About 1 in 10 Americans live with neuropathy or nerve pain.
It causes chronic pain due to damaged nerves, and sometimes, painkillers and other medications used in the treatment of nerve pain fail to provide enough pain relief and can become addictive.
For this reason, some people resort to use cannabidiol(CBD) as a natural support for their treatment.
Now, while CBD oil hasn’t been officially approved, data have been promising on the use of potential CBD and other cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant to possibly improve symptoms of neuropathy and alleviate chronic pain.
Research is still ongoing, but here’s what we know about how you can use CBD oil for pain relief.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol(CBD) is the 2nd most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis.
It is the ‘sine qua non’ of medical marijuana. CBD doesn’t induce a ‘high ‘on its own.
CBD oil is derived from hemp—cannabis with less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol(THC) content by dry weight and therefore won’t induce a ‘high’ when ingested.
CBD for Pain Relief
Several countries have approved the use of CBD for potentially support of certain conditions.
A classic example is the UK where they’ve approved its use in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. We also have Canada where the use of CBD has been approved for the treatment of pain associated with cancer.
Currently, no CBD-based medications have been approved as painkillers in the US as research is still being conducted. Epidiolex, which is used in the treatment of several rare forms of childhood epilepsy, is the only CBD-based drug that has been approved by the FDA.
CBD for Chronic Nerve Pain
Chronic pain is defined as any pain that lasts longer than several months.
Neuropathy is a chronic pain condition. A person who has neuropathy has damaged nerves.
CBD oil can provide support for treatment under the current guidelines failing to provide enough pain relief.
CBD for Arthritis and Joint Pain
Arthritis is a term often used to mean any disorder of the joints.
Its symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion of the affected joints. It may be progressive over time.
Here’s what Forbes Health had to say about a controlled trial conducted in 2006 on patients with rheumatoid arthritis and the use of Sativex, “Researchers found that, compared to a placebo, Sativex significantly improved participants’ pain during movement, pain at rest and quality of sleep. “
CBD for Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain can stem from a number of conditions or injuries that deal damage to the nervous system.
Neuropathic pain is associated with dysesthesia, a condition where you experience pain from normally non-painful stimuli. The pain manifests as tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, and sharp stabbing spasms.
In the same article from Forbes Health, they reported on a study in 2020 tested topically administered CBD on patients with peripheral neuropathy, or damage to the peripheral nervous system, responsible for relaying information throughout the body from the central nervous system.
Forbes Health stated, “When compared to placebo, the topical CBD significantly reduced patients’ intense pain and sharp pain, as well as cold and itchy sensations.”
Where to Get CBD to Treat Chronic Nerve Pain
Before you get started on CBD-based support, consult your physician first to eliminate any possibilities of side effects as a result of interaction with any medication you’re on, and avoid over-the-counter CBD. Get your CBD from a certified marijuana clinic to ensure it meets FDA standards.
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