How to Use CBD to Help Manage Pain: What You Need to Know

The U.S. Pain Foundation explains that 50 million Americans deal with chronic pain daily. Medications help patients manage the discomfort, but some pain pills are highly addictive and withdrawal from them may become very hard. It explains why people are looking for alternative remedies for pain. CBD is causing a buzz in the wellness industry for its potential benefits. However, this is a new product, and it is vital to know whether it can actually help alleviate pain. Below is a guide with details, including how to use CBD to help manage pain.

Does CBD Help with Pain?

CBD may help with pain. Preliminary research has promising results with CBD showing to have analgesic(pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. However, a lot more studies are necessary to establish a solid link between CBD and pain relief. Nonetheless, CBD’s analgesic benefits may help with different types of pain to support overall wellness.

The cannabinoid’s anti-inflammatory properties may help with inflammation-related conditions such as arthritis. Studies have also shown CBD may have anti-oxidant benefits to help neutralize harmful free radicals that lead to dangerous conditions like inflammation.

Experts elaborate that CBD works in the human body by stimulating the endocannabinoid system. The system regulates how your body responds to pain and controls other functions, including mood, appetite, sleep, and immunity. CBD enhances the system’s performance in handling its various roles to keep your body in balance.

What the Research Says

Studies regarding CBD for pain mainly involve animals. Several small studies involving humans have also been done, but more scientific research is needed. The anecdotal studies show CBD to have pain-reducing effects. For example, a 2015 study entailed using a CBD gel on rats’ joints. It was discovered that using 6.2mg of CBD daily reduced pain and inflammation in the subjects. One trial also examined the efficacy of a CBD topical gel on subjects with osteoarthritis knee pain over 12 weeks. Participants were given 250mg or 500mg doses. Researchers noticed significant pain improvement in those given 250mg of CBD.

Another study showed that a combination of CBD and THC might improve pain. It evaluated the safety, effectiveness, and tolerability of an oromucosal spray with THC and CBD in people with severe chronic pain. The product was effective and well-tolerated for people with chronic pain, especially of neuropathic origin. An additional study established that inhaling a combo of CBD and THC could help relieve fibromyalgia, an arthritis type.

Despite the promising findings, research on using CBD for pain management is limited. Experts need to conduct more studies involving larger groups of human participants. The studies should also target specific conditions causing pain.

How to Use CBD for Pain

Forbes Health conducted a survey recently involving 2,000 U.S. Adults and concluded that 60% of U.S. adults who utilize CBD products do so for its possible pain-relieving effects. You can use CBD for pain in different forms, including oil and topicals.

CBD Oil

Sublingual CBD oil use is the quickest way to get CBD into your system. The method also provides fast relief in 15-30minutes. You need to administer a few drops of CBD oil under the tongue and hold for 30-60 seconds before swallowing. The formula moves into your bloodstream for circulation through the thin blood vessels in the mouth. Many companies pack CBD oil in bottles with droppers to ensure accurate measuring of servings.

Ensure you purchase high-quality CBD oil to protect your wellbeing. Buy CBD oil from brands that use organic hemp and the CO2 method to make CBD. Premium CBD oil also undergoes third-party testing for cannabinoid composition and purity.

CBD Cream

If you have joint pains and muscle soreness, CBD cream is the best CBD product to use. It targets the affected area only, enhancing CBD’s effectiveness. CBD creams come in different potencies. However, you should use a topical with at least 400mg of CBD or more. Some brands offer creams with as much as 600mg of CBD to ensure users have a chance of experiencing pain relief.

CBD Salve

CBD salves tend to be more potent than creams. The market provides salves with 1000mg, 2500mg, and 3000mg of CBD per jar. These potencies may work better for severe pain. Apply a generous amount of CBD salve on a clean area and wait for the effects to kick in. You can add another layer after a few hours if the pain relief wears off.

CBD Patch

You can also use a CBD patch to alleviate pain in joints and muscles. CBD patches can be more convenient to utilize than CBD cream and salve, as you can wear one patch for up to four days. You do not have to keep reapplying CBD every other time, as with CBD creams and salves. Place a CBD patch on a flat body part and allow it to work.

How Much CBD Do I Need to Manage Pain?

There is no one dose for all when it comes to using CBD for pain. A dosage may work for one person and be ineffective for another. It is recommended that you start with a low CBD quantity, such as 10mg per serving. That way, you can work your way up the dose if the initial amount does not relieve symptoms. You adjust your dosage after one week if you do not feel any changes in pain. Dosage increments should be gradual to give your body an easy time adjusting to CBD. CBD oil and topicals help deal with pain to improve a person’s overall wellbeing.

Side Effects of Using CBD for Pain Management

High-quality CBD is comparatively safe, and most people tolerate CBD without experiencing any problems. However, CBD has rare side effects, including fatigue, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, and changes in weight and appetite. These apply to CBD products that enter your bloodstream, such as CBD oil, capsules, and edibles. You should not experience such effects when using CBD topicals like creams, salves, and patches. That is because topical CBD does not reach your bloodstream.

Ensure you consult your doctor before using CBD for pain if you are on medication or have a health condition. CBD interacts with some medications, affecting their functioning in your body. A physician will establish if you can use CBD for pain.

Summary

CBD may help manage pain, but more research is needed. You can use CBD oil or topicals to ease discomfort. Start with a low potency and increase the dose gradually if need be. Ensure you settle for high-grade, tested CBD that is third-party tested, and speak to your doctor before use if you are on medication.