3 billion each year.
So, how can CBD oil help with chronic pain? Let’s take a look at the science behind this natural compound.
How Can CBD Oil Help with Chronic Pain?
Cannabis has a long history of use as an analgesic (pain reliever). As such, it’s not surprising that modern science is beginning to uncover how CBD and other cannabinoids can reduce various kinds of pain.
As it turns out, pain and the related process of inflammation are controlled by special receptors in the human body. CBD and other cannabinoids interact with many of these receptors, reducing the sensation of pain in the process.
For example, research studies have demonstrated that CBD interacts with the TRPV1, GPR55, and glycine receptors, which regulate various kinds of inflammation and pain.
In addition to this, CBD has been shown to increase the levels of anandamide — a cannabinoid made by the human body that can reduce pain.
Finally, some studies also suggest CBD can provide pain relief by increasing the levels of adenosine, a brain chemical that regulates pain, inflammation, and immune function.
CBD Oil and Chronic Pain Research
The use of CBD and other cannabinoids for chronic pain relief is just beginning to be explored by researchers. So far, dozens of animal studies report that CBD can reduce pain.
For example, one popular 2016 study in rats with arthritis showed that CBD gel reduced pain and inflammation in the affected joints without any side effects. More importantly, researchers are reporting similar findings in human trials.
In one 2018 study done in Italy, people suffering from chronic pain caused by multiple sclerosis were given Sativex — a pharmaceutical drug containing CBD and THC. The study participants reported a significant reduction in pain. Similarly, a 2006 study of Sativex reported improvement of pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition, a 2018 study done in Uruguay examined whether CBD can relieve chronic pain related to kidney transplants. The elderly participants were given CBD daily, resulting in partial or significant improvement in all but one patient.
Together, the positive findings of animal and human research provide a growing body of evidence for the pain-relieving effects of CBD.
CBD Oil vs Prescription Medications for Chronic Pain
It’s clear that CBD oil can help with chronic pain, but why are so many Australians choosing it over prescription medications? The simple answer is safety.
Whereas over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription pain medications such as ibuprofen, NSAIDs, and opioids come with a host of unwanted side effects, CBD is a surprisingly safe, natural substance.
Although CBD can cause minor issues such as dry mouth, diarrhea, and drowsiness, these effects are rare.
CBD Oil Dosage For Chronic Pain
It’s difficult to suggest the ideal dosage of CBD oil for chronic pain because there isn’t enough research and everyone’s case is different. What might work well for one person may be insufficient for another.
As a general rule, the best approach is to start with the lowest possible dose available with your CBD oil and increase it until you feel pain relief.
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil for Chronic Pain
In sum, medical research demonstrates that CBD and other cannabinoids can alleviate different kinds of pain, including that caused by multiple sclerosis, arthritis, cancer, and other conditions.
More importantly, CBD oil can do this naturally and without causing serious side effects associated with prescription pain medications, such as dependence and sedation.
If you’re interested in trying out CBD oil for your chronic pain, we highly suggest going with a full-spectrum CBD hemp oil. One such CBD oil available in Australia is Good Alternatives.
Full-spectrum CBD preparations provide better pain relief than those using CBD isolate because of the synergy between CBD and other natural components of hemp.
