Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a natural substance derived from cannabis plants that is becoming increasingly popular for its reported medical benefits. One of the most commonly reported uses of CBD oil is for the treatment of chronic pain, particularly for conditions such as arthritis, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
But does CBD oil really work for pain? And if so, how does it work? In this blog, we'll review the research on CBD oil for pain and explore its potential benefits and drawbacks.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a type of oil that is extracted from cannabis plants. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive component of cannabis that can cause a "high," CBD oil does not produce any psychoactive effects.
CBD oil is thought to work by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that plays a role in regulating various bodily functions, including pain perception, inflammation, and immune system function. CBD oil is believed to help regulate the ECS, which may explain its reported pain-relieving effects.
Arthritis Pain
One of the most common uses of CBD oil is for the treatment of arthritis pain. Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. There is some evidence to suggest that CBD oil may be helpful for relieving arthritis pain.
A 2017 study published in the journal Pain found that CBD oil was effective in reducing joint pain and inflammation in rats with arthritis. Another study, published in the European Journal of Pain in 2016, found that topical CBD gel was effective in reducing pain and inflammation in rats with arthritis.
While these studies are promising, more research is needed to determine whether CBD oil is effective for arthritis pain in humans.
Cancer Pain
CBD oil may also be helpful for relieving pain associated with cancer. Cancer can cause pain in various ways, including by putting pressure on nerves and causing inflammation.
A 2019 study published in the journal Current Oncology found that CBD oil was effective in reducing cancer-related pain in patients with advanced cancer who were not responding to traditional pain management treatments.
Another study, published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management in 2010, found that CBD oil was effective in reducing pain and nausea in cancer patients who were undergoing chemotherapy.
More research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and delivery method for CBD oil in cancer patients.
Other Types of Pain
CBD oil may also be helpful for other types of chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and other symptoms, while neuropathic pain is caused by nerve damage and can be difficult to treat.
A 2019 review published in the journal Current Treatment Options in Rheumatology found that CBD oil was effective in reducing pain and improving sleep in patients with fibromyalgia.
Another study, published in the Journal of Neurology in 2015, found that CBD oil was effective in reducing neuropathic pain in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Potential Drawbacks
While CBD oil appears to be relatively safe for most people, there are some potential drawbacks to be aware of. Some people may experience side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue. CBD oil may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking it.
Additionally, the legality of CBD oil varies depending on where you live. While it is legal in many states in the US, it is still illegal under federal law. Make sure to research the laws in your state before purchasing or using CBD oil.
Conclusion
While more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of CBD oil for pain, there is some evidence to suggest that it may be helpful in reducing pain associated with arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain. However, there are potential drawbacks to be aware of, including side effects and interactions with medications. As with any supplement, it is important to talk to your doctor before using CBD oil for pain.