Are you interested in whether CBD oil can help with pain, and are looking for a natural supplement or alternative to conventional painkillers? Would you like to learn more about the use of CBD oil for pain management?
Taking CBD as an alternative or supplementary pain relief method has been praised by people both online and offline. In this article, you will learn about how cannabidiol products can help you, based on studies and personal experiences.
What is CBD oil?
Many people confuse the active ingredient cannabidiol with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is also found in marijuana. However, the effects of the two are noticeably different. CBD does not make you high and, therefore, is not addictive.
For this reason, products containing the plant-based active ingredient CBD can be freely sold in the US and are legal to purchase! However, CBD is not sold as a medication, even though some people use CBD products as a substitute for painkillers and to generally promote health.
The most popular product is CBD oil, which is easy to use and can trigger many positive effects in the human body. You'll learn what these are and what to consider when taking it in the following section.
How does CBD oil work against pain?
The plant substance works in the human body by influencing the endocannabinoid system [1]
This system is, among other things, responsible for regulating sleep and nerve function and also influences the transmission of pain in the body.
It contains natural messenger substances and their associated receptors, so there is a risk that it can get out of balance and cause problems in the form of complaints. The importance of the endocannabinoid system, especially in terms of pain perception, is increasingly coming into the focus of science and is also being researched in studies.
CBD can positively influence the CB1 and CB2 receptors as a cannabinoid, helping to maintain balance and optimal body functions. All humans have endocannabinoids that the body produces to combat pain and act as natural painkillers - and this is exactly where CBD oil could potentially provide supportive action for pain. This is particularly interesting for people with pain syndromes and increased pain perception, who complain that many medications, while effective, impair their lives due to sometimes strong side effects.
Effects of CBD on Chronic Pain
From the aforementioned schema, a potential impact on the body can be inferred. A 2018 study [2] suggested that CBD can help alleviate severe pain. This is particularly relevant for pain patients with chronic pain and those undergoing pain therapy.
Based on medical insights into the pain-relieving properties of CBD [6][7], patients can use CBD as a supplemental treatment for back pain. Regarding the dosage, higher doses may be needed to improve the quality of life for those affected.
CBD - A Relief for Back Pain?
Almost everyone has probably experienced some form of back pain at one time or another. The lower back is most commonly affected – the pain, like most other back pain, is caused by overexertion and weakening of the back muscles. These can cramp, for example due to poor posture, and can turn into chronic pain with long-term imbalance.
To avoid relying on medications that may have unpleasant side effects in the long term, the plant substance CBD could be a sensible alternative. Not only due to its relaxing effect but also because it can have pain-relieving effects.
Arthritis
This disease, associated with severe joint pain, is often caused by inflammation in the joints and is considered incurable. The extracts and active ingredients of the hemp plant could offer several advantages here, in the form of oils or capsules, with additional ingredients such as curcumin (inhibits inflammation). The benefits of the hemp plant and curcumin have been well-known and popular in natural medicine for years.
Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, the natural active ingredient cannabidiol can also be used with its plant power here. This positive effect was suggested in a recent study [3]. CBD is available in various forms - for example, as oil or conveniently for on-the-go in the form of capsules.
Restless Legs Syndrome
This disease, which in rare cases resembles spasticity, refers to a movement disorder. It is associated with unpleasant sensations and involuntary urges to move the arms and legs. This can also lead to uncontrollable movements and undefined pains.
Treating this nerve disease with CBD has therefore been discussed in recent studies. A reduction in involuntary muscle contractions was noted in some of the participants in a 2016 investigation [4] after taking the plant substance. The application of CBD should preferably be internal.
Migraines & Headaches
There are various online testimonials from CBD users who believe that CBD helps alleviate their headaches and migraines, thereby improving their quality of life.
More research is needed to confirm this, but most users stand by these experiences. Due to the body's inherent endocannabinoid system, cannabis-derived products can effectively interact with the body.
Can CBD Help With Cancer Pain?
Research in the field of cancer is intensive and diverse. A preliminary human study involving Cannabidiol [5] had positive findings.
In some patients, a reduction in tumor size was observed. This suggests that the use of this plant-based substance in cancer therapy could be feasible. However, caution is necessary - CBD is not a cure-all. More research is needed to make a definitive statement about the effect of CBD oil on cancer. So far, no adverse effects are known from the use of compounds from the cannabis plant (as long as CBD is taken in a usual way and not in high doses).
Does Cannabidiol Help with Spasms Associated with Multiple Sclerosis?
A review of the literature suggests [8] that "CBD and other cannabinoids are currently not available for formal indications as medicines (...) except for (...) CBD in combination with THC for the treatment of spasticity associated with Multiple Sclerosis".
