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Pain is…a huge pain! Anyone who’s experienced it knows that pain can drain the joy out of living and make daily activities difficult to impossible.
And, repeatedly reported in study after study, at least one in five adults live with some level of pain on most or all days.
Clearly, we need viable solutions to help manage or mitigate pain so we can reclaim our quality of life. Should CBD be on the roster for pain management options?
Let’s see…
Understanding the types of pain is helpful when unpacking the research on pain management therapies, including CBD for pain.
Pain can be categorized by duration as acute or chronic.
Pain can also be classified as nociceptive, resulting from tissue damage, or neuropathic, related to nerve damage or dysfunction. These categories can overlap, resulting in combinations like acute neuropathic pain or chronic nociceptive pain.
Modern medicine has many approaches to alleviating pain. The exact techniques and treatments depend on your health needs.
Some go-to therapies include:
Nowadays, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods may be part of your care plan. (And sometimes CAM modalities — which can be gentler on the mind and body — are used as an adjunct therapy or in place of medications or surgery.) Yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and counseling are examples of CAM pain management tactics.
This is a good segue to discussing CBD for pain relief (as CBD would probably be deemed a CAM option).therapy, acupuncture, and counseling are examples of CAM pain management tactics.
According to a 2022 survey, 60% of American adults use CBD for its purported ability to quell pain.
What does the science say about how effective CBD is at snuffing out aches and pains? Research indicates that CBD is effective at pain management for:
As always, more studies and high-quality human trials are still needed. Every shred of new data could help to bolster these initial findings and gain insights into long-term effectiveness and safety outcomes associated with CBD for pain.
Listen to the marketers, and you’ll get a resounding “Yes” screamed in your face. Science takes a more measured stance. The common-sense answer probably is somewhere in the middle and very dependent on your personal situation.
So far, the FDA has only approved pharmaceutical CBD as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of a few special and rare seizure disorders. As such, in the United States, CBD alone isn’t approved for the treatment of pain.
A combination medication called Nabiximols containing both THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio was approved by Health Canada. Canada allows this prescription drug for certain types of pain — specifically central neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis and cancer pain that doesn’t respond to opioids.
CBD could be a powerful tool in your pain-fighting arsenal. There are many upsides to CBD:
Let’s dig into that last “pain point” a little deeper. Armed with info, you can make a better decision — with the aid of your doctor — as to whether or not CBD has a place among your pain management weaponry.
While everyone likes to dwell on the advantage of CBD for pain, it’s not without risk. "CBD can interact with other important medications like blood thinners, heart medications, and immunosuppressants… Also, more information needs to be gathered about its safety for the elderly, children, those who are immunocompromised, and pregnant and breastfeeding women," says Dr. Shfik Boyaji, an Interventional Pain fellow at Harvard Medical School and contributor at Harvard Health Publishing.
Each person’s system and symptoms are unique. So, you may have to experiment a bit to find the CBD product(s) and routine that works for you.
Here are some guiding principles to keep in mind, though:
And, a word to the wise. Remember that many CBD products on the market are not yet regulated. While the FDA’s been reticent to evaluate CBD’s health benefits, it has found (through testing) that many products contain different levels of cannabinoids (CBD included) than were claimed by the manufacturers. So, only consider products with lab tests (COAs) that confirm the CBD product’s content.
CBD comes in various forms, including oils, topicals, edibles, and capsules. When choosing the best form of cannabidiol for pain, consider the specific type of discomfort you're experiencing and what will best fit your lifestyle.
Cannabidiol drops (oils and tinctures) are popular for their versatility, high bioavailability, and fast absorption, making them a great choice for general pain relief. Many people choose cannabidiol oil for acute and chronic pain.
Those who rely on CBD for chronic pain may find pre-measured doses of CBD in the form of gummies, pills, and edibles to be more convenient, especially if taking consistent doses throughout the day and when on the go.
