Treating Pain? This Is What You Must Know About CBD

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Treating Pain? This Is What You Must Know About CBD

In recent years, CBD, a substance found in marijuana, has become increasingly popular as a treatment for chronic pain and other conditions. While it’s still illegal in many places, studies have shown that it has several benefits, and it’s on the way to overcoming the stigma that led to its being made illegal.

Both CBD and THC are cannabinoids. Cannabinoids occur naturally in the human body in the endocannabinoid system, and help to regulate functions including sleep, pain response, and immune response. Cannabinoids found in marijuana are thought to help the human body’s own cannabinoids to work more effectively.

CBD is non-psychoactive, as it affects different receptors from THC – the other primary compound found in marijuana, and the substance that causes the feeling of being ‘high.’ THC activates the body’s ‘reward’ system and releases hormones such as dopamine. CBD simply allows the body to use its endocannabinoid system better. You can read more about the use of CBD on popular cbd oil reviews.

How It Works

CBD works as a treatment for pain as it stops the body from absorbing anandamide, which is associated with the regulation of pain. Stopping the body from absorbing anandamide increases its levels in the bloodstream, and therefore reduces the amount of pain we feel. It can also limit inflammation in the brain and nervous system, which also has a pain-reducing effect.

Pain Conditions Treated With CBD

One of the most common conditions that can be treated with CBD is arthritis, where sufferers experience extreme joint pain and stiffness due to the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling and stiffness and reduce pain.

There’s also some evidence that CBD can be used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease that creates symptoms across the entire body due to its impacts on the brain and nerves. The muscle spasms that are one of the most common symptoms of MS can be excruciating. This muscle spasticity can be reduced using CBD.

CBD is also used by people who suffer from general chronic pain, or conditions such as fibromyalgia (generalized pain in the body). CBD’s impact on pain receptors means it can be beneficial in reducing symptoms for sufferers.

CBD Products for Pain

CBD is available in many forms. For pain, most sufferers take CBD either in edible form, as full-spectrum CBD oil, or apply it topically as a lotion or cream. Some prefer to use CBD bath salts.

Other Uses of CBD

As well as a treatment for pain, CBD is also used to treat several other conditions, including:

  • Epileptic seizures
  • Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
  • Acne
  • Cancer pain
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

While it’s currently only approved by the FDA as a treatment for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) or Dravet Syndrome (DS), both rare forms of epilepsy, research is proving CBD to be a useful alternative to pharmaceuticals in the treatment of many conditions. It’s legal for medical use in several states, with more likely to follow, and for recreational use in Washington DC, Oregon, California, Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, Alaska, Vermont, Maine, Michigan, Washington, and Massachusetts.

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