Chronic pain is an epidemic that’s sweeping across the world. Globally, about 20% of people are living with some form of pain.
This equates to an astounding 1.5 billion people. The level of pain ranges from acute to chronic. It also appears that age plays a big role in the prevalence of chronic pain.
Pain medication is the typical form of treatment people take to get through their conditions. For example, Americans consume 30% of the world’s opioids (as of 2015).
This is a major concern, especially since Americans make up only 4.4% if the world’s population.
One of the problems with opioids is that they’re addictive and come with a host of side effects. Plus, the efficacy of opioids have yet to be proven – so why take the risk?
And that’s exactly what a lot of pain sufferers are asking themselves. It’s also the reason why many are turning to CBD oil.
In America alone, the CBD oil market is worth over $500 million. This is expected to grow to $1.8 billion by 2022.
If the products don’t work, then why does the market continue to increase year-over-year? What’s more telling is the number of people dropping meds for CBD oil.
Nearly 50% of CBD product users stop taking traditional medications.
Considering giving CBD oil a test run for your pain? Then now’s a great time to try.
The Problem With Pain Medication
Arthritis, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, migraines, fibromyalgia, cancer… These are just some of the conditions that can lead to chronic pain; pain that is so intense that it diminishes a person’s quality of life.
Obviously, living with chronic pain is, quite frankly, no way to live. In order to cope with the intense discomfort from whatever condition may be causing it, many people turn to prescription pain medications, like Oxycodone, codeine, hydrocodone, fentanyl, morphine, and other opioids.
While these medications might be effective analgesics, the relief that they provide does not come without serious risks. They are associated with a number of adverse side effects, such as:
- Intense drowsiness
- Slowed reflexes
- Delayed speech
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Lethargy
- Cognitive decline
Prescription pain medications are also extremely addictive and can lead to severe dependency; in fact, it can be said that prescription opioids are “gateway” drugs, as many patients end up turning to even more severe drugs, like heroin, in order to experience the same effects.
Dependency or the use of more severe illicit drugs also poses serious problems, and can potentially lead to death; opioids are the cause of the vast majority of overdose-related deaths in the United States.
Unfortunately, anyone who takes prescription pain medications is at risk of developing an addiction; yes, even unsuspecting individuals who were merely taking these medicines as a way to cope with their chronic pain.
If you’re suffering from chronic pain, it’s likely that your doctor has offered you a prescription for OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, or any number of other controlled substances. You may have even filled those prescriptions and taken them. But given all of the adverse effects that are associated with these medications, you really have to ask yourself, “Is it worth the risk?”
While the idea of having your pain minimized is certainly appealing, all of the negatives that come along with prescription painkillers just aren’t worth it.
That doesn’t mean that you have to live with your chronic pain. There are ways that you can control your pain safely, naturally, and without all of the adverse effects.
How? – With CBD oil. In fact, many patients who are suffering from chronic pain are ditching their scripts and are turning to his all-natural remedy.
Interested in learning more? Read on to find out what CBD oil is and how it can help you control your discomfort in a natural, healthy, non-addictive way.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is derived from a cannabinoid, a chemical compound that is naturally found within the cannabis plant; the cannabis plant contains more than 120 cannabinoids, including THC. Unlike THC, however, CBD does not have a psychoactive effect; in other words, it doesn’t create that “high” sensation that is often associated with inhaling or otherwise ingesting cannabis.
Of all the cannabinoids that are found in cannabis, CBD is the most abundant non-psychoactive compound.
As researchers have been investigating the benefits of CBD, it has been determined that it is very effective for treating a variety of conditions; the most significant benefit is its ability to relieve pain.
Since CBD oil doesn’t cause an altered state of consciousness, because it isn’t addictive, and since it can markedly reduce discomfort, many patients who are suffering from chronic pain are foregoing prescription pain medications and instead, are turning to this all-natural compound as a way to manage their pain.
Where does CBD Oil come from?
CBD oil, as mentioned, is derived from the cannabis plant, the same plant that marijuana comes from. However, this cannabinoid is extracted from the hemp part of the plant, the least processed part of cannabis sativa.
While hemp and marijuana both do come from the same plant, each one is very different. CBD is extracted from the resin of the flowers and buds of the cannabis plant, and the extracted cannabinoid is then mixed with medium chain triglyceride (MTC) oil, also known as a carrier oil.
The result of the extract and dilution process results in CBD oil; a product that so many millions of Americans are using to control various forms of pain, from menstrual cramps to muscle soreness, and even intense, chronic pain.