Looking for the best CBD for knee pain and other joint pain? Consider CBD topicals such as creams and balms, which can be directly applied to the affected area for targeted relief. Topicals can be used on their own or in tandem with tinctures, capsules, or edibles. This two-step approach is popular when using CBD for arthritis pain as it offers the potential for immediate and long-term relief. The same goes for using CBD for back pain and inflammation.
As you can see, you have some choices when it comes to selecting the best CBD for pain relief.
All in, CBD can help neutralize pain by:
How’s CBD do this?
Earlier, we scratched at the biology of pain. As you may recall, pain is the result of messages passing between receptors and nerves and being interpreted by the brain and body.
Your endocannabinoid system (ECS) extends throughout your head, torso, limbs, and organs. Its receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids are present in your central and peripheral nervous systems. The components of your ECS are thought to play a key role in the mechanics and management of pain.
When CBD is introduced to your body, it collaborates with your ECS to disrupt pain signals. Its interaction with the receptors is what leads to the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, and antioxidant effects CBD is reputed for.
CBD also partners with the ECS to help address underlying issues — such as inflammation, bone health, or metabolic factors — as well as secondary problems that arise from having pain. This is where CBD’s ability to soothe stress and anxiety comes in. And we all know too well the vicious cycle physical, mental, and emotional pain can go in.
Pain takes many shapes, as does CBD. Perhaps that’s why they may be a good pair.
Existing research suggests that CBD can be an effective component of a pain management plan. And anecdotal wisdom validates its effectiveness in many people.
CBD can work with your body to undermine pain causes, triggers, and exacerbators that result from injury, illness, etc. More high-quality scientific studies on humans are needed to understand the long-term effects of CBD for pain and why many people have beneficial CBD experiences while others don’t.
While I have had good results using CBD as an alternative or complementary therapy for my chronic back pain, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating CBD into your care plan. CBD can interact with certain medications, and its safety and efficacy have not yet been fully established in clinical trials for various autoimmune diseases.
Assuming it’s okay, opt for premium CBD oil products that come with a COA and match your needs and preferences.
CBD has been reported in animal studies and by humans to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which can ease pain.
Cannabidiol collaborates with your body’s endocannabinoid system to disrupt pain signals and to help address underlying issues such as inflammation.
Can’t say exactly. Each person’s symptoms and biology are different. And different CBD formulations and dosing regimens yield different results. You may have to experiment a bit to find the CBD product(s) and routine that works for you.
CBD can interact with medications like ibuprofen, anticoagulants, antiepileptics, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, statins, immunosuppressants, opioids, and antihistamines. These interactions may alter drug metabolism, increasing side effects or reducing efficacy. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining CBD with any medications.
For beginners, CBD oil tinctures are often the best option. They offer easy dosing and quick absorption when taken sublingually (under the tongue). Tinctures allow users to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed, making it easier to find the optimal dosage. Additionally, CBD gummies and capsules are beginner-friendly options, providing pre-measured doses and a familiar consumption method.
The appropriate strength of CBD for pain management varies depending on factors like the type and severity of pain, individual body chemistry, and prior experience with CBD. For beginners, it's generally recommended to start with a low dose, and gradually increase the dosage as needed, monitoring how your body responds.
For moderate to severe pain, higher CBD strengths may be necessary, but it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the right dosage and avoid potential interactions with other medications. Always start low and go slow to find the most effective and safe dosage for your specific needs.
CBD may help alleviate some symptoms of arthritis, including pain and inflammation. Studies suggest that CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, which can be beneficial for people with arthritis. Some individuals report reduced joint pain and improved mobility after using CBD products.
However, the effectiveness of CBD for arthritis can vary from person to person, and more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and appropriate dosages. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting CBD, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.
CBD has shown potential in helping to manage chronic inflammation. It may interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which is involved in immune response and inflammation regulation. Some studies suggest that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in various conditions, including chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and more.
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