Chronic pain is increasingly becoming a prominent public health concern of enormous proportions. Associated facts and statistics are certainly overwhelming, especially in the developed nations. In Europe, it is estimated that more than one in every four elderly individuals is affected with the persistent musculoskeletal pain of the incapacitating nature. Statistics from Australia indicate that more than 1 / 2 of old individuals are affected by persistent pain, while 80% of elderly care residents are afflicted by the same. Figures from the Usa reveal that approximately 38 million or 19% of adults have chronic pain, while 12 million people (6%) have used cannabis in efforts to deal with it.
Why Cannabis
Cannabis has been used like a pain reliever for some time ever, probably for thousands of years. Now, with many countries relaxing cannabis laws, the herb is again gaining popularity as a good natural substitute to prescription pain medication. The main ingredient in cannabis which makes it a great pain reliever is cannabidiol, also is known 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 around the medical benefits of CBD being released almost every other week, CBD oil for pain treatment methods are becoming increasingly popular in many countries, and there’s strong evidence to show it really works.
For instance, recent reports reveal that CBD oil can help people suffering from arthritis to manage their pain when applied as a topical gel. Researchers also noted a significant decrease in inflammation and pain among patients with arthritis with no negative effects. Other studies have also revealed that short-term use of CBD can reduce the seriousness of painful muscle spasms which are common in patients with multiple sclerosis. Similarly, other studies have found CBD to work in managing general chronic pain. Results from several research covering numerous studies and trials also figured there’s significant evidence that CBD oil is effective within the management of chronic pain.
How Does CBD Oil Work?
Humans have a biological system that is referred to as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It’s comprised of cannabinoid receptors found all over the body, such as the spinal cord, the mind, and also the defense mechanisms. The ECS works well for regulating vital body functions like immune response, pain, and sleep. CBD oil indirectly influences the receptors within the endocannabinoid system and sustains several outcomes. For instance, CBD prevents the body from absorbing anandamide, a compound that is largely linked to controlling pain. Through this action, CBD has the capacity to minimize the amount of pain that a person experiences and lower inflammation, among the underlying causes of several painful conditions.
Health Conditions that may be treatable 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 aren’t the only real uses of CBD oil with regards to treating pain, and scientists continue to be discovering more uses as scientific studies are ongoing.
How is CBD Oil used to treat Pain?
The appropriate method to use CBD oil for pain treatment is by utilizing CBD oils extracted from industrial hemp, which contains high concentrations of CBD and tiny levels of THC. CBD oil also comes in a variety of strengths, which permits medicinal users to regulate the dosage to their liking. CBD doesn’t present any known chance of lethal overdose. However, it is usually advisable, to begin with, small doses after which increase gradually during 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, 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 management of chronic pain. These developments not only offer new hope to a multitude of people struggling with painful health conditions but additionally come as a welcome accessory for the management of chronic pain.
