3 minute read
CBD + PAIN
BY BEN OWENS
As regulations begin to roll out and the hemp industry continues to legitimize itself, CBD products are more accessible than ever. Not only are CBD products more accessible, but they can now be found in edible, sublingual, and smokable forms. CBD has become an increasingly reliable option for those looking for alternatives to over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription painkillers. For individuals dealing with chronic pain, CBD has anecdotally shown to be effective in reducing or replacing conventional treatment options that often include powerful pharmaceuticals with dangerous long-term side effects, and studies are now backing these claims up. 1,2
We are all familiar with the sensation of pain, but sometimes the reason we are in pain isn’t as obvious as the throbbing, sharp sensations we feel in the moment. Pain can be caused by both physical and neurological reasons. Physically, inflammation, irritation, abrasions, and incisions are among the most common reasons we feel pain. Stub our toe and it swells; slice our thumb while cooking and it bleeds and swells. But neurological pain stems from a variety of reasons. According to the Brain and Spine Foundation, “Common causes of neuropathic pain include nerve pressure or nerve damage after surgery or trauma, viral infections, cancer, vascular malformations, alcoholism, neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, and metabolic conditions such as diabetes.” CBD has been shown to help with a variety of the symptoms associated with these causes of neuropathic and physical pain, which has lent itself to the possibility of reducing and replacing traditional prescription painkillers.
CONVENTIONAL PAIN TREATMENTS
We’ve all had that person in our lives that swears by Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Aside from these OTC solutions, doctors may also prescribe prescription strength painkillers such as opioids that are much stronger than their OTC counterparts. 3 Due to this increase in strength, there is also an increase in side effects, including developing a tolerance that can lead to abuse and dependency if left unchecked. Individuals suffering from chronic physical and neurological pain often become chronic users of heavy prescription painkillers and are at a much higher risk of abuse and dependence, an issue that has largely led to the opioid epidemic as we now know it. Thankfully, patients are gaining access to alternative treatment options that can improve quality of life without the dangerous side effects of pills.
CBD & PAIN
As society becomes more favorable to CBD and cannabinoid treatments as a whole, we are learning more about the possibilities each compound holds and their ability to help with issues such as chronic or neurological pain. Studies have shown CBD can both significantly reduce opioid use and improve quality of life by reducing chronic pain and improving sleep quality in both patients and animals that were part of the studies. 1,2 CBD can be an effective pain treatment due to its anti-inflammatory properties and also due to its ability to combat negative symptoms of diagnosis such as cancer, substance abuse, and multiple sclerosis. In areas where conventional treatments can be replaced or supplemented with CBD regimens, studies are showing a decrease in opioid and painkiller dependence. 1,2 CBD can help treat pain and minimize our reliance on substances with often deadly side effects. 1
If you’re considering CBD for pain or looking for a supplement to your current pain treatment, talk to your doctor or care provider about cannabinoids such as CBD as well as CBD products containing an entourage of cannabinoids. These products may help improve the quality of life in those impacted by pain.
