CBD supplements have been shown in scientific studies to be beneficial in reducing pain and inflammation within the human body. If you’ve been struggling with chronic pain due to injury or illness, you know how hard it can be to find even minor relief from your issues. While not a cure-all, CBD can aid in the reduction of symptoms that can arise due to chronic pain. But what is CBD, and how does it work to alleviate pain and inflammation in the body? What is the difference between edibles CBD and tincture CBD? What’s the proper dosage of CBD? We’ve got answers to all your biggest CBD questions and more.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. While CBD is derived from the same plant that produces THC, the psychoactive chemical in cannabis products, CBD does not produce a psychoactive reaction in the body. So, you don’t have to worry about getting “high” when you take CBD. In fact, per FDA regulations, CBD products can contain no more than 0.3 percent of trace amounts of THC.
How Does CBD Work to Relieve Pain?
CBD interacts with the body via endocannabinoid receptors, which are a part of the central nervous system. There are endocannabinoid receptors all throughout the body; when cannabinoids meet these endocannabinoid receptors, they create a relaxing effect, and encourage pain relief throughout the body. There are two types of endocannabinoid receptors:
CB1 Receptors
CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and scattered throughout the rest of the body’s central nervous system. They can affect mental processes, motor skills, appetite, pain perception, and immune system health.
CB2 Receptors
CB2 receptors are primarily located in organs and tissues throughout the body. They can affect pain and inflammation in the muscles and joints, as well as the GI system and other organs.
What Conditions Can CBD Help With?
When you take CBD, these receptors absorb it and send a message to different systems in the body to relax. As such, it can provide relief from a number of mental and physical ailments that may be causing pain symptoms throughout the body.
Chronic Physical Pain
There are a number of medical conditions and injuries that can cause chronic physical pain throughout the muscles and joints in the body. CBD can help reduce inflammation in these areas, and aid in managing chronic pain.
Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is caused when one suffers from nerve damage or an illness that impacts the nervous system. Neuropathic pain can appear as tingling, numbness, or sharp local pain. CBD can help to alleviate the inflammation in the nervous system, and aid in relieving these symptoms.
Anxiety Due to Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can lead to increased mental stress, which can result in bouts of anxiety and depression. CBD can help to relieve these symptoms by providing a calming effect to the central nervous system.
Insomnia Due to Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can also cause periods of insomnia due to pain keeping individuals up at night. CBD can reduce pain and inflammation in the body, making it easier for those suffering to fall asleep and get a much needed good night’s rest.
What Forms of CBD Can I Take?
CBD is available in a variety of forms that you can take depending on personal preference. Some of the most common forms include:
CBD Edibles
Perhaps the most popular way to take CBD, edibles are easy to digest oral supplements, which typically come in a gummy form. CBD edibles come in a variety of tasty flavors to choose from, and are easy to dose, as each edible counts as a single serving.
CBD TIncture
For those who aren’t a fan of edibles, CBD also comes in a tincture form. To take it, users use a liquid dropper to drop the desired amount of CBD oil directly onto their tongue.
CBD Balms
For those experiencing targeted muscle pain, CBD balms can be useful to apply directly to the site of inflammation for relief.
Proper CBD Dosage
Proper CBD dosage differs depending on the individual. As such, it’s paramount to talk with your doctor before starting any CBD regimen for pain relief. Many CBD brands recommend a starting dosage of about 20-40 milligrams. It’s best to start with a low dosage and increase your intake from there.
In Conclusion
CBD can help to provide relief to those suffering from chronic pain by reducing inflammation in the body. There are a number of ways to take CBD, including edibles, tinctures, and balms, making it a versatile pain reliever. While CBD won’t cure chronic pain, it can help reduce symptoms that make daily life difficult. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting a CBD supplement to figure out the right dosage for you.