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Back pain is one of the most common chronic ailments. The causes vary, but the statistics are shocking – around 65 million of Americans report back pain episodes, and 8% of all adults struggle with persistent or chronic pain – it’s the sixth most costly condition in the US and the leading cause of work-loss days and work limitations.
Life with chronic pain, even minimal at first, can quickly become unbearable. Whether you suffer from migraines, arthritis, or muscle pains, you are probably constantly looking for ways to relieve them. Medications are not always possible, especially for prolonged periods, as they can bring severe side effects. But how can you deal with pain without them?
There are some natural pain relievers, and CBD is the one gaining momentum recently. Obviously, it won’t work for everyone; each person is different, and their pains come from various sources. However, the upside of natural painkillers is that, in most cases, it won’t hurt to try. Of course, you’d have to consult with your doctor first, but you might eventually find CBD highly beneficial. And why? Below, we go into detail about how CBD oil tincture can help you manage chronic pain.
What Is CBD Exactly?
CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol, a compound derived from the cannabis plant. It interacts with the body through the endocannabinoid system, part of the central nervous system, which has two main receptors, known as CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are located in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells. The endocannabinoid system plays a role in maintaining homeostasis – overall balance within the body.
Cannabidiol works much like THC, another chemical compound found in marijuana. However, it’s non-psychoactive and doesn’t create the “high” effect that attracts recreational users. That being said, both compounds have significant therapeutic potential. The reason why CBD has become so popular recently is due to CBD’s ability to interact with receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
How Can CBD Help With Back Pain?
CBD is capable of interacting with receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which is also crucial for managing pain. You see, both CB1 and CB2 receptors are located in the endocannabinoid system, which controls not only pain but your mood, memory, appetite, neuroprotection, and much more. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining the body’s homeostasis or balance.
Here are some of the benefits of CBD that may help you manage chronic back pain:
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to harmful stimuli, like infections or damage from trauma, etc. It is useful at first as it begins the healing process. However, it can quickly become harmful when it is long-lasting and interferes with other body functions.
This is where CBD can help. It controls inflammation, meaning it may also help decrease soreness, swelling, and redness. In most cases less pain indicates that you can function better, accomplish more, and even sleep better.
Pain Relief
That’s one of the major benefits of CBD oil supplements – it can help you with pain relief. Whether you are dealing with acute or chronic pain, CBD is capable of easing discomfort and reducing pain signals in the body.
It can be applied topically, orally (ingested), and also as a vapor. While the form and dosage of each delivery method are different, they all work similarly in terms of pain relief.
Sleep Aid
Proper rest is vital for everyone’s health, but it becomes even more important if you struggle with chronic illness; after all, when you sleep, your body repairs itself and prepares to face the next day, so you want to make sure you’re getting enough. Sleeping pills are not always safe, as they can bring severe side effects, including addiction.
CBD oil can be a natural aid in alleviating insomnia, especially if you take it right before you go to sleep and at the same time every day. It helps you sleep better and is capable of minimizing the time you spend awake at night.
Stress Relief
As briefly touched upon previously, pain is one of the most common causes of stress. If the pain is caused by a chronic condition or an injury, you might feel a sense of frustration and hopelessness that can further worsen your situation. However, CBD can be of use again, as it regulates our stress response. Being exposed to constant stress raises cortisol levels in the body, which is the ‘fight or flight hormone. This, on its own, can cause severe health problems over time, including serious digestive conditions and heart disease.
CBD oil can help reduce your stress levels and can lead to elevated moods, enhanced feelings of happiness, relaxation, and better sleep (because of higher serotonin levels).
Reduced Nausea
Some types of nausea could be side effects of many types of medications, especially painkillers or those that treat cancer and autoimmune diseases, which can also be causes of back pain. The good news is that CBD can provide relief from nausea.
Reduced Anxiety and Depression
Sadly, depression and anxiety are quite common among those suffering from chronic pain. And there’s no wonder why – living in constant pain can successfully prevent you from enjoying life, changing your entire day-to-day routine, and making you feel resentful.
As a natural antidepressant, CBD may be helpful as an aid in treating the symptoms of depression and anxiety. It won’t replace psychological and psychiatric help, but it may take the edge off.
Are There Any Side Effects?
CBD oil is, by and large, safe and may help you manage chronic pain. However, as with any other medication or treatment, there are some potential side effects that you need to be aware of:
- dry mouth
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- reduced appetite
- upset stomach
Apart from these, it’s important to remember that CBD may interact with some medications you’re taking, so always check with your doctor before making any changes to your treatment.
Final Word
While it’s not a panacea, CBD oil can benefit many people already struggling with pain. The good news is that there are many reliable brands to choose from. You can look them up online or check with your local dispensary; they should offer a great selection.
CBD oil cannot replace your medications, but it can be a nice additional tool in your pain management arsenal. It is safe, natural, and discreet, with no risk of addiction or other severe side effects. In addition, it can also help you sleep better, reduce nausea that often comes with pain medication, and reduce anxiety and depression.
However, be sure to consult with your physician before trying out any new remedies on your own.
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