CBD Oil: A New Contender in the Quest for Chronic Pain Relief
Those who experience chronic pain may often seek various different treatments in order to help alleviate their symptoms. Methods of possible pain relief such as NSAIDS have been around for years, but many report ineffectiveness and negative side effects, such as gastric pain. With the growing interest and acceptance of medical marijuana, many have discovered and de-stigmatized CBD oil, also known as Cannabidiol.
CBD oil is not psychoactive (does not cause a “high” feeling) and affects cannabinoid receptors, which are parts of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Physiological effects of the ECS include impact on motor function, epithelial growth and regeneration, appetite control, and immune function (Izzo AA1, Camilleri M., 2008).
The manipulated receptors in return assist in many positive benefits. For example, in a study involving the effects of CBD on Irritable Bowel Disease, Leinwand, Kristina L. DO, Gerich, Mark E. MD, Hoffenberg, Edward J. MD, and Collins, Colm B. PhD (2017) found that manipulation of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) provided relief from the disease.
Some studies have suggested positive effects of CBD oil on chronic illnesses such as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Lyme Disease. Unfortunately, other studies have reported lack of significant differences in anxiety and pain.
Overall, consuming CBD oil and/or hemp oil may be worth a try if one is experiencing moderate to severe pain that is currently not well controlled.
Real Talk.
References
Izzo AA1, Camilleri M. Emerging role of cannabinoids in gastrointestinal and liver diseases: basic and clinical aspects. Gut. 2008 Aug;57(8):1140–55. doi: 10.1136/gut.2008.148791. Epub 2008 Apr 8.
