CBD for Pain
Recommended products for pain
Why CBD for pain?
CBD is a potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain reliever), helping to reduce pain, inflammation, or overall discomfort related to a variety of health conditions.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body, which plays a role in regulating pain perception. It may help modulate the activity of receptors involved in pain perception, potentially reducing pain signals.
CBD also interacts with the neurotransmitters involved in pain modulation, such as serotonin and dopamine. By modulating these neurotransmitters, CBD can potentially affect pain perception and provide relief.
CBD and chronic pain
Those with chronic pain have traditionally had to rely upon medications, such as opioids, which is a common treatment for pain, but one that can be habit-forming and have serious side effects.
As one of over 100 cannabinoids, CBD is a natural compound extracted from the hemp plant, which is non-intoxicating and legal with no psychoactive effects. Research shows that CBD has real pharmacological effects resulting in pain relief, and could provide a natural yet effective alternative for pain management. CBD oil, topical CBD creams or a combination of both are used by many with chronic pain to help manage their symptoms.
CBD and arthritis
Cannabinoids are known to be potent anti-inflammatory agents and therefore could provide real benefits to help relieve inflammation, swelling and pain commonly associated with arthritis.
A 2022 study into CBD as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain found associations between CBD use and improvements in patient’s arthritis symptoms and reductions in other medications; CBD use was associated with improvements in pain (83%), physical function (66%), and sleep quality (66%).
CBD after exercise or injury
Exercise is a huge stress reliever for many but can also put physical stress on the body. From wear and tear to injuries and pain CBD has been researched to understand whether it can be a potential benefit for use after exercise.
Cannabinoids are anti-inflammatory and therefore could provide real benefits to those looking to help relieve inflammation, swelling and pain, especially those recovering from injury. With both pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, CBD could be a natural alternative to many post exercise or injury. Read more about CBD and how it can benefit fitness here.
Q&A on CBD for pain
What's the best CBD dose for pain?
Determining the best CBD dose for pain management can vary depending on several factors, including the individual's body weight, metabolism and the severity of pain. We make finding your perfect dose nice and simple with our CBD dosage calculator.
We always recommending starting with a low dose of CBD and gradually increasing it until the desired pain relief is achieved. This allows you to find the optimal dose without taking more CBD than necessary. Our dosage calculator will also guide you on how to build up to your personalised recommended dose.
If you are taking other medications to manage your pain it is important to check with your GP or pharmacist before taking CBD. They will consider your specific condition and current medications.
Can I use CBD for arthritis?
Arthritis is often associated with chronic pain. CBD can be used to help alleviate pain and provide relief for arthritis symptoms. CBD plays a role in pain modulation through its interaction with receptors in the body's endocannabinoid system.
Inflammation is also a hallmark of arthritis and contributes to joint pain and stiffness. CBD has known anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the affected joints and alleviate arthritis-related symptoms.
Arthritis can impair joint function and mobility. CBD's potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties may help improve joint function, reduce stiffness, and enhance mobility, allowing for better management of arthritis symptoms.
Living with arthritis can be physically and emotionally challenging, leading to increased stress and tension. CBD has been studied for its potential anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and relaxing effects, which may help individuals with arthritis ease stress, promote relaxation and improve their overall wellbeing.
Can I use CBD for pain and inflammation?
CBD has been shown to have great potential for managing pain and inflammation. CBD interacts with receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in pain modulation. By interacting with these receptors, CBD may help reduce pain signals, providing relief for various types of pain, including chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and inflammatory pain.
Whilst inflammation is a natural response in the body, chronic inflammation can contribute to pain and various health conditions. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties by interacting with immune cells and inhibiting inflammatory pathways. This may help reduce inflammation and alleviate associated symptoms.
CBD may aid in post-exercise recovery by reducing inflammation and promoting muscle relaxation. Athletes, from professional to recreational, often use CBD to manage exercise-induced pain and support their recovery process.
CBD has also been shown to help with managing symptoms associated with arthritis, such as joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. By reducing inflammation and modulating pain perception, CBD may help improve the quality of life for individuals with arthritis.
Can I use CBD for chronic pain?
CBD has been shown to help in managing chronic pain. Chronic pain refers to persistent pain that lasts for weeks, months, or even years. CBD interacts with receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating pain perception. By interacting with these receptors, CBD may help modulate pain signals and reduce the intensity and frequency of chronic pain.
Chronic pain often involves underlying inflammation. CBD has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties by interacting with immune cells and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. By reducing inflammation, CBD may help alleviate pain associated with conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and inflammatory bowel disease.
CBD may also have neuroprotective properties that can benefit individuals with chronic pain conditions that involve nerve damage or neuropathic pain. It can potentially help protect nerves from further damage and alleviate pain caused by nerve-related issues.
Chronic pain can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. CBD has been shown to improve sleep quality and help manage associated mood symptoms, indirectly contributing to overall pain relief and wellbeing.
Can I take CBD and pain medication?
While CBD is generally very well-tolerated, it can interact with certain medications, including pain medications. If you're considering taking CBD alongside pain medications, it's important to consult with your GP or pharmacist.
Interactions can occur because CBD is processed in the body using the same liver enzymes as certain medications. This can affect the way the body processes the medications leading to altered levels in the system which can increase or decrease the effectiveness of the medication and potentially lead to side effects. Not all medications interact with CBD therefore it's important to check with a healthcare professional.
