CBD & Chronic Pain
CHRONIC PAIN is defined as pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks whereas acute pain is the sudden onset of pain that cautions us to conceivable injury. A popular alternative definition of chronic pain, involving no arbitrarily fixed durations, is “pain that extends beyond the expected period of healing”.
The US Institute of Medicine says chronic pain in the US affects about 100 million adults, costs $560-$635 billion annually in health care costs and lost productivity, and is a major cause of missed work. It is complex and unique to each person.
Chronic Pain symptoms may arise from an initial injury that is often accompanied by other well-being issues like fatigue, sleep disturbances, and decreased appetite. The interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors result in the persistence of pain.
The cause of chronic pain is not generally clear, however, it may occur due to brain chemicals that usually stop pain after you start getting better from illness or injury are not working right. It may also occur without a known cause. Chronic pain signals become embedded in the central nervous system and if untreated, pain signals will continue even after the injury resolves.
In Chronic Pain, the nervous system remodels continuously in response to repeated pain signals (Marcus, 2000):
- Nerves become hypersensitive to pain
- Nerves become resistant to the antinociceptive system
Chronic inflammation causes pain and damages tissue. This constantly threatens the nervous system causing an imbalance in the body that disrupts your sleep because the body feels in danger all the time. Chronic pain is one of the reasons for depression and is common in people with anxiety disorders.
| Common Chronic Pain Disorders | |
| Back pain | One of the most common causes of chronic pain in people. Illness, accidents, and infections are among the causes of back pain.
Symptoms include persistent aches or stiffness anywhere along the spine; sharp, localized pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back, especially after lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous activity; and chronic ache in the middle or lower back, especially after sitting or standing for extended periods. |
| Migraine | A headache whereby severe pain is felt on one or both sides of the head, normally occurring around the temples or behind one eye or ear. |
| Fibromyalgia | A chronic medical condition that causes widespread muscle pain and fatigue. |
| Arthritis | A wide-ranging term that describes a group of more than 100 medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, specifically the joints.
Symptoms include pain, stiffness, inflammation, and damage to joint cartilage and surrounding structures. Damage can lead to joint weakness, instability, and deformities that can interfere with basic daily tasks. Systemic forms of arthritis can affect the whole body and can cause damage to virtually any bodily organ or system. |
CBD USE
Addressing only one aspect of this complex syndrome is insufficient therefore, a biopsychosocial concept of chronic pain has been adopted. CBD may offer a great benefit to those who are suffering from chronic pain.
CBD oil for pain may become the alternative when pain killers or sleep aids are no longer working. CBD oil may be most effective when used short term. CBD may be helpful and may provide a long-term solution that may not affect your liver, kidneys, or stomach. CBD oil’s pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects may help your muscles relax. CBD oil for pain may provide the neuroprotection that may help you to regain much-needed sleep. CBD oil also could possibly be a game-changer that helps to alleviate the depression and anxiety that often accompanies chronic pain.
HISTORY AND STUDIES
The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) published a 2015 study that found cannabis use for chronic pain and neuropathic pain is supported by “high-quality evidence.”
The study analyzed six trials that looked at a total of 325 patients with chronic pain and six trials that looked at 396 patients with neuropathic pain. The study concluded that marijuana and cannabinoids are “likely effective for these conditions”.
Studies show that both CBD and THC may have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
SUGGESTED USE:
Mayo Clinic suggests CBD dosages on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. It has suggested dosages upward of 2.5-20 mg CBD by mouth for an average of 25 days.
If you are just starting out with CBD oil, then remember to start small. It’s important to know how your body reacts to CBD. Increase the dosage gradually and if you feel that the CBD oil isn’t affecting you in a positive way then consult with a medical professional.
It’s important to understand that CBD oil is not a miracle cure. The effects of CBD oil are not instant. CBD may take some time to work, so it is important to find the right dosage.
For chronic pain:
2.5-20 mg CBD by mouth daily for an average of 25 days:
GLNH Soft Gels (10mg): 1-2 gels daily
GLNH Gummies (5mg): ½ – 4 gummies daily
GLNH Gummies (10mg); 1-2 gummies daily
GLNH 350 mg tincture: ¼ dropper – 2 droppers daily
GLNH 500 mg tincture: 1/8 dropper – 1 dropper daily
GLNH Suppositories (50mg): ½ suppository daily
GLNH Vaporizer (500mg): Acute/Breakthrough pain- 2-4 puffs
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