Nonetheless, there are numerous online testimonials from users who share their experiences treating MS pain with pure CBD. Many users note that CBD integrates well into daily life, as this cannabinoid does not produce a "high".
Can CBD Help With Nerve Pain?
Especially tests on animal models have shown relief in neuropathic pain [9], but the research on the cannabinoid CBD is still not sufficient, even though there has been a growing interest in the hemp plant in recent years.
Thus, CBD could be a suitable solution for many pain patients who cannot tolerate the active ingredients of conventional painkillers. Particularly when the pain is not diffuse, a CBD gel can be applied externally to combat the pain.
Does CBD Have Undesirable Side Effects?
Firstly, it's important to note that side effects from taking Cannabidiol are rare and usually mild.
The following side effects may occur:
- Allergic reactions
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Feeling of fatigue and tiredness Drop in blood pressure
- Digestive problems
With certain medications, there's a risk of potential negative interactions with the plant-based active ingredient CBD. Examples include Diazepam or Omeprazole. It's always advisable to consult a doctor before using CBD.
Read our guide on CBD side effects and how to deal with them.
Also, pregnant women, children, and severely ill individuals should refrain from using CBD, as its usage is not yet adequately researched.
What CBD Products for Pain Are Available on the Market?
The question you should be asking is: "Which product works best for pain?" Here is a list of different products.
- CBD Oil: You can swallow this directly or add it to a beverage. The drops work quickly and, in our opinion, are ideally suited for pain relief.
- Ointments and Creams: They are suitable for external application, for example, for joint or back pain, and when the pain is localized.
- Mouth and Nose Sprays: The CBD in these products reaches the mucous membranes directly and thus acts very quickly.
- Capsules: These only dissolve in the stomach, allowing the active ingredient to then enter the bloodstream. Easy to dose and straightforward to take, just like capsule-form pain relievers.
Two points to note: Depending on the method of application, the taste of CBD and the time until the onset of action vary. For people who dislike the taste of hemp, external application of creams or oils, or taking CBD capsules, which studies suggest have a particularly long duration of action, may be suitable. You can also take CBD oil with some honey or agave nectar.
But in addition to the method of intake, the right dosage should be observed to experience positive effects with CBD. If you struggle with dosing, you can take the CBD oil in front of a mirror or drop it onto a spoon. You can learn more about this in the next section!
Dosage: How much CBD should I take for minor and severe pain?
Firstly, it's important to note that you can't overdose on CBD! That being said, if you consume too much of it, you may experience some of the side effects mentioned earlier.
| Intensity | Description | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Mild Pain | For minor pain, CBD can serve as an ideal alternative to synthetic painkillers. | 5% CBD oil, three drops in the morning and evening, can be increased to five drops |
| Severe Pain | In this case, a systematic approach is best. Gradually increase the dosage until the desired effect is reached without side effects | 15% CBD oil, three drops in the morning and evening for two weeks, from the third week take five drops three times a day |
Find a comprehensive guide to CBD dosage here (including tables and videos).
Experiences: What do science and users say?
Recent studies have been exploring the medical benefits of Cannabidiol for several years.
Two such studies conducted in 2016 [6][7] suggest that CBD can be helpful against pain.
So, what's the conclusion?
In summary, scientific research supports the idea of using CBD for pain management, and many patients and private users have already had positive experiences with this hemp-based substance.
We believe that given the overwhelmingly positive feedback and minimal side effects, trying CBD for pain relief is certainly worth a shot! There are various products available, so you can choose the one that fits best with your lifestyle and needs. The effectiveness of different products mainly depends on their CBD content, which should always be specified.
If you have any experience using CBD or are currently taking CBD oil for pain, feel free to leave a comment about your experience!
References
- [1] Manzanares J et al.,. Role of the cannabinoid system in pain control and therapeutic implications for the management of acute and chronic pain episodes. 2006, Curr Neuropharmacol
- [2] Darkovska-Serafimovska M et al., Pharmacotherapeutic considerations for use of cannabinoids to relieve pain in patients with malignant diseases. 2018, J Pain Res
- [3] Montagnese F et al., A role for cannabinoids in the treatment of myotonia? Report of compassionate use in a small cohort of patients. 2019, J Neurol
- [4] Marinelli L et al., The effect of cannabinoids on the stretch reflex in multiple sclerosis spasticity. 2016, Int Clin Psychopharmacol
- [5] Kenyon J, Liu W, Dalgeish A: Report of Objective Clinical Responses of Cancer Patients to Pharmaceutical-grade Synthetic Cannabidiol. 2018, Anticancer Res
- [6] Hammell DR et al., Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. 2016, Eur J Pain
- [7] Johnson JR et al., Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study of the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of THC:CBD Extract and THC Extract in Patients with Intractable Cancer-Related Pain 2010, J Pain Symptom Manage