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We all know that CBD oil is a safe and effective compound for pain management but what’s the best way to use it? But before we talk about using cannabidiol to treat pain, we need to learn how it actually helps regulate pain.
How exactly does CBD help with pain?
Although more studies and trials need to be performed on this subject, results have shown so far, a huge promise between Cannabidiol and pain management.
CBD for Fibromyalgia and Neuropathic Pain Management
CBD has been studied extensively for its use in a variety of chronic pain condition but is particularly useful in the management of neuropathic pain – a type of chronic nerve pain that waxes and wanes and lead to numbness or tingling. A good example of neuropathic pain is complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), which occurs due to peripheral nerve injury.
Research has revealed that by activating the CB2 receptor, a type of cannabinoid receptor, seems to be helpful in the management of chronic pain, which usually does not respond well with other therapies. CBD binds to this particular receptor to activate the pathways that modulate chronic pain, associated with degenerative or long-term conditions such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and diabetes.
Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder characterized by widespread pain all over the body. Some experts believe that a deficiency of endogenous cannabinoids, which influences pain sensitivity in the nervous system, may be associated with the increased sensitivity to pain, sleep ad mood issues that accompany fibromyalgia. When heighted pain sensitivity arises due to a depression of endocannabinoid system, the use of cannabinoids can help reduce pain sensitivity.
CBD can also help curb pain by activating and targeting glycine receptors in the nervous system. Glycine receptors can be found in different regions of the spinal cord and the brain. These receptors play a major role in suppressing neuropathic and inflammatory pain. When prostaglandins and other inflammatory factors are present, they often block glycine receptors, resulting in an increase of pain sensation. CBD can reactivate them to reduce pain.
CBD for Cancer Pain Management
Opiods are still considered the drug of choice for the treatment of cancer pain for patients in advance stage. However, some patients experience pain that can’t be managed at tolerable and safe doses. A common way to address this is the administration of another pain-reliever. Cannabinoids such as CBD are being considered as a potential add-on analgesic.
A study found that nabiximols, an herbal preparation that contains a standardized extract of CBD, THC, minor cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, have analgesic effect when used as an adjuvant therapy for patients with cancer with pain not controlled by opioid therapy alone.
How to Use CBD Oil for Pain Management
In the studies shown above, CBD oil has shown to reduce pain, help with inflammation and curb overall discomforts associated to different health conditions. But what’s the best method to use this oil to manage pain?
Orally, inhalation or direct application? To start with, the span of time for it to take effect and the duration for it to produce pain-relieving results vary depending on how the oil is taken or administered.
CBD can be applied orally or topically. For faster effect, experts recommend oral administration through sublingual route or inhalation, while for slower acting effect, topical application or ingesting CBD oil by drinking or eating can be done.
Taking CBD oil by inhalation or by drops under the tongue can be felt within a 1 to 2 minutes and may last for at least two hours.
Ingesting or applying it on the specific area may take up to 30 to 90 minutes to take effect and may last at least four hours. These modes of administration take longer to take effect because CBD cannabinoids pass through many areas before it reaches the bloodstream. However, when taken under the tongue or inhaled, CBD cannabinoid are quickly absorbed by the tissues and go straight into the circulation.
