Arthritis is commonly associated with age, but the condition affects more than just the elderly. From laborers, to athletes, physical age or additional activity can lead to arthritis pains. In fact, in the US alone, 54 million adults and 300,000 children have been diagnosed with a type of rheumatic disease, which causes joint pain like arthritis. With the urge or push to ‘go organic’ or relive more naturally, CBD has become increasingly popular among those who suffer. So, does CBD oil help treat arthritis pain? While research is still growing, so far all signs point to yes and we’re here to tell you why. From published studies, to how CBD works internally to do so, keep reading to learn more on CBD oil and arthritis pain.
What is CBD oil?
CBD or cannabidiol is a cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. With the growth of knowledge into the health benefits and effects that CBD can provide, CBD oil has increased in availability and sales. When CBD is infused into a liquid base, you’ve got CBD oil or tinctures. The extract can also be used to make a variety of goods like capsules, creams or edibles.
When ingested, CBD works with the body’s endocannabinoid system to provide its soothing effects to a wide-range of systems. That includes relieving pain and decreasing inflammation, which is ideal for arthritic like conditions. So, now let’s cover how CBD oil works for arthritis pain more specifically.
CBD oil for arthritis pain
From osteoarthritis to rheumatoid arthritis…swollen, stiff joints can cause an immense amount of discomfort, and damage to cartilage. Sometimes requiring injected steroids, or even joint replacement surgery. Many with the condition are turning to alternative methods of healing, including acupuncture and of course, CBD.
With recent legalization, human studies on the correlation of CBD and arthritis pain is still catching up. But, a number of studies on animals is giving experts hope on successful results. Here’s what the research is showing so far –
CBD may be effective as a treatment for osteoarthritis & joint pain
In a study conducted in 2017, results showed that CBD was effective in preventing pain and nerve damage in rats with osteoarthritis. After administering CBD it was found that CBD blocked pain associated with the condition, and prevented the development of future pain and nerve damage.
A 2014 study review similarly concluded that CBD could be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis specifically. The published results stated that “cannabinoid receptors, together with the physiological role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of pain, inflammation and even joint function further support the therapeutic interest of cannabinoids for osteoarthritis.”
CBD topicals can relieve pain and inflammation associated with arthritis
When CBD is infused into a cream, lotion, balm or salve, it’s commonly known as a ‘topical’. CBD topicals work by being applied directly to the area of pain. In a 2016 study on rats, transdermal or topical application of CBD was successful at significantly reducing swollen joints and pain. Even more, the study published that no side-effects were shown by the topical application.
CBD reduces inflammatory pain
Lastly, a 2011 study on rats again, published that CBD was “advantageous for the treatment of inflammatory pain” in acute arthritis conditions. The study found that CBD receptors react with other internal receptors to effectively block pain.
How to use CBD oil for arthritis pain
Regardless of human evidence, a growing population is using CBD to treat arthritis pain. A survey conducted in just 2018 showed that chronic pain and joint pain are the top two medical reasons, cited by those who use CBD.
But how are they using CBD oil to treat arthritis pain? With the growth of the CBD retail market, there is now a variety of products and ways to ingest. Each method comes with its own differences, including the time it takes to go into effect. Here are the most popular ways to use CBD oil to treat arthritis pain.
- Oils or Tinctures – When swallowing CBD through an oil or tincture, the compound is absorbed through your body’s digestive system. This includes the use of CBD capsules which contains CBD oil in a pill type form. The digestive system takes its time in processing, so usually effects are felt within 1-2 hours. Effects can also be altered by stomach contents. But, if you hold the CBD oil or tincture under your tongue, sublingually for 60 to 120 seconds, the compound is absorbed differently. CBD enters your system through the bloodstream versus your digestive system, so effects with this method will be apparent within 15-45 minutes.
- Edibles or Gummies – Edibles, whether homemade or purchased, including popularized gummy types are also absorbed through the digestive system. Gummies are popular amongst those who don’t like the taste of regular oils, or who prefer to accurately dose. With CBD edibles or gummies, effects are typically felt within 1-2 hours.
- Topicals – CBD topicals are lotions, creams or salves that are applied to joints experiencing arthritic pain. Their successful results are fueling use amongst arthritis patients. In 2019, the Arthritis Foundation reported that 29% of their surveyed patients use topicals regularly. Due to a high concentration of cannabinoids found in the skin layer, CBD is able to effectively relieve pain, and reduce inflammation or swelling without being absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
If you’re new to using CBD…always go low and slow with dosing, and increase as you measure your specific results. Keep in mind, that it may take a few weeks to see consistent results from CBD, too. And always, inform your doctor of adding any supplements to your arthritis relief routine, including CBD. CBD could adversely affect medications, so be sure to double check.
Relieve arthritis with CBD
The many benefits of CBD are being discovered by individuals at an increasing rate, as scientific studies attempt to keep up. With additional research, it’s more than likely that positive results will continue to be published. In the meantime, with virtually no side-effects noted from CBD…by choosing a high quality CBD product, you can carefully curate your own relief for arthritis or overall joint pain. Check out Natures Pure full line of top-notch CBD products, from topicals, to gummies, oils and more!
