Using CBD for pain is a popular go-to for many people and their pets nowadays. But how does CBD for pain work? And how do I use it?
How does CBD for pain work?
CBD interacts with our body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which all mammals have.
The ECS controls our homeostasis, organ function, pain perception, stress response, cognition, mood, inflammation, many bodily systems, and much more. It is made up of a wide variety of receptors throughout the body. Cannabinoids interact with these receptors to help support our bodily functions. Our body makes its own endo-cannabionids to do this, but sometimes the body cannot make enough for various reasons. This can cause various health conditions, pain, inflammation, homeostasis disruption, and more.
When this occurs, many use plant cannabinoids from hemp to help this imbalance. Many often also CBD for pain as needed, as well as daily for preventative care and overall well-being.
Reasons people regularly use CBD for pain include:
Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
Migraines and headaches
Arthritis
Joint stiffness and muscle pain
Osteoporosis
Endometriosis
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes
ME/CFS
Fibromyalgia
PCOS
Fibroids
Menstrual pain
Back pain
Inflammation
Nerve & neuropathic pain
Lack of mobility
Many other painful symptoms and health conditions
While CBD may not be a cure for health conditions, many patients use it for pain management, health support, and to ease or prevent symptoms.
CBD for vomiting and nausea
Research shows that CBD directly activates the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, well-known for reducing stress & anxiety. But this receptor also addresses addiction, appetite, sleep, pain perception, vomiting, and nausea.
Studies explore how CBD can modulate serotonin flow to reduce further stimulation of the brain’s vomiting center. The raw, unheated version of CBD is CBDA, which has an even stronger connection to this receptor.
CBD for migraines and headaches
Further research indicates CBD binds to the TRPV1 receptor, which heavily mediates pain perception, body temperature, and inflammation. Activating this receptor is common when treating headaches or migraines.
When CBD binds to TRPV1, studies find it may influence pain perception and ease headaches triggered by restricted blood vessels. Anandamide (AEA) is another hemp cannabinoid that’s also a TRPV1 agonist.
CBD for nerve pain and growth
Most lesions cause nerve innervation and nerve pain. Some deal with deep-infiltrating lesions embedded into bodily tissue that harms or moves around our anatomy – like those with endometriosis and cancer. These deeper lesions have an even higher density of nerves and can be extremely painful.
The ECS regulates nerve growth, and CB1 receptors are found on nerves innervating lesions. Researchers suspect that CBD interferes with innervation by preventing this receptor from activating – which ideally helps prevent further nerve growth. Studies show endocannabinoids are involved in regulating and preventing cell-migration, showing that CBD can potentially stop cells from migrating by blocking the activation of the GPR18 receptor.
CBD for menstrual pain
The ECS plays a vital role in the reproductive tract’s function. The endometrium has a large source of cannabinoids, and the uterus has high AEA levels. Many suffering from disorders like PCOS, fibroids, or ovarian cysts often use CBD to help with pain management and relief.
CBD for dysautonomia
Many suffer from chronic conditions like POTS, EDS, ME/CFS, endometriosis, and more that cause painful dysautonomia symptoms, including vertigo, dizziness, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure. Many find some relief and the ability to help manage their conditions with high quality CBD and cannabis.
CBD for arthritis and joint pain
The GPR55 receptor is heavily found in the brain, especially cerebellum. It helps modulate blood pressure, bone density, physiological processes, and supports osteoclast cell function. CBD is a GPR55 antagonist, meaning it blocks GPR55 signaling. An overactive GPR55 receptor is associated with osteoporosis and cancer cell growth. As a result, many use CBD to help decrease bone reabsorption and cell proliferation.
CBD for muscle and back pain
CBD has been known to act as a relaxant, anti-inflammatory, and help relieve muscle spasms. Whether someone’s struggling with pain due to stiffness, inflammation, stress, or symptoms from a condition, using CBD for back pain is very popular.
CBD for inflammation
The immune system maintains a balance between inflammation and anti-inflammation. Inflammation is an important way our body protects and heals from injuries.
Inflammation is when white blood cells gather at an injury, eating bacteria and other harmful stimuli. Inflammation’s purpose is to eliminate the cause of injury, damaged cells, & tissues – then start repairing. When the immune system is out of balance, people deal with chronic inflammation that causes painful conditions & symptoms.
Cannabinoid receptors are found in the immune system, particularly white blood cells. Many take CBD consistently to help these cells communicate consistently. When our cells communicate & function properly, they can protect the body against daily threats to the immune system.
What is the best CBD for pain?
Each body is different, and it takes time to find what works best for each individual. The “best” CBD for pain will always vary depending on the person (or pet).
Many prefer to take CBD internally, which offers the full effects of hemp and tends to last longer in the system than inhalation or topical use. Cosset Wellness offers a variety of CBD for pain, including full spectrum hemp oil, broad spectrum hemp oil, CBD oil, and CBD gummies. For CBD oil, many start with a few droppers under the tongue and wait about 30 minutes before taking more if needed. For CBD gummies, start with 1 or 2 then wait about an hour before taking more.
We also offer a topical CBD relief cream! CBD topicals work best for more immediate pain relief in localized areas where there may be injury or concentrated inflammation. Since topicals are not ingested, folks often need to reapply more regularly. Apply as needed to painful, swollen, or inflamed areas. For best results, apply after a warm shower or bath before bed.
CBD supports the healing process and helps relieve pain for countless people and animals. It’s most effective when paired with a balanced nutrition and lifestyle, which means different things for different people. There is no one model for “health” – take time to find what feels best for YOU. Using CBD consistently will always provide the most consistent results.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any condition. Please consult a trusted, licensed healthcare physician before consuming new herbs.
SOURCES
Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis
Commentaires