CBD for Chronic Pain

While it may seem self-explanatory, this condition is a difficult one to delve into. Those who are affected may have higher sensitivity to pain due to hypersensitive pain signaling and receptors while others may have a hyperactive immune system that secretes an excessive amount of pro-inflammatory cells that increase pain levels.

Other cases are linked with mental conditions like depression in which lower dopamine levels and other feel-good hormones increase our susceptibility to pain. The causes are endless and the potential support options are too, but how to go about researching when there is so much information to process?

The root cause is always different, and people may go their entire life without truly knowing the cause. What is interesting about chronic pain is that it can often stem from experienced trauma. Trauma, whether it’s psychological or physical or both, can lead to many issues in the future. So, sometimes, chronic pain may also be a psychosomatic issue.

Pain syndromes can be a feat for many, but we are here to help and offer some insight into different options that may support you on your journey. The road to reducing pain doesn’t have to be a dreadful one. It may be long, but with patience and support, you might soon find the answer you’ve been waiting for.

The Wonders of Hemp

By now, you must’ve heard the hype around hemp and all its wondrous cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, CBN, and more. You might have even heard about the latest academic study that has concluded that the precursors to CBD, CBDA and CBGA, are both capable of treating and preventing infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 such as the coronavirus.

Hemp has also been a miraculous tool for helping cultivate more sustainability in the world benefiting the environment in many ways while also helping create a more serious perception around the power of botanicals and alternative healing modalities.

Cannabidiol, CBD, is a plant compound found within the hemp plant that was identified not too long ago and has been found to support many individuals struggling with chronic conditions. Anecdotal evidence indicates that many people find supported in using CBD for inflammation, pain, stress, and more.

While CBD is on the newer side, another hemp related plant, marijuana has made its way into the hands of many who face chronic pain struggles. Medical marijuana boomed for its pain-relieving properties, and many were depending on it for effective pain relief, but with the social stigma, issues with drug tests, and lack of accessibility, not everyone felt comfortable with trying it and feared of unwanted side effects.

The stigma and lack of desirability stems from cannabis’ famous compound that induces a ‘high’ sensation. Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, is another compound found in the marijuana hemp plant that is often used for recreational purposes, but also for its pain-relieving properties. The issue with it is tied to its legality, stigma, side effects, and more.

Many wanted the huge pain-relieving aspect of marijuana, but without the high and THC. This led to the identification of CBD and rise in popularity of CBD products. CBD oil has given so many people an option to feel the pain-relieving properties of hemp without the THC.

With so much demand, many brands have emerged coming out with a wide assortment of CBD infused products like tinctures, gummies, syrups, capsules, balms, and more. The various options give so many people a chance to try something they are comfortable with for a specific problem they are seeking to target.

While CBD is not a prescription drug approved by the food and drug administration, there are many scientific studies that have been published and continue to emerge which discuss the potential therapeutic properties CBD may contain.

How Does CBD for Chronic Pain Work?

The reason why so many people have experienced positive effects from CBD is because humans and all other animals have a biological system known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This isn’t a particularly localized system in the body like the cardiovascular system for example. It is much like the immune system and works in all areas of the body.

You can think of this system as a set of highways, cars, drivers, and destinations. It is made up of endocannabinoids (the cannabinoids our body produces on its own), enzymes that that break the endogenous cannabinoids down, and receptors on various organs that interact with them to help modulate critical functions in our bodies.

The ECS is responsible for handling and managing various bodily processes including immune function, sleep and wake cycles, metabolism, cognitive function, and more. While this is a system we have always had, it was only discovered in 1988. It is still in its early years of research and more must be researched on it. A few studies have suggested that there may be such a thing as an endocannabinoid deficiency.

Just like we may have an underactive thyroid, or may not produce enough necessary hormones, our ECS may also have some lapses in function. This means that our bodies may be producing too little anandamide and 2AG, the two endocannabinoids we produce.

One study even suggests that many conditions that have unexplainable causes and no clear treatment may be caused by an endocannabinoid deficiency. This may include, but is not limited to IBS, migraines, fibromyalgia, and other treatment resistant conditions.

Other academic papers suggest that CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties that greatly help those with autoimmune conditions that lead to chronic pain and inflammation. If you have not tried CBD for chronic pain, or if you know someone who is need of some support, feel free to send them this article.

Introducing CBD to Your Body

While CBD is natural and plant derived, it is still something a bit foreign to our bodies and can take some getting used to. Products that target localized pain like CBD balms for arthritic joints may take effect rather quickly, but those who have widespread inflammation and pain might need to be a little more patient as consuming CBD takes a while to take effect.

The key to using CBD is to be consistent and patient. A consistent regime is important while giving your body time to assimilate is too. It’s important to start off light and slow with the dosage and frequency of consumption. Be aware that your body many need a couple weeks to work through it and help you feel the effects fully.

The dosage is tricky for some because there are not any one size fits all dosage. A good rule of thumb is to start with half a dropper full of CBD oil and progressively work your way up to a full dropper of oil. Complementing products is also important.

Taking a CBD tincture will work extra well for you should you decide to also use a cream or balm on certain areas that are more painful than others. This way you have a method that does not just work from the inside out but also outside in.

For those of you with chronic pain, we highly recommend CBD oil tinctures as they are the strongest and most potent products. Combine these with topical products for extra positive effects. If you prefer something flavorless, opt for CBD capsules which are pre-dosed and easy to take, but keep in mind they must go through the digestive system. This means they might take longer to take effect.

Please remember that it is crucial to speak to your doctor before starting a CBD regimen. This will ensure that you won’t have any unwanted side effects should you be taking other medications. CBD is known for sometimes interacting with other medications, so to be sure, speak with your doctor.

As always, never hesitate to contact us should you have any questions or need some guidance when choosing the right product for you.