CBD for Joint Pain: How Does It Work?
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Your joints are a crucial part of your body – they are the connection between the bones that allows movement. As such, any damage to the joints might seriously impede your mobility and daily functioning. Unfortunately, joint pain is extremely common and can be caused by an injury, disease, and old age.
It is only natural that you want the pain to stop, so you take painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. However, overuse of those substances might be dangerous, especially over prolonged periods in the case of chronic pain.
The solution to your problem might be found in natural remedies, especially CBD, which has gained popularity for its various health benefits. But will it work for you? Of course, everybody is different, and their bodies react differently to cannabidiol, but with this substance, there’s no harm in trying if you do it after consultation with your doctor.
Below, you will find information about what exactly CBD is, how it can help with your joint pain, and what dosage you need. Here is what you need to know:
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the main cannabinoids, chemical compounds produced by cannabis plants. The most commonly known cannabinoid is THC, which is responsible for the ‘high’ you feel when smoking marijuana. However, CBD has no psychoactive properties, which is why it is popular as a medical remedy.
CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for many critical functions in our body, including homeostasis, learning and memory, sleep, and pain control. There are two types of receptors in our body: CB1 receptors, which are located throughout our brain and nervous system, and CB2 receptors, which can be found throughout our immune system. The interaction between cannabinoids and these receptors leads to various effects on the body.
These days, you can find a vast range of different CBD products. For example, this online CBD store is a one-stop-shop for people looking to buy CBD products – it can give you an idea of what you deal with.
How Can CBD Help with Joint Pain?
CBD is not a cure, but it is a natural alternative to painkillers and other medications that you take for your joint pain. As mentioned above, CBD works alongside your endocannabinoid system, which is why the substance has been shown to help alleviate certain symptoms of a range of health issues, including epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, depression, and anxiety. But most importantly, it can help you manage the joint paint.
The most common symptoms of joint pain are stiffness, inflammation, and reduced mobility. Moreover, you can experience sleeping problems or stress if the pain interferes with your life too much. CBD comes in handy here because it can reduce all those symptoms.
Here is how CBD can help you:
CBD Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is the swelling, redness, and heat that you feel in your joints. It is one of the most common symptoms of joint pain, and it is caused by the body’s own immune response to the damage. Though it is essential for your body’s healing, too much of it can lead to pain and other issues, including stiffness, swelling, and pain.
CBD works to decrease inflammation, so it is often recommended for people who have arthritis. Studies have shown that CBD reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are responsible for pain and swelling.
CBD Reduces Pain
While there are many ways to manage your pain, including physical therapy and medications, CBD can also help you. It might not completely get rid of the pain, but it will significantly reduce it as well as discomfort when moving around and doing your daily activities.
CBD can reduce pain by working to block the transmission of pain signals from the nerves to your brain.
CBD Promotes Sleep
If you are suffering from joint pain, you might notice that you are not sleeping as well as before. The pain prevents you from falling and staying asleep, which could lead to other issues such as anxiety, stress, and depression. CBD can be of great help because it helps to improve your sleep quality.
As a natural painkiller, it will alleviate the discomfort that prevents you from sleeping, but it is not the only way it can help you. In fact, studies have shown that CBD might reduce the time it takes you to fall asleep and decrease the number of times you wake up during the night.
CBD Relieves Stress
Chronic pain can be extremely stressful because it prevents you from performing your daily activities and makes you feel helpless. If you are stressed out and angry all the time, your body will not be able to heal properly, which is why it is crucial to keep your stress levels under control. CBD can help you with that, too. It will not only reduce the pain but will also promote relaxation and make you feel more at ease.
An analysis from 2015 showed that CBD reduces stress and social anxiety. That is why it could be a potential treatment for mental disorders, including SAD, PTSD, panic disorder, OCD, and generalized anxiety disorder.
Side Effects of CBD
While CBD is definitely helpful for alleviating joint pain, it does not come without its side effects. However, you will not experience them unless you use the substance in excess. If you want to try it for yourself, we recommend that you consult your physician, especially since the substance may also interact with some prescription medications.
Here are some of the potential side effects:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Changes in appetite
- Diarrhea
How Much CBD Should You Take For Joint Pain?
Users report a wide range of doses when taking CBD, but the usual recommended amount is 10-15mg per day. However, this number might vary depending on your body type and why you are taking CBD. If you use the substance to manage pain and other symptoms, you might need higher doses.
Of course, that does not mean that you can just take any amount you want. You should always consult your doctor about the right dosage for you, especially if you have never used cannabidiol before.
In Conclusion
While there is still much research to be done in order to fully explore the potential of CBD, there is no denying that the substance has an incredible potential. It might not be a miracle drug that can cure all health issues, but it can help you manage your joint pain. Moreover, it can effectively treat various other health problems, including anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
If you want to try CBD supplements, you need to be careful. When used in excess, it might bring some side effects. That is why you should look for high-quality products and always consult your doctor before starting your treatment. However, it is definitely worth a try as it might just be the solution to your problem.