How CBD May Help with Arthritis Pain

Image by Erin Stone from Pixabay 

Cannabidiol (CBD) products come in various forms, including gels, chewable gummies, topical creams, and oils. These products are popular across the globe due to the numerous benefits they offer to users.

CBD oil has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But various scientific clinical studies show that CBD oil may have the potential to reduce pain and inflammation among patients with arthritis and other chronic conditions that cause severe inflammation and pain.

However, before using CBD oil products, it’s prudent to identify their potential effects on the body. Read on to learn more about CBD oil and its pharmacotherapy use in the treatment of chronic pain.

What is CBD for Arthritis?

CBD or cannabidiol is a chemical compound extracted from the hemp (Cannabis Sativa) plant. The hemp plant has many types of cannabinoids, including CBN, CBC, and CBG, and hundreds of flavonoids and terpenes that may have health benefits.

The best CBD oil for pain is extracted purely from hemp. The extract is then diluted in carrier oils, including hemp seed oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. The use of CBD oil products has gained popularity among patients with arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Its use in the health and wellness industry is supported by anecdotal evidence, and scientific studies show it could ease chronic pain.

How CBD Helps with Arthritis Pain 

A 2018 study on cannabinoid and pain showed that cannabinoids could be effective in relieving chronic pain when used in appropriate dosages. CBD may ease pain by interacting with TRPV1 and 5-HT1A neuroreceptors, which modulate chronic pain in patients with arthritis.

Activating the patients’ TRPV1 neuroreceptors relieves inflammatory pain, while the activation of 5-HT1A neuroreceptors eases neuropathic pain. Inflammatory pain is the primary source of arthritis-related pain, and that makes CBD oil products a potential pain reliever that could reduce pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

What Research Says About CBD for Arthritis

Scientific studies have found an affirmative association linking the activation of TRPV1 and 5-HT1A neuroreceptors to rheumatoid arthritis pain relief. The two neuroreceptors are responsible for the modulation of arthritic pain.

The established link between CBD and its interaction with these receptors may explain why patients with arthritic pain may get pain relief from CBD oil and topicals.

How CBD Oil May Provide Arthritis Relief 

Cannabinoids, including CBD, interact with the body’s neuroreceptors responsible for influencing inflammation and pain. CBD may ease arthritis pain by blocking neuroreceptors that modulate the pain.

Scientists researching the impact of cannabinoids on pain believe that CBD could suppress arthritic pain by influencing how neuroreceptors respond to pain signals that get received from the affected joints and thus helping in reducing pain and inflammation among patients.

Case Studies on CBD for Arthritis 

Many research studies and clinical trials have shown that CBD may help to relieve chronic pain. For example, a recent meta-analysis revealed that various clinical trials had demonstrated considerable evidence, which encourages the use of cannabinoids such as cannabidiol in the treatment of chronic arthritic pain and other forms of pain.

Another 2016 research study revealed that the transdermal use of CBD gels had a marked effect in reducing arthritic pain and inflammation while also reducing joint swelling and thickening the synovial membranes.

Pre-clinical trials on dogs with arthritis have also shown that CBD has an analgesic effect, which improves mobility. As such, similar therapeutic results may be found in human clinical trials, and the use of CBD may improve mobility among patients experiencing arthritic pain or osteoarthritis problems that make it hard for them to walk.

Benefits of CBD Oil for Arthritis

If used in proper doses of up to 300mg per day, CBD oil products may help ease arthritic pain and inflammation. CBD products may also reduce inflammation, which often leads to the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. As such, CBD’s anti-inflammatory effect may stop rheumatoid arthritis from getting worse.

The products made from CBD extracts may also reduce other symptoms such as fever and fatigue, which are common among rheumatoid arthritis patients. There are also a few side effects associated with CBD use, and these include lightheadedness, dry mouth, and drowsiness, but they aren’t severe enough to hinder the use of CBD.

From the studies and clinical trials conducted so far, CBD oil is proving to be a reliable treatment for arthritis pain. To end, more research still needs to be conducted before it’s fully accepted by the FDA for widespread approval.