Chronic pain is increasingly becoming a prominent public health concern of enormous proportions. Associated facts and statistics are certainly overwhelming, particularly in the developed nations. In Europe, it is estimated that more than one in every four elderly individuals suffers from the persistent musculoskeletal pain of an incapacitating nature. Statistics from Australia indicate that over half of old people are affected by persistent pain, while 80% of nursing home residents suffer from the same. Figures from the United States reveal that approximately 38 million or 19% of adults have chronic pain, while 12 million people (6%) have used cannabis in efforts to treat it.
Why Cannabis
Cannabis has been used as a pain reliever for a long time in history, probably for thousands of years. Now, with many countries relaxing cannabis laws, the herb is again gaining popularity as an effective natural substitute to prescription pain medication. The main ingredient in cannabis that makes it an excellent pain reliever is cannabidiol, which is also commonly referred to as CBD oil. The good thing with CBD oil is that it is not psychoactive like THC, the other main active compound in the plant. With new studies on the medical benefits of CBD being released almost every other week, CBD oil for pain treatment is increasingly becoming popular in many countries, and there’s strong evidence to show that it really works.
For instance, recent studies show that CBD oil has the potential to help people suffering from arthritis to manage their pain when applied as a topical gel. Researchers also noted a significant reduction of inflammation and pain among patients with arthritis and no side effects. Other studies have also revealed that short-term use of CBD can reduce the severity of painful muscle spasms that are common in patients with multiple sclerosis. Similarly, other studies have found CBD to be effective in managing general chronic pain. Results from several scientific studies covering numerous studies and trials also concluded that there is significant evidence that CBD oil is effective in the treatment of chronic pain.
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How Does CBD Oil Work?
Humans have a biological system which is referred to as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It is made up of cannabinoid receptors found all over the body, including the spinal cord, the brain, and the immune system. The ECS helps in regulating vital body functions like immune response, pain, and sleep. CBD oil indirectly influences the receptors in the endocannabinoid system and sustains several outcomes. For example, CBD prevents the body from absorbing anandamide, a compound that is largely linked to controlling pain. Through this action, CBD is able to minimize the amount of pain that a person experiences and reduce inflammation, one of the underlying causes of several painful conditions.
Health Conditions that can be treated with CBD Oil
There’s a multitude of health conditions where CBD oil can be effectively applied in pain management. Some of the common uses include:
- Management of chronic pain
- Migraine
- Multiple sclerosis
- Inflammation
- Protection of nerves
- Arthritis
However, these are not the only uses of CBD oil when it comes to treating pain, and scientists are still discovering more uses as research is ongoing.
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How is CBD Oil used to treat Pain?
The appropriate way to use CBD oil for pain treatment is by using CBD oils extracted from industrial hemp, which contains high concentrations of CBD and tiny amounts of THC. CBD oil also comes in a variety of strengths, which permits medicinal users to regulate the dosage to their liking. CBD does not present any known risk of lethal overdose. However, it is always advisable, to begin with, small doses and then increase gradually over a period of several days or weeks until the desired effect is achieved. The recommended starting dose is normally between 5 and 10 mg. Besides CBD oils that are usually meant for oral consumption, other methods of treating pain with CBD oil include capsules, topical creams, edibles, and CBD-rich strains of cannabis that can be smoked or vaporized.
In summary, the introduction of cannabinoid medications to the pharmacopeia presents a novel approach to the management or treatment of chronic pain. These developments not only offer new hope to a multitude of people suffering from painful health conditions but also come as a welcome addition to the management of chronic pain.
