CBD for Arthritis Pain – What You Should Know
Arthritis is the pain in many of our sides (and wrists, and elbows, etc.) that unfortunately doesn’t go away. Chances are, you know someone or are related to someone who has some form of arthritis, if you don’t have it yourself. This ever-growing issue plagues humans of all walks of life, in all types of work industries.
In the United States alone, 58.5 million people (24% of all adults) have arthritis. It is one of the leading causes of work disability, with annual costs of medical care and lost earnings reaching $303.5 billion. With so many people enduring this chronic condition, it has become imperative for many to find a treatment that can keep the pain and stiffness at bay so they are able to lead a somewhat regular life. While every person is different and finds different treatments more effective than others, CBD has become an increasingly popular option for many.
So, what exactly is arthritis, and how beneficial is CBD for arthritis pain?
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints. More specifically, it relates to the amount of cartilage in those joints. Cartilage is a firm but flexible connective tissue, and it protects the joints by absorbing the pressure and shock created when you move and put stress on them. A reduction in the normal amount of this cartilage tissue causes some forms of arthritis.
The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and a decreased range of motion, which typically worsens with age.
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, with other forms including gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus, though there are over 100 types that one can suffer from. Arthritis is most commonly present in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles, feet, jaw, and neck. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects multiple joints.
While different types of arthritis tend to have different causes, many cases are caused by:
- wear and tear of a joint from overuse
- age (osteoarthritis is most common in adults over age 50)
- injuries
- obesity
- autoimmune disorders
- genes or family history
- muscle weakness
Severe arthritis, particularly if it affects your hands or arms, can make it difficult for you to do daily tasks. Arthritis of weight-bearing joints can keep you from walking comfortably or sitting up straight. In some cases, joints may gradually lose their alignment and shape.
Should I use CBD for arthritis pain?
The short answer for many is, yes!
There are currently a handful of different prescribed medications being used to treat the symptoms of arthritis and minimize discomfort. However, while these medications can be effective, safety from long-term use is often questioned. Repeated use of many of these drugs has been shown to damage the patient’s heart, liver, stomach and kidneys. For those concerned with these negative and damaging long-term effects, CBD can be a fantastic natural alternative.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, there is much anecdotal evidence to suggest that people with arthritis who use CBD report noticeable pain relief, improved sleep, and reduced anxiety. One medical study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found that, of the respondents who used CBD to treat medical conditions (including arthritis and/or joint pain), 36% found it to be effective. This number is impressive, and with the growing legal CBD industries, more and more studies will be published that can further emphasize and prove what the anecdotal evidence suggests.
While CBD oils and salves may not be the choice for everyone, there is a growing number of people who are turning to this natural solution for their chronic discomfort from arthritis. Whether old or young, new to arthritis or have been dealing with it for decades, it is never to late or too early to try using CBD for arthritis pain.
What’s the science behind it?
CBD can lower inflammation and pain by its interaction with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system responsible for regulating body processes, including our mood, metabolism, energy levels and pain output. The ECS consists of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and receptor proteins. Cannabinoids like CBD can interact with receptors in our brain and nervous system and cause an uptake of certain compounds and hormones. CBD can influence how our brain perceives pain and increases the level of serotonin by interacting with serotonin receptors. This creates feelings of relaxation in our brain and body, which can help reduce the intensity of arthritis symptoms.
Cannabinoids can also block specific receptors that influence inflammation and pain within the body. In particular, CBD can block receptors that allow for levels of anandamide, an endocannabinoid, to increase in the body. This affects the way receptors respond to signals that they receive, reducing both inflammation and pain.
Many different forms of CBD can aide with joint pain and arthritis, including topical creams and salves, oils, capsules, and sprays. Make sure to consult with a reputable distributor or medical professional to find the best product for you. The best products should be from a reputable company, list all of their ingredients, and come from a distributor who you are able to contact and ask questions.
CBD should not be used as a substitute for disease-modifying treatments or lifestyle modifications recommended by a doctor. Always consult your doctor before attempting to incorporate CBD or any other treatments into your regimen.
How Wellington CBD Can Help You
When it comes time to use CBD for arthritis pain, it is important to do your own research and be as prepared as you can be. However, a reputable shop or company will be able to give you more personalized answers to your questions and find the exact product that is right for you! At Wellington CBD & Medicinal Marijuana Care, we sincerely care about our customers, and we are here to help!
Give us a call at (561) 798-7420 or fill out our online form to ask any question about your CBD needs, and find out how to find the right product of CBD for arthritis pain!