All over the world, the miraculous healing powers of CBD (cannabidiol) are being discovered as a highly beneficial natural alternative to pharmaceuticals. Arthritis suffers are just one of CBD's league of supporters. So let's take an up close and personal look as to why CBD is so incredibly popular.
The Low Down
In the US alone, arthritis is the main reason for disability, and more than 50 million people are now victims. The two major forms of arthritis comprise:
Osteoarthritis: a degenerative disease which leads to stiff joins and pain. It has a profound effect, and can develop in various regions of the body. These include: the bones, the thumb joints, knees, hips, and cartilage (a smooth resilient elastic tissue, and rubber-like padding which protects and covers the ends of the joints of the long bones) [1].
Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease whereby the sufferer's immune system malfunctions, and has a highly detrimental effect on their joints, causing inflammation, swollen and painful stiff joints. It is most commonly found in the feet and hands [1].
Promising Scientific Research
While it must be said that more research in needed, thus far, there have been a number of animals studies which indicate that “CBD could help to treat arthritis and relieve the associated inflammatory pain” [1].
2011: In a study on rats, CBD was shown to weaken inflammatory pain through changing how pain receptors react to stimuli [1].
2014: In a review of the collective research on animal studies, the authors came to the conclusion that CBD could be effective for osteoarthritis patients [1].
2016: Research authors concluded that CBD applied to the body topically, can potentially relieve the inflammation and pain linked to arthritis [1].
2017: A study determined that cannabidiol could be a useful, safe treatment for osteoarthritis joint pain [1].
How CBD Actually Works
It is believed that CBD is instrumental in managing chronic pain, due to the fact that it modifies the brain's reaction to pain signals. CBD and other cannabinoids attach to specific receptors (docking sites), within patients' immune and brain systems. CB2 receptors have been proven to play a part in modifying the body's immune system, via the management of pain and inflammation [1].
Research shows that: “when CBD enters a person's body, it may attach to CB2 receptors. Alternatively, it may cause the body to produce natural cannabinoids that attach to the CB2 receptors” [1]. Whichever it may be, researchers believe that cannabidiol modifies how the CB2 receptors react to the signals that they pick up, and thus they potentially reduce pain and inflammation. In 2008, a substantial research review on cannabidiol, which examined: “its possible mechanism of action, suggested that CBD could play a role in chronic pain management” [1].
How Do I Use CBD Oil?
CBD is available in various different forms, including tinctures and supplements, as well as topical applications. A combination of both the oral and application methods, would be highly beneficial, at least in the beginning. After that, users can gage the most successful routine for their own personal needs.
Reference
[1]. Burgess, Karna (2018). “Can CBD oil relieve arthritis pain?” Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319796.php