When pain strikes, that can be the rest of the day, week, month (or even longer) pretty much done and dusted.
Pain comes in many forms, many levels of intensity, and can have a huge impact on our daily lives. The actual scientific definition of pain is “An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage”, but for most, it’s simply a feeling of discomfort and unease that can make it hard to focus, move, enjoy life, and do the things we love.
Key takeaways
- The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating pain and maintaining homeostasis within the body.
- There is a growing body of clinical research showing that CBD oil can effectively reduce many types of pain.
- CBD oil has additional benefits such as reducing inflammation, improving sleep, and potentially having neuroprotective properties.
- CBD oil is safe to use and not addictive.
- If you are struggling with pain, consider adding CBD oil to your treatment plan
As society makes the slow march towards a totally sedentary lifestyle, the rates of debilitating pain are actually rising. Less gladiatorial injuries, but higher rates of chronic pain, and there is no time like the present to start looking for alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals that can be addictive, have unwanted side effects, or simply stop working after periods of application.
One of the more recent developments in the pain fighting world is CBD oil. Thanks to the current wave of legality regarding cannabis-based treatment options sweeping the globe, the research is finally starting to catch up to what our ancestors already knew – that is, that CBD can help relieve pain, both chronic and acute.
What is CBD oil?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the 113 cannabinoids so far isolated from the cannabis family of plants. The other most well-known cannabinoid is THC, the part of cannabis that gets you high. CBD does not have any psychoactive effects, which makes it an attractive option for those who want the therapeutic benefits without feeling high or intoxicated.
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the hemp plant (hemp varieties have been bred to be high in CBD and low in THC) and then diluting it with a carrier oil such as MCT oil or hemp seed oil. It is the base for most CBD products, including tinctures, capsules, topicals, and edibles.
How does CBD oil reduce pain?
Every single one of us has what is referred to as “the endocannabinoid system” buried deep in our bodies, and one of its main functions is modulating pain.
Short version: CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (plus other receptors) to reduce inflammation, interrupt the pain signals from reaching the brain, and increase our pain threshold.
A longer version is apt, though, right?
What is the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the largest neurochemical system in the body, playing a role in regulating various physiological and psychological processes, including pain sensation.
It is made up of three key components:
- endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced naturally by our own bodies)
- cannabinoid receptors (found throughout the body, but most densely in the central and peripheral nervous system)
- metabolic enzymes (responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids once they have completed their function)
The ECS plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, or balance, within the body. It helps regulate vital processes like sleep, mood, appetite, inflammation, sexual function, and yes – pain.
Is there clinical research showing that CBD oil reduces pain?
There sure is!
Most of the available clinic studies focus on one specific form of pain, but the body of research covers many of these, which shows that CBD not only helps with many different types of pain, but also does so through multiple mechanisms
- Peripheral neuropathic pain – One randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II trial showed that CBD “significantly reduced highest pain level versus the placebo group and significantly reduced average pain level compared to the placebo group”
- Chronic Pain – This study looked at how effective CBD was in reducing chronic pain for kidney transplant patients. It found that CBD effectively reduced the related pain in over 80% of participants.
- Arthritis/Joint pain – There are a few papers published on this but we will focus on one cross-sectional study that found that “CBD use was associated with improvements in pain (83%), physical function (66%), and sleep quality (66%)”.
- Cancer pain – This study found that “High levels of cannabidiol (CBD) use during the two-week ad libitum use period was associated with steeper improvements in pain intensity and sleep quality.”
- Migraines – A large-scale review was conducted that looked at the effect of cannabis on migraines, and it was found that “all studies showed a decrease in migraine frequency”, with the authors suggesting that a combination of THC and CBD may be most beneficial.
- Back Pain – One of the more common forms of pain in people aged 35 and over is chronic back pain. This study found “CBD gel caps were associated with significant improvements in pain scores”
Other benefits of CBD oil
Aside from its pain-relieving properties, CBD oil has also been shown to have numerous other benefits, some of which may indirectly help with pain management. These include:
- Reducing inflammation – Chronic inflammation is a major cause of pain, and CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation markers in several studies.
- Improving sleep – Good quality sleep is one of the keys to healing properly. CBD has been shown time and again to help induce restful, restorative sleep.
- Reducing anxiety and depression – Chronic pain can take a toll on mental health, and CBD has been shown to have a positive impact on reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Neuroprotective properties – CBD is thought to be neuroprotective, meaning it may help protect brain cells from damage and preserve cognitive function.
FAQs
Is CBD oil safe?
CBD oil has been proven to have a very high safety profile, with few side effects even when taken in large doses.
Will I get high from taking CBD oil?
No, CBD does not have psychoactive properties and will not get you ‘high’. It does have the ability to produce a sense of relaxation or calmness, but this is not intoxicating.
Is CBD oil addictive?
No, thanks the non-intoxicating properties of CBD, it is not addictive.
Final thoughts
CBD oil pain relief is here in the UK, and its here to stay.
Here at CBD reviews, our aim is to offer UK patients the opportunity to choose CBD products that are high-quality, safe, and effective. All of the reviews you see are from real UK CBD users, so you can trust that the info is straight down the line.
If you are struggling with pain, CBD may be the best complementary plant-based option available right now. It has already helped reduce the pain levels of UK patients and consumers, so what are you waiting for?
Read all the reviews and find the best CBD oil UK option for your unique health needs!
