The Pros and Cons of
Using CBD Oil for Pain
Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) pain drugs are putting lots of users on the edge. Conventional pain drugs come with warnings and side effects that make people wonder whether they are safe. Is it worth using such drugs to manage your pain?
Today, many people are turning to cannabidiol (CBD) oil for pain relief. CBD is the second most prevalent active ingredient in the cannabis plant. Derived directly from the hemp plant, this natural compound doesn't cause the "high" associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CBD affects messages traveling to the brain. It interacts with endocannabinoid receptors to help regulate body functions like sleep, pain reception, and immunity. Over the past decade, the use of CBD for medical purposes has tremendously increased. Still, there are many questions regarding the pros and cons of CBD oil for pain relief. To date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one CBD product to treat seizures — Epidiolex.
What Are the Advantages of Using CBD Oil for Pain?
While CBD is being studied as a potential treatment for a wide range of illnesses and conditions, including diabetes, anxiety, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia, research on CBD oil's benefits is limited. Still, some studies point out CBD oil's benefits for various conditions. Here are some advantages of using high-quality CBD oil for pain.
Chronic Pain Relief for People With Long-Term Health Conditions
CBD oil is a popular alternative for managing chronic pain. The body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates your pain response, motor control, immune system, and emotions. When you ingest CBD oil, this compound affects how your body perceives and responds to pain.
CBD and naturally produced cannabinoids interact with pain receptors in the brain and body to reduce chronic pain. ECS neurotransmitters bind to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system, affecting the brain's pain perception. A study on pain relief found that rats experienced less pain from incision cuts after using CBD. Rats offered CBD oil in a non-rewarding manner wanted more CBD as a reward.
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments can also use CBD oil for pain relief. Additionally, CBD can help alleviate pain associated with muscle spasms, arthritis, spinal cord injuries, and the lower back.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects Without Psychoactive Effects
Inflammation is the body's immune response to illnesses, injuries, or infections.
An estimated three out of five people worldwide die due to inflammation-related diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, heart disorders, and chronic respiratory diseases.
According to a study reviewing the biological effects of CBD, the compound effectively binds to the body's endocannabinoid receptors, suppressing inflammation. CBD oil's therapeutic benefits affect how the body responds to injuries, decreasing the body's negative immune response without any psychoactive effects.
In another study on the effects of CBD on rats with joint inflammation, researchers discovered that topical CBD gel reduced joint pain and swelling in rats — without evident side effects.
Hemp Seed Oil Active Ingredients Help You Relax and Sleep Better
Early studies indicate that high doses of CBD can help with relaxation and promote healthy sleep patterns.
According to a study of the effects of CBD in 72 adults with sleep disorders and anxiety, the sleep scores of 48 adults improved within the first month of using the compound. However, the results fluctuated over time. The study proved that CBD might be a promising compound for increasing sleep duration and quality.
Active ingredients in hemp seed oil may also decrease anxiety and pain, which may affect a restful night's sleep. CBD can help treat anxiety-induced insomnia.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Cannabis Oil Product?
Evidence suggests CBD is well-tolerated by users. However, CBD use also carries some risks. Side effects of CBD oil for pain may include dry mouth, fatigue, reduced appetite, and drowsiness.
CBD oil side effects may vary from one person to the next. This may depend on the type of CBD product one uses. If you are planning to buy a bottle of CBD oil, you should know that certain risks come with the use of this compound.
Could Produce Harmful Side Effects With an Excessive Dose
Consuming high doses of CBD may affect liver-related blood tests. It may increase liver enzymes, leading to liver inflammation. Consuming too much CBD oil can be damaging to the liver.
CBD oil side effects after excessive consumption may include diarrhea, vomiting, and weight changes. To prevent these side effects, start with small doses of CBD oil as you build up your tolerance. This can help you monitor the progress, dosage, and drug interactions to know what works best for you.
Usually Less Effective Than Prescription or Conventional Pain Medication
CBD oil is primarily marketed as a supplement. While CBD products may be effective for pain relief, many products aren't produced by reputable sources. A study by the JAMA Network analyzing the labeling accuracy of 84 samples of CBD products found that only 31% were accurately labeled — 26 products.
Low-quality CBD products that contain insufficient amounts of CBD than what's advertised — and more carrier oil — may be less effective for pain relief. The efficacy and potency of such products in alleviating pain may not be as effective as some OTC and prescription drugs.
The method of delivery of CBD oil is another factor that determines effectiveness. Your metabolism, biochemistry, and genetics may also affect the level of absorption and reaction of CBD with the ECS.
For effective pain relief, you should buy high-quality CBD oil that doesn't contain any additives or contaminants. Pick a well-established brand that uses powerful ingredients to make you less dependent on OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.
Invest in Cannabis-Based Medicine as an Alternative Option for Your Medical Condition
CBD comes in oils, gummies, oral capsules, topical patches, balms, creams, and lotions. If you are hoping to relieve muscle and joint pain, high-quality CBD oils, like broad-spectrum CBD and full-spectrum CBD oil may be the best option.
CBD oil for pain may help you deal with muscle spasms, back pain, and spinal cord injuries. You can also use CBD to improve your sleep quality and duration. If you are experiencing chronic pain, consider using high-quality CBD oil to manage the symptoms. By applying CBD oil to the target area, you can treat chronic pain symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
At Muscle MX, our CBD oil products are made from high-quality products, guaranteeing the best results. Try our CBD oil drops today for pain relief.