CBD is one of many naturally occurring compounds found within the hemp plant. These compounds, referred to as cannabinoids, possess ‘therapeutic effects’ due to their interaction with an influential biological system called the endocannabinoid system. CBD can be ingested in a variety of forms and reassuringly doesn’t induce the ‘high’ commonly associated with other cannabis or marijuana plants, which is caused by a different cannabinoid called THC. Full-Spectrum CBD products are required by law to possess a negligible and often undetectable amount of THC, meaning you can safely reap the benefits of this multifaceted plant without the risk of psychotropic side effects.

Many people use CBD, particularly CBD oil, to manage symptoms of pain. In this article, we look at the research behind using CBD oil for pain, exploring its effectiveness and the implications for users.

What is pain? The Science

Pain is an important reaction in the body which is perfectly normal to experience. It is how your nervous system alerts you to a possible injury or area of concern. These pain signals are fired from receptors in the injured area through your spinal cord and onto your brain so that we register the presence of a problem.

In addition to more common everyday pains, CBD is also being investigated as a way to manage chronic pain. With incidents of chronic pain, the body repeatedly sends pain signals to the brain, even if the injury has completely healed. This sensory malfunction can reduce mobility, limit flexibility and cause issues with strength and endurance. To make matters worse, chronic pain can last for years. Medically, chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than 3 months. It may be an ache, burning sensation, or sharp shooting pain which is experienced either constantly or intermittently.

Using CBD for Pain

Cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, such as CBD, interact with an integral biological infrastructure known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS has been shown to regulate stability within the body and aid in returning your internal environment to a state of equilibrium, known as homeostasis.

“The regulation of pain is one of the earliest medical applications of cannabinoids.”

As previously mentioned, pain serves to notify of problems within the body, indicative of an unstable internal environment. In response to this, our ECS gets to work solving the problem and returns our systems to a state of homeostasis. This process applies equally to an array of symptoms constituting a lack of homeostases such as chronic pain, inflammation, and nerve function.

Research shows CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in such a way that it can beneficially influence the aforementioned issues. Furthermore, in 2018, a review summarising more than 30 years of research into chronic pain concluded that CBD was an effective tool for managing pain without any negative side effects.

It is perhaps for this reason that many users are choosing CBD to help with pain, not forsaking the 5000-year history of pain relief that this plant beholds.

CBD for Period Pain

CBD’s effect on period pain presents an illuminating example of the way this naturally occurring compound could both holistically and specifically mitigate unwanted symptoms. Period pains, cramps, and contractions can all be attributed to the presence of Prostaglandin, an inflammatory chemical that is released after ovulation. Women with higher levels of this chemical are found to experience an increase in period pain.

As it stands, there is insufficient scientific research to concretely verify the claims that CBD can be used to help with period pain. However, due to its proven anti-inflammatory properties, it stands to reason that CBD could be used to target menstrual discomfort and pain which is caused by an inflammatory hormone. Following this logic, a 2019 study reviewed the “viability of using cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment option for PMS” and concluded that “CBD is a viable option for managing menstrual symptoms.”

In addition, scientists recently discovered that CBD can actually reduce the amount of prostaglandin being produced by the body in the first place, which would address the issue at the source before negative symptoms arise. More clinical trials are needed to offer substantial medical evidence, but initial results and anecdotal evidence are encouraging.

CBD for Back Pain

According to the 2000 National Health Interview Survey, 8% of all adults in America experienced persistent or chronic back pain, amassing 12 billion dollars in direct health care costs and indirect expenses each year. Since then, a 2011 publication claimed that this number may have reached as high as 635 billion dollars annually, correlating with an increase in cases of back pain.

With millions of people across the world suffering from chronic or persistent back pain, it’s no surprise that people are searching for alternatives to orthodox solutions which don’t appear to be working. Further to the statistical implication of an ever-increasing prevalence of back pain, we have a drug epidemic of drastic proportions relating to opioid-type drugs that are commonly administered to sufferers of this ailment.

Fortunately, using CBD for back pain has shown positive results throughout studies, testimonials, and historic clinical success. Back pain tends to stem from inflammatory or neuropathic issues, both of which are known to be susceptible to cannabinoids through direct influence or interaction with the endocannabinoid system. Due to the positive effects that cannabinoids have displayed, they have been suggested as a way to reduce opioid dosing in patients suffering from back pain, a prescriptive trend that may combat the firm bond between back pain and opioid addiction.

CBD for Nerve Pain, CBD for Gout, CBD for Arthritis… and so on..

All in all, there’s solid foundational research showing CBD as an effective pain reliever, but further clinical trials are required to undeniably prescribe CBD as a treatment for specific problems such as nerve pain, gout, arthritis, and so on.

That being said, research illuminates CBD as an anti-inflammatory, so there is logic to suggest that sufferers of inflammation-based symptoms, such as gout, would benefit from CBD. Equally, studies have demonstrated the positive effect of CBD on the endocannabinoid system, and the subsequent potential benefits of this span a vast range of health issues, including neuropathy (nerve pain). Since 2003, CBD has been explored in clinics as a treatment for pain when traditional methods have failed, so if side effects remain negligible, the full potential of this versatile plant will likely be realised.

What Kind of CBD is used for Pain?

To be clear, CBD is CBD…it stands for cannabidiol, a chemical compound found in the hemp plant which exhibits pain-relieving effects. However, there are various CBD products available on the market which present this compound in different forms. Theoretically, all of them can be used for pain, but some will be more effective than others.

The reason for this variation ineffectiveness stems from how appropriately the application is matched to the problem. For example, when using CBD for back pain caused by inflammation, a topical transdermal (on the skin) solution may be more effective than oral solutions, for this, we recommend using the My Way CBD Massage Oil. This is because the CBD is absorbed through the skin directly to the area of need. In contrast, if the back pain was caused by chronic illness or neuropathy, an oral solution may be more effective as it holistically interacts with the mechanisms that govern the problem. 

Safety of CBD – Side Effects of Using CBD for Pain

CBD has been found to be perfectly safe and there are no reports of any long-term or dangerous complications resulting from the consumption of CBD. As with any natural substance, there is the potential for unwanted side effects, but these instances are very rare.

Possible side effects include a dry mouth, diarrhea, fatigue, and drowsiness. Perhaps the most pertinent consideration when taking CBD is the impact it might have on other medications. For those on prescribed medicines, it is important to speak to your doctor or a cannabis expert before introducing CBD into your daily routine.

So…does CBD Treat Pain?

All things considered, evidence strongly suggests that CBD is an effective treatment for pain. The success stories are compelling and too many people have reported positive experiences with CBD for the claims to be unfounded. At My Way CBD, we are extremely thankful that our customers take the time to send us feedback regarding our products, we always receive 5-star reviews which can be seen directly beneath our products in our shop. 

We hope that you’ll find this article useful for your future purchases! If you feel your contacts would benefit from this info, please feel free to share.

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