How Well Does CBD Work for Pain Management?

CBD’s purported health benefits have been the focus of research recently, such as the study on CBD for spinal stenosis. Pinched nerves can produce pain when surrounding tissues press on nerve roots.

Research suggests that CBD may help relieve symptoms of health conditions through pain management. 

What Exactly Is Cannabidiol?

In recent years, CBD has become a popular therapy for several health conditions. It is available through sources such as online retailers, grocery stores, and drug stores. 

However, it is essential to focus on the facts about CBD and past studies that examined possible therapeutic effects. 

Cannabidiol  (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid. Research shows that 80 or more cannabinoids exist. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that occur naturally in cannabis plants, which include marijuana and hemp plants. Both plants contain CBD and THC. 

However, CBD levels are higher in hemp plants than in marijuana. Meanwhile, marijuana plants contain more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a cannabinoid that makes users “high.” 

CBD and Chronic Pain Relief

CBD relieves pain through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body. 

Research shows that CBD interacts with ECS components, including endocannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the brain and immune system.  

These ECS receptors are tiny proteins connected to your cells. They receive signals, which are usually chemical, and help the cells respond.

The body’s response produces pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Such effects may help people with pain management. 

CBD products may help people with chronic back pain and other types of continuous and long-term pain.

Benefits of CBD for Pain Management  

1. CBD May Help With Chronic Pain 

A 2020 study review evaluated the potential of CBD to help relieve chronic pain. The researchers noted that one benefit of CBD in treating chronic pain is it does not produce the same mind-altering effects as THC. They reported that past studies show CBD may provide potential pain-relieving effects in specific contexts. 

However, the researchers also suggested that more research is needed on CBD’s potential effects on particular conditions and possible risks.

2. CBD May Help Reduce Specific Types of Pain 

A 2020 case series and review studied the potential of cannabidiol to treat acute and chronic back pain. The case reports involved patients with a lumbar fracture and surgical removal of a meningioma. Meningioma is a primary CNS (central nervous system) tumor. The researchers reported that CBD seems to provide anti-inflammatory effects in patients with acute or chronic back pain.  In the case reports, the patients used the same CBD cream. The use of transdermal topical products allows CBD to enter the bloodstream.  The researchers believe that a CBD transdermal cream may help provide pain relief for the case series’ patients. However, the researchers also suggested that additional research is needed. 

3. CBD May Help With Difficult-to-Treat Pain 

An article published in the Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management journal evaluated cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. The researchers noted that CBD produces greater antioxidant effects than Vitamin C and Vitamin E. They also noted CBD’s reported analgesic (pain-relieving) effects based on past studies. 

The researchers hypothesized that cannabinoids like CBD might have promising therapeutic effects in pain management. This CBD characteristic is due to its effectiveness, safety, and ability to combine with pain-relieving opioid treatments.

Types of Pain CBD May Help Treat

CBD for Migraine Pain Relief

Researchers have conducted limited research on CBD’s effects on migraine pain. Some studies have examined the effects of CBD and THC to relieve migraine headaches.

A recent review studied the past guidelines for using cannabis treatments for headaches. The review examined the effectiveness of cannabinoids such as CBD to help relieve migraines.  The researchers noted that cannabis might become a possible treatment for some headache sufferers. 

CBD for Arthritis Pain Relief 

An animal study appearing in the European Journal of Pain evaluated the effects of transdermal CBD on inflammation and pain-related behaviors in rat subjects. Medical researchers applied various CBD dosages to arthritic rats for several days. The researchers reported that inflammation and pain in the rats’ arthritic joints decreased. They also observed no adverse side effects.

Still, more human studies are warranted to determine whether CBD products cause the same effects in humans with arthritis. 

CBD for Pain Relief from Cancer Treatments 

Studies show that CBD may help relieve pain caused by cancer treatments. Research on mice subjects shows that CBD may help shrink cancerous tumors. 

However, longitudinal studies must be conducted to determine whether cannabidiol produces the same effects in humans. The National Cancer Institute reported that CBD might help reduce various chemotherapy side effects, including pain and vomiting. 

Meanwhile, in another study on cancer-related pain, participants received oral sprays with a THC-CBD extract. The researchers combined the extract with opioids. Results showed that the extract provided more pain relief than opioids alone. 

How to Choose CBD for Pain Management

Consider the Form of CBD and Administration Method

When selecting CBD products, here are the main options include:

• Edibles (For example, gummies, brownies, and cookies)

• Capsules and tablets

• Topicals

• Oils and tinctures

• Transdermals (For example, transdermal patches)

Decide Which Type of CBD to Use

         You have three primary options.

• Full-spectrum CBD contains a wide array of compounds contained in the hemp plant. 

• Broad-spectrum CBD has a wide range of hemp-sourced compounds. However, this type is usually THC-free.

• CBD isolates are pure CBD in refined powder form.  

Check the Hemp Source and Quality

High-quality hemp is often sourced locally and is organic. They contain no genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 

Ensure that the CBD products you buy go through third-party lab testing. Such tests should provide publicly-available results through a certificate of analysis (COA). It is a good practice to cross-reference product labels with COAs. 

Potential Risks and Side Effects of CBD

When using CBD for pain management, you may experience side effects of CBD, including:

• Dry mouth

• Fatigue/Drowsiness

• Reduced appetite

• Diarrhea

CBD may also produce drug interactions when combined with certain prescription medicines. Thus, it is imperative to talk with your doctor before starting to use any CBD products.

Conclusion

Several studies suggest that CBD oil may help in pain management. However, more long-term studies involving human subjects are needed.

CBD may help relieve chronic pain in particular situations, such as lower back pain. If you are considering using CBD products for the first time, consult with your doctor.