Before we dive into why CBD for arthritis is a smart decision for many, let’s understand what CBD is.Many business gurus predict that the present, impressive popularity of CBD (really, cannabis) is the starting line for a modern gold rush — well, more like a Green Rush. In fact, according to QYResearch Group’s March 2019 report, the global CBD marketplace for 2018 was valued at US-$270 million and is anticipated to expand to US-$3.9 billion by the year 2025.
Ironically, textile manufacturers have been using the fibrous portion of Cannabis (i.e. hemp) to resolve manufacturing challenges for eons. Many have used it recreationally during this time as well. Greek historians first wrote about cannabis use (aka marijuana use) in cannabis steam baths approximately 2,500 years ago.
The current attention on cannabis however, is about the flowering plant’s all-natural medical healing properties. Academic and scientific research strongly suggests that cannabis (and its many treasured components, like CBD) is a remedy that:
- Offers relief to those suffering from multiple sclerosis, epilepsy or seizure disorders.
- Reduces inflammation and pain in the human body.
Inflammation is problematic to the human body and the root cause of many common human disorders. This includes rheumatoid & osteoporosis arthritis, fibromyalgia, and gout, to name just a few.
What are Cannabinoids?
The Cannabis plant produces a set of chemicals known as Cannabinoids, that when ingested or inhaled cause physical and mental effects. These chemical compounds intermingle with the brain’s cannabinoid “receptors.” This in turn triggers the brain to release neurotransmitters.
Cannabinoids network through the body’s Endogenous Cannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS, in conjunction with cannabinoid receptors, plays an essential part in regulating the body’s physiology and differing dispositions. Cannabinoids play a significant role in reducing inflammation in the body.
CBD Potential Side Effects
While many people who use CBD may find relief to their condition, there are some patients who:
- Find that their reaction to CBD leaves them with changes to their appetite or the general feeling of being tired.
- Discover that CBD interacts with certain pharmaceutical medicine.
While the amount of CBD varies as to how much is required to interact with a pharmaceutical composition, it is still important to have an idea which pharmaceutical drugs are vulnerable to the influences of CBD. A partial list includes medicine such as:
- Blood Thinners
- Chemotherapy Drugs
- Pharmaceutical Sedatives
- Anti-seizure meds
However, it is noted that despite the potential effects of CBD, CBD has a better side-effect profile than other medications; which improves a patient’s compliance with their specified treatment.
What is Cannabidiol?
Cannabidiol — CBD — is a chemical compound extracted from a flowering plant in the cannabis genus. Cannabidiol is one of 483 verified compounds produced by the Cannabis plant. In a somewhat complicated manufacturing process, the potent and active part of the Cannabidiol compound is isolated, purified and then ultimately concentrated for its end product.
CBD oil’s price is based on the final product’s purity and potency. CBD oil can be pricey, but its medical benefits are remarkable and worthy of its cost. Western medical professionals and alternative therapy practitioners have embraced the use of CBD oil because this compound from the Cannabis plant has NO psychoactive qualities.
Cannabidiol (CBD) vs. Arthritis Pain
Body inflammation generally indicates that a body part requires attention. Inflammation acts as the body’s signal that something is amiss — like the intrusion of a virus or bacteria, or simply a bruised ankle or hand, etc. In this way, inflammation is a protective response. However, many people suffer from chronic autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation even though there is no legitimate need to protect the body. As a result, autoimmune conditions mistakenly cause a body’s immune system to attack itself.
The most common types of arthritis include:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)- Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes an inflammatory reaction when in fact there is no present danger to protect the body from. Rheumatoid Arthritis generally causes swollen, painful conditions in the body’s joints.
- Osteoarthritis (OA)- Osteoarthritis belongs to a class of degenerative diseases. OA causes stiffness and pain in the body’s many joints. These would include an ankle, hip, knee, hand, finger, or shoulder, among others.
Osteoarthritis, while not an autoimmune disorder, attacks the body’s joints. Joint inflammation results in significant pain and loss of motion. Patients suffering from arthritis can receive relief and benefits when using CBD, due to its powerful ability to reduce inflammation.
CBD Benefits for Arthritis Patients
According to the Arthritis Foundation:
- 54 million people in the U.S. are afflicted with one form of arthritis.
- Arthritis is the leading cause of disability among American Adults.
- Two decades from now, more than 78 million will have been formally diagnosed with arthritis.
The use of CBD oil in the treatment of arthritis is an evolving (and wildly popular) therapeutic modality that can mitigate pain and inflammation for those who live with arthritis daily.
Studies that scientifically measure how CBD benefits those afflicted with arthritis are not yet fully complete; however, personal success stories regarding the benefits of CBD for arthritis sufferers abound, creating a strong demand for CBD use by those affected by arthritis.
Why not use pharmaceutical compounds doctors traditionally prescribe?
CBD treatments differ from the many pharmaceutical options offered through western care physicians in one significant way — pills and ointments offered generally have challenging side effects to the patient.
CBD critics often erroneously claim that CBD alters one’s state of consciousness, which is completely false.
CBD Applications
CBD doses vary and depend upon the following factors:
- One’s level of arthritis and the amount of time the body has been fighting the disease.
- Your body’s chemical makeup and metabolism of CBD oil compounds. This exists for all types of medicine.
- The way the CBD oil is delivered to the body.
It is for this reason that CBD experts advise that it is prudent to begin with the lowest recommended CBD dose and to move gradually to the optimal CBD dose (for you) slowly, as you begin to recognize how your body responds to the CBD oil’s inflammation-reducing abilities.
Topical Ointments and Oils
Those afflicted with the autoimmune condition known as arthritis can use CBD oils or topical creams that are quickly absorbed through the skin in less than one-half hour. Additionally, CBD creams and oils can be directly applied to the inflamed (unopened) area of the skin or the painful location.
Here are a few examples of available CBD topical delivery methods:
- CBD Arthritis Cream — The application of CBD Arthritis Cream is best used for localized relief of pain and inflammation.
- Topical CBD Oil for Arthritis — In general, health experts agree that topical use of CBD oil is an effective relief for arthritic symptoms with little to no side effects.
- Transdermal CBD for Arthritis– A transdermal patch resembles a large Band-Aid™ and offers a continuous ongoing application of CBD through your skin. The heat of the body activates the release of CBD from the transdermal patch.
CBD Tinctures and Edibles
The benefits offered by the chemical compound known as CBD can also be delivered through tinctures (small droplets under the tongue) and CBD edibles. It is important to note that when CBD is ingested through these products, the body also receives its anti-inflammatory properties. However, the onset of these positive effects happens much slower than the application of CBD oil to the skin. It is noted that when ingested, CBD oil reduces inflammation throughout the body, including the joints affected by arthritis.
The Take-away
When one considers:
- The sheer number of those afflicted with arthritis
- The cost of pharmaceuticals
- The side effects of pharmaceutical medicines
It becomes increasingly difficult to overlook this all-natural relief for those who suffer from the debilitating condition known as arthritis.
When considering using CBD to help alleviate the pain caused by inflammatory diseases, you must speak with your marijuana-medically trained doctor about the current medicines you are using to avoid negating or potentiating the effects of these medicines.
Many healthcare providers such as chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists are incorporating CBD oils or creams into their practice. See if they can help you with issues around arthritis.
