One in four have chronic pain
chronic pain is widespread. around 23 million people in germany alone suffer from it. common problem: despite thorough examination, the doctor cannot find any physical damage. the causes are usually deeper.
Constant pain - and the doctor can't find anything: 28 percent of Germans report that they are affected by recurrent pain, and in six million of them the symptoms are so severe that everyday life and quality of life are massively impaired.
For many of these patients, currently available drugs do not provide complete relief, and painkillers typically have severe side effects and can sometimes lead to dependency.
CBD could provide a safe and effective alternative.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis plants (marijuana and hemp). CBD does not cause a "high" that many people associate with cannabis. This feeling is caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another type of cannabinoid.
In the meantime, more and more people with chronic pain are turning to CBD products to relieve their symptoms.
Promising research has shown that CBD has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
How does CBD work and to what extent can it help to relieve pain?
Every human being has a cell signalling system known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Some researchers believe that CBD interacts with a core component of the ECS endocannabinoid receptors in your brain and immune system.
Receptors are tiny proteins attached to your cells, which receive signals, mostly chemical, from various stimuli and help your cells respond.
This reaction produces anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that help in the treatment of pain, which means that CBD oil and other products with CBD can help people with chronic pain.
In a report from the Year 2018 evaluated how well CBD works to relieve chronic pain. studies were reviewed that were conducted between 1975 and 2018. these studies examined different types of pain, including
- Cancer pain
- neuropathic pain
- Fibromyalgia
Based on these studies, the researchers concluded that CBD is generally effective in treating pain and does not cause any negative side effects.
The link between pain, anandamide and CBD
pain can occur when the body does not have enough anandamide. this is an endocannabinoid that is produced naturally in the body and was discovered over 10 years ago. however, it is still not completely clear what the body needs anandamide for. however, it is assumed that anandamide has an influence on pain regulation and appetite. taking CBD should make it possible to prevent the breakdown of anandamide in the body. this could be an explanation of how cannabidiol works in pain relief.
In what form should I take CBD?
CBD can be easily absorbed orally through the oral mucosa. The effect is thus quickly unfolded throughout the body. Also highly recommended are special ointments or creams containing CBD which are applied to the painful areas and massaged in.
Currently CBD is available on the market in the following versions:
Oils - CBD oil can be taken orally, vaporized or mixed into beverages, and capsules filled with CBD oil are also available to help determine the dosage more accurately.
Tinctures - a tincture is made by soaking cannabis flowers in alcohol for a long period of time. this process extracts the CBD in a stronger concentration than most CBD oils. generally, tincture bottles are equipped with a built-in pipette so that a person can take one or more drops. tinctures can be used alone or mixed with food or drink.
In edible form - CBD can be mixed into food and beverages. they can also be produced at home by mixing CBD oil or tinctures into food and beverages. examples are baked goods, gums and chocolates.
Creams and gels - CBD infused lotions are considered topical because they are applied to the skin, and CBD infused creams and gels are absorbed by the skin, making them a particularly good solution for back or neck pain.
Bottom line:
Whether taken orally as an oil or applied to the skin - CBD has become an integral part of natural pain therapy.