If you haven’t been hiding under a rock lately, you have most likely heard about CBD and its increasing popularity among those in the holistic medicine community. We hope to help provide an understanding of what CBD feels like as it relates to pain management.
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What is CBD, anyway?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of many active compounds derived from the cannabis plant. CBD is non-psychoactive, but it has many of the same pleasurable side effects and benefits without the feeling of getting “high” or “stoned”. With states continuing to legalize and promote CBD sales, it is likely that you would find a product to treat all sorts of mental and physical conditions you may suffer from.
How does CBD work?
Cannabinoids attach themselves to certain receptors in the body, affecting the way we perceive and manage pain. It helps to stimulate the body to produce its own brand of pain management hormones, reducing inflammation and fighting chronic infection. Without the hallucinogenic effects of THC, CBD is able to effectively manage pain, reduce anxiety and symptoms of depression, and provide an overall sense of greater well being.
Uses for CBD
These scientifically-backed benefits are justifying CBD’s use in medical circles across the country; more and more people are jumping on the CBD train and noting some significant effects on and improvements in their health.
1. Reduction in pain: CBD helps to reduce chronic pain and inflammation by impacting the body’s own endocannabinoid receptors that are responsible for regulating sleep cycles, digestion, pain, and immune system response.
2. Reduction in anxiety and depression: CBD is able to interact with regions of the brain that are responsible for serotonin, a natural “feel good” hormone. As a result, symptoms of anxiety and depression are reduced and, in some cases, eliminated.
3. Reduction in cancer-related symptoms: CBD may help to alleviate symptoms related to cancer and its treatment, including nausea, vomiting, and pain.
4. Reduction in acne: Acne can occur as a result of genetic predisposition, presence of excess bacteria, overproduction of sebum, and inflammatory response. CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory agent, and may effectively go to work reducing inflammation that can lead to acne breakouts.
5. Increase in neuroprotective properties: CBD’s benefits to the brain and its function may help those suffering from neurological disorders. It has proven to be particularly effective in treating patients with Multiple Sclerosis, a neurological condition that causes the nervous system to break down over time. Chronic pain management with conditions like these is essential for providing better quality of life.
6. Improved heart health: CBD has the ability to lower and regulate high blood pressure, which may be beneficial to those with heart disease and those at risk for heart attack and stroke. The anti-anxiety and stress-reduction properties of CBD help to keep circulation healthy and improve conditions that might otherwise contribute to the formation of arterial plaque.
CBD for pain management
With regard to pain management, CBD oil has proven to be very effective in reducing or eliminating pain related to all types of conditions. Some of these diseases and conditions include:
Arthritis
Several conclusive studies have been done on animals in recent years to test the effectiveness of CBD on reducing inflammation related to arthritic pain, but testing is still in the beginning phases regarding trials using human participants. Findings look very positive, however, and a number of clinical trials are set to be performed in the coming years on the effect of CBD on arthritic pain.
Multiple Sclerosis
MS, or Multiple Sclerosis, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the entire body through the nervous system and the brain. Muscle spasms are a common complaint of those suffering from MS, and some people experience spasms so severely and so frequently that they can cause almost constant pain. CBD oil has been proven to reduce spastic episodes dramatically in some people, and more patients are incorporating the use of CBD as a therapeutic measure in helping manage all MS symptoms.
General chronic pain and inflammation
As we age, the level of inflammation and pain that we experience becomes greater. For those suffering from non-specific or undiagnosed symptoms, and for people with fibromyalgia, CBD can provide welcome relief from chronic pain and inflammation that contributes to almost constant fatigue. People report lower pain levels, improved mental well being, and higher energy levels than before implementing CBD.
Innovative uses
CBD is also currently being tested for a number of additional applications, including:
. Drug withdrawal and smoking cessation
. Treating epileptic seizures
. Treatment of anxiety and depression
. Reducing the effects and slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease
. Reducing the psychotic episodes of schizophrenia
. Future applications regarding acne, cancer, and type 1 diabetes
The medical community is beginning to embrace CBD as a viable alternative to prescription drug therapies, and is validating its use in hundreds of applications targeted for total body well being and mental health. While the use of CBD is not yet recognized as legal on a Federal level, more and more states are beginning to pass legislation promoting its use to improve health. Check with your state and local legislature to see if CBD can be used in your area, and look forward to better health and vitality.
