CBD against Arthritis – Can This Substance Be of Any Help?
So, by now, you’ve probably heard of the numerous health benefits of CBD and are wondering how effective CBD could be against Arthritis? Well progress reports, from various patients, continue to point to the effectiveness of CBD in helping alleviate chronic conditions.
Reports such as the 2013 CNN documentary on Charlotte Figi, a girl whose epileptic seizures were alleviated by CBD treatments, are helping to lessen the stigma against marijuana and CBD oil. Here’s a look into how CBD fares against Arthritis.
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What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition characterized by the wear and tear of joint tissues and cartilages. Tissues and cartilages often cover the joints where the bones in our bodies meet for lubrication so we can move smoothly without feeling pain. When these tissues wear out chronic pain, and difficult movement become the order of the day.
There’re many forms of Arthritis. An overwhelming 54.4 million adults in the US living with this pain – according to the CDC. However, anecdotal progress reports from various patients show CBD could help live comfortably with this condition. Clinical trials, too on the efficacy of CBD against Arthritis, show great promise. In turn, Americans are turning to such natural remedies to help with various form of Arthritis such as:
- Osteoarthritis: Most people live with this type of Arthritis. It’s caused by the degeneration of joint cartilage between bones. Causes of cartilage thinning include obesity, injury, and exercises. This Arthritis is characterized by stiffness, swelling, and pain after exercise or pain relating to the weather.
- Rheumatoid: A type of Arthritis as a result of the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking the tissues that surround the joints. It’s characterized by warm and swollen joints, weight loss, and anemia.
- Gout: a form of Arthritis as a result of the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. It’s the most painful form of Arthritis. Gout attacks occur when uric acid, a by-product of digestion, builds up in the joints.
Generally, for those with Arthritis; therefore, chronic pain and inflammation are a great concern. Also, from the above three examples, we learn that:
- Obesity can cause Arthritis
- Rigid exercise activities can cause Arthritis
- Arthritis is characterized by significant pain and inflammation.
Can CBD oil, therefore, have any positive effects on any of these characteristics? Here’s a look at the effectiveness of CBD against Arthritis.
How CBD could help with Arthritis
Medical progress reports from ongoing clinical trials indicate the following efficacy of CBD against Arthritis.
Dealing with excess weight
Reports indicate that CBD may help lose excess weight. By doing so, it helps reduce the risks of experiencing issues connected with obesity; Arthritis being among them.
Studies have found that CBD utilizes the body’s natural endocannabinoid system to help with metabolism. The endocannabinoid is a system of CB1 and CB2 receptors through which the body responds to various compounds.
CB1 is mainly found in the brain while CB2 is distributed throughout the body; in obese people; however, the CB2 levels in the body is more widespread. CBD, therefore, activates the body’s endocannabinoid system to block off or regulate these receptors. CBD helps rectify abnormal CB2 levels and help prevent metabolic disorders by:
- Reducing one’s appetite by stimulating CB1 antagonists of the endocannabinoid system. These antagonists work against CB1 receptors and help to avoid overeating.
- Converts white fat into brown fat, which is good for the body.
- Helps breakdown and burn fat molecules in the body.
Dissipating heat from the body
Joint pain is worse with hot weather. Especially osteoarthritis, which worsens depending on the weather. This is because heat influences the expansion and contraction of tendons and tissues surrounding the joints. Excess heat from friction also causes the degeneration of joint tissues.
CBD can help alleviate the pain by causing vasodilation. Through vasodilation, heat gets dissipated from the organism. This happens when 5-HT1A receptors agonists are activated in the brain due to increased Serotonin and Glutamate neurotransmitter levels. These receptor agonists are known for:
- Causing therapeutic effects.
- Causing vasodilation which helps dissipate heat from the organism
Dealing with inflammation
A 2018 investigative study into the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD indicates that the compound has immunosuppressive properties. This could be key in dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis, which result from the bodies overacting immune system. Rats with multiple sclerosis, an auto-immune disease like rheumatoid Arthritis, were treated with CBD, and the treatment was found to induce an anti-inflammatory response.
- By inducing an anti-inflammatory response, CBD can help reduce joint swelling and alleviate rheumatoid arthritis.
Blocking pain
CBD can help alleviate the pain that comes with strenuous daily routines and rigid physical exercises. CBD dulls the pain receptors in the brain so you won’t experience pain, and you will be in a position to continue with other productive activities.
A 2017 investigative study conducted on rats with osteoarthritis led to the discoveries that by locally applying CBD on the affected joint blocked arthritic pain and further nerve damage. CBD is known to induce a moment of bliss by causing the increase of anandamide in the bloodstream, which leads to:
- Insensitivity to pain
- Immunity towards anxiety
- A moment of bliss
A study conducted on dogs with osteoarthritis which were treated to 2.0mg of CBD oil two times per day found that the treatment helped reduce joint pain.
While no conclusions have been made yet, these studies show great promise. More clinical trials are still ongoing: one is being conducted on humans to test the efficacy of CBD in alleviating hand osteoarthritis. When completed, these research works will truly show us the effectiveness of CBD against Arthritis.
How to use CBD for Arthritis
CBD oil multiple applications include oral tablets, juices, edibles, topical creams, among others. Studies are being conducted to examine the efficacy of transdermal vs. oral CBD treatments. Here is a look at the pros and cons of each:
Oral CBD tablets allow for the taking of more uniformed doses but are less effective because metabolism kicks in, and only about 20% of the drug gets absorbed. Transdermal CBD creams, on the other hand, bypass the metabolism and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, which makes them more useful.
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Tips for using CBD against Arthritis
Doctors recommend the following:
- Starting with low doses.
- Use CBD-only products.
- Use the CBD at night.
- Consult with your physician first on the dosage and which CBD products to buy to avoid getting products with harmful ingredients.
Any side-effects you should know about?
Small-scale studies indicate that generally, most people tolerate CBD well. However, some individuals are bound to experience mild side-effects, such as:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Mood swings
- Dry mouth
- A rise in liver toxicity
Clinical trials also show CBD is not addictive. A study conducted on Epidiolex, an FDA-approved CBD strain to treat epilepsy, found it does not cause any physical dependence. CBD against Arthritis, therefore, is a safe treatment that doesn’t induce the “high” feeling, pain, or addiction as other medications. Just watch out for the ingredients in your CBD products, shall you?
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319796.php
https://www.rheumatoidarthritis.org/cbd-oil/
https://creakyjoints.org/alternative-medicine/how-to-take-cbd-for-arthritis/
https://creakyjoints.org/alternative-medicine/cbd-oil-for-arthritis-pain/