CBD for Pain Relief – Know What the Current Study Shows

Last Updated on December 30, 2023 by Marie Kathleen

Is using CBD for pain effective? Are CBD oils safe to use for pain relief? These and many more questions have been asked since the idea of using CBD for therapeutic purposes has been adopted.

Cannabidiol (CBD), when administered alone without delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the component responsible for the high you get from cannabis — has been proven to offer many therapeutic benefits to the body.

There are still ongoing tests being conducted by various scientists to prove the efficacy of CBD as a pain killer or analgesic, and the result has been promising so far. While more research is needed, here’s what we currently know about using CBD for pain treatment.

Is CBD Effective in Pain Management?

There’re reasons to believe that CBD works as a pain reliever as many users testify to its efficacy. CBD interacts with several biological processes in the body to exert its pain-relieving effects. It’s also purported to work as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant.  Using CBD has also been shown to reduce anxiety that’s particular with people experiencing chronic pain.

How Does CBD Work for Pain Relief?

To reduce pain, CBD binds, interacts, and modulates several systems in the body including the nociceptive (pain-sensing), inflammatory, and endocannabinoid systems. Naturally occurring cannabinoids can easily interact with the endocannabinoid system because of the cannabinoid receptors present in them. Also, this system is responsible for the regulation of many body functions like pain perception, mood and anxiety, appetite, and metabolism.

CBD for Knee Pain

Some people claim chronic joint pain can be managed using CBD products like CBD oil. Many prefer it as a viable alternative to other pain relief substances like immunosuppressants or opioids. However, you should always consult your doctor before ditching your prescribed medications for CBD.

Note that there’s still research going on to know whether CBD helps joint pain as its effectiveness is yet to be proven.

CBD for Migraine pain

Since CBD oils are said to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, there’s a possibility it would also work for treating migraine. CBD oil is being investigated as a promising future treatment for migraine.

The lack of scientific evidence to back the efficacy of CBD in treating migraine pain is often associated with a general lack of formal research into CBD. However, topical CBD is still considered a viable solution for some patients with migraine-related muscle and joint pain.

CBD for Tooth Pain

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD may also help deal with toothaches. CBD prevents any further buildup of pain, reduces the swelling, and makes it easier to cope with the pain. Also, using CBD for tooth pain may prevent periodontitis, a gum disease caused by bacteria.

CBD for Foot Pain

When applied to the skin in the area of swelling, CBD might help treat inflammations from arthritis and injuries. You can also take CBD orally to provide full-body effects. CBD is also shown to be effective in decreasing swellings as they affect cytokines — a compound that regulates inflammation.

CBD for Period pain

As some evidence points towards the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that CBD possesses, there’ve been speculations about using CBDs as a natural alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for dealing with period cramps.

CBDs might help relieve painful menstrual cramps and period-related symptoms, including headaches.

THC and CBD have been proven to work best together, so it’s ideal you choose a full-spectrum CBD product when looking for a viable option to help with menstrual pain.

CBD for Back Pain

CBD may help reduce back pain by reducing inflammation, combat anxiety (common with chronic back pain patients), and improve the overall state of relaxation. This is because CBDs have been suggested to affect how people perceive pain, however, more studies on this are required to confirm it.

CBD for Sinus Pain

Your endocannabinoid system isn’t working properly if you have nasal congestion. CBD can operate as a regulatory agent, re-establishing homeostasis by activating CB2 receptors found in the endocannabinoid system.

CBD can help to lower the rate at which viruses and germs multiply in inflamed tissue when used for treating sinusitis. This addresses the root cause of your congestion and makes breathing through your nose easier, as well as other typical sinusitis symptoms such as disrupted sleep, feelings of fatigue, body aches, and migraines/headaches.

CBD for Shingles Pain

CBD has an anti-inflammatory reaction that may help with pain alleviation and may produce a favorable effect in shingles rash pain treatment. People who take CBD oil report less pain sensitivity, which is likely similar to lidocaine use.

You can treat your shingles rash using CBD lotion. CBD has been shown to have antiviral properties in several studies, therefore it may aid in the battle against the virus. Many people who use CBD oil on the internet claim that it relieves many of the symptoms of shingles and soothes the red rash due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

CBD for Pain: The Survey

A study that was carried out for a year was carried out in Canada to assess the safety limitations of cannabis use in the treatment of chronic pain. At an average intake of 2.5 g herbal cannabis per day, the study indicated that cannabis users had a higher rate of adverse events than controls, but not for significant adverse events.

Another study was also conducted to learn about users’ attitudes and perspectives toward cannabis-based medicine (CBM), with an emphasis on perceptions of “CBD” and its possible function in pain management.

The majority of participants in the study had a good attitude about CBD products as a therapy option, reported positive outcomes when used for a variety of diseases, and preferred to get information and a prescription for CBD from their doctors.

Potential Side Effects While Using CBD for Pain Relief

While using cannabidiol in high amounts won’t cause any major health issues, there’re some side effects you may experience when using CBD:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Low blood pressure

Severe side effects, which is rare, may include:

• Diarrhea
• Mental confusion
• Nausea
• Vomiting

There’s also a chance of CBD causing some adverse reactions when used with other medications such as certain blood thinners that come with grapefruit warnings. You should also ensure you disclose any use of cannabis including marijuana and CBD to your anesthesiologist or surgeon before having surgery. Cannabis is suspected to react with sedatives used in surgical procedures.

CBD Oil vs CBD Cream: Which One is Best for Pain?

While both are great options for relieving pain, they work best in different situations. CBD oils work best for non-site-specific internal issues such as sleep, anxiety, etc., while CBD creams are good for topical issues such as acne, muscle pain, joint pain, etc.

The Bottom Line

Now you know the benefits of using CBD for pain and the adverse effects that accompany the usage. It’s also important to note that using CBD products to relieve pain would not cause addiction or intoxication known as using cannabis. However, ensure to consult your doctor if you’re interested in trying CBD for chronic pain. They can assist you in determining an appropriate starting dosage.

FAQ

1) How Much CBD Oil Should I Take for pain?

When taken orally, with THC or not, the most ideal CBD dosage for patients with chronic pain is between 2.5–20 mg of CBD. Higher doses may be required for some people, particularly those with a larger body mass.

2) Which is Better for Pain CBD or Hemp?

Hemp oil does not contain CBD, which means users would only benefit from the oil’s nutrients. CBD oil, on the other hand, may provide a variety of benefits, including effective pain treatment, stress and anxiety relief, improved sleep, and more.

3) What is the Downside of CBD Oil?

There are several drawbacks to using CBD. CBD can induce adverse effects like fatigue, tiredness, decreased appetite, diarrhea, and dry mouth, even though it’s usually well taken. Other medications you’re taking, such as blood thinners, may also interact negatively with CBD.

4) Can CBD Relieve Nerve Pain?

CBD has shown some potential in the treatment of neuropathic pain. CBD may be an acceptable alternative to other potential pain medications, such as opioids because it has relatively moderate adverse effects.