Top-Rated CBD Brands
Rank | Brand | Shipping | More Info |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Verma Farms | Worldwide | |
2 | Verified CBD | Worldwide | Unavailable |
How Does CBD Oil Help with Pain?
CBD offers a variety of health benefits to users. It helps the body ease pain is by interacting with your brain receptors and immune system.
Your brain receptors receive numerous chemicals from stimuli and, in turn, help your cells to respond accordingly. When you consume CBD oil, it produces anti-inflammatory effects, which help to minimize pain.
It also helps with an assortment of other conditions, including depression, anxiety, stress, and fibromyalgia.
Since CBD oil engages with your brain’s receptors, it helps to enhance your pain management system. This aids in minimizing inflammation, which helps to lessen pain.
What’s also great about CBD oil is that it’s non-euphoric and it doesn’t have addictive properties. So you can use this long-term without worry.
Wondering if this is something you can use for your pain? Let’s review the conditions it helps relieve.
Pain Caused By Arthritis
Now, there are different ways you can administer CBD. When it comes to arthritis pain, it’s good to use topical treatments.
According to one study, CBD can help with managing the pain caused by arthritis. When applied to rats with arthritis for 4 days, it helped to reduce inflammation substantially.
There were no side effects witnessed either.
There are others who use CBD tinctures who say their joint pain goes away and makes their joints work more smoothly.
Pain Due to Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Those living with MS have problems with muscle spasms and other symptoms. These spasms are oftentimes very great, making it difficult to lead a normal life.
MS is an autoimmune disease that affects your brain and nerves throughout the body.
One study shows that using CBD oil short-term can help minimize the intensity of spasms witnessed. Others stated seeing a reduction in other symptoms caused by MS.
There are other studies that indicate that combining THC and CBD can help improve the pain caused by MS and arthritis.
Conditions Causing Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can stem from a number of occurrences. For instance, one may have back pain due to a disc injury caused at work.
While another may have a condition that causes sciatica pain and pinched nerves.
But whatever the cause of the chronic pain, there’s one thing for certain – CBD is shown to help minimize its intensity.
In another study, it shows supporting facts that CBD reduces inflammation and pain in adults.
What Dosage of CBD Oil to Take
Since CBD oil isn’t regulated by the FDA, there’s no clear-cut dosage amount for these products. However, many sellers that offer tinctures have recommended dosages.
This comes down to the potency of the CBD oil. For example, for a high-potency CBD oil with 50mg/ 1ml, the recommended dose may be 1ml.
It’s important to speak with your physician, especially if you’re taking other medications for your pain. Since it’s impossible to overdose on CBD, it’s safe to play around with the dosage amount.
There’s no worry of toxicity since it’s a natural product.
For instance, you can try taking .5 ml dosages 3x per day of the high-potency CBD oil to see how it makes you feel. It’s not a good idea to go too high so that you don’t risk getting mild low blood pressure, dry mouth, sedation, and light-headedness.
Possible Side Effects of CBD Oil
While CBD oil boasts all sorts of health benefits, it’s only fair to cover the side effects it can sometimes cause. These can vary from person to person and by dosage amount.
Some of the leading side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Appetite changes
- Tiredness
- Weight loss or weight gain
There’s also the possibility of it affecting the effectiveness of your medications. For instance, it can increase or decrease its strength.
Be sure to watch for differences in your body after taking CBD oil to determine if there needs to be an adjustment to your dosage. It’s also advised that you take CBD oil under the supervision of a health care practitioner.
Is CBD Oil Right for You?
If you’re currently dealing with acute to chronic pain, then CBD oil is definitely worth the consideration. The fact that it comes with a slight chance of minimal side effects makes it a great option.
CBD oil is a viable choice if you’re looking for an all-natural solution for pain relief.
There are a number of brands on the market today – so do your research to find one that’s reputable.
Then test out several to see which of them offer the best pain relief!
Elijah, this was a very informative article, I’ve been learning about the benefits of CBD oil and am a firm believer that CBD oil can help manage back-pain. I’ll checkout some of the recommendations you mentioned.
I was able to drop by your site while looking for ways to relieve my lower back pain due to scoliosis. A few years ago, I was told by a colleague that CBD oil could help ease the pain but I didn’t heed her suggestion. Maybe I should consider CBD oil this time. Thanks for your post! =)
Thanks for this article it was very formative – I’ve just purchased something from Verma Farms excited to try it.