We’re In Chronic Pain & Need A Solution
Back pain is the number two reason for calling in sick at work, as well as the leading cause for claiming disability worldwide. Between 11% and 40% of adults in the U.S. are also thought to suffer from chronic pain.
Many of us are looking for natural alternatives to OTC and prescription painkillers – could CBD be the answer?
CBD: The Evidence for Using CBD to Manage Pain
While few human clinical trials have been conducted to date, the preliminary evidence for using CBD to manage pain is promising.
CBD is thought to modulate pain signals at the injury site, within the spinal cord, and in the brain.
For treatment purposes, pain is divided into two different categories, inflammatory pain, and neuropathic pain.
Inflammatory Pain
Inflammatory pain starts out as acute inflammation which usually lasts up to around three weeks.
Pro-inflammatory molecules called cytokines are released and these same molecules also activate pain receptors in your body to send pain signals to the brain.
Chronic inflammation sets in if the inflammation hasn’t resolved itself in that time.
Pain sensors are likely to become hyper-sensitive meaning your pain threshold is actually lowered and pain signals are sent to the brain much earlier than normal.
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is the result of damage to peripheral nerves (outside of the spinal cord and brain). Nerve damage can occur from trauma or injury, exposure to neurotoxic substances, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
Neuropathic pain can also lead to hyper-reactive pain signals to your brain.
CBD for Inflammatory Pain
Current research suggests that CBD may help manage inflammatory pain and is being explored as a potential treatment for a wide range of inflammation-related conditions. This interest stems from pre-clinical data showing that CBD possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
- A 2007 research paper, published in the European Journal of Pharmacology, demonstrated that CBD helped reduce inflammatory pain in rats. The researchers concluded that CBD has significant potential for further investigation in managing chronic pain.
- Another research paper, published in 2009, demonstrated that CBD also interacts with inflammation by reducing oxidative stress in the body. The antioxidant properties of CBD were shown to significantly lower oxidative stress and inflammation in mice following intense chemotherapy treatments.
- In 2015 a full research review was conducted on CBD and its role in managing inflammation. The review team concluded that CBD appears to reduce inflammation through a number of different pathways in the body.
- More recently, a 2017 research paper in rats found that blocking TRPV1 receptors reduced the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD, suggesting these receptors may be involved in how CBD works. TRPV1 receptors are involved in the mediation of pain and sensory perception, body temperature, and inflammation.
CBD for Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is often more difficult to treat. It’s understandable why many people are keen to find an alternative to opiate-based prescription medications such as morphine and oxycontin.
When it comes to using CBD to manage neuropathic pain, the evidence is also encouraging.
- A research paper published in 2010 found that CBD inhibited the activity of microglia cells in the spinal cord and brain of animal models. These microglia cells are known to amass in neuropathic pain syndromes, researchers suggest that CBD may prevent neuropathic pain response from escalating.
- Another study from 2012 indicated that, by interacting with glycine receptors, CBD may help decrease pain signals that are sent from around your body, through your spine, and into your brain. CBD, as well as other glycinergic cannabinoids, are currently being explored for their potential to disrupt these specific pain pathways.
CBD for Pain Prevention
Two studies, both published in 2017, indicated that CBD shows potential in protecting against nerve damage and related pain.
- One study showed that CBD, alone and combined with low-dose THC, reduced chemotherapy-induced nerve pain in mice, suggesting it may have potential in preventing neuropathic pain.
- Another study suggested that CBD exhibits neuroprotective properties. The research team, led by Holly Philpott, observed in an animal model that CBD helped prevent the progression of joint pain and nerve damage (neuropathic pain) associated with osteoarthritis.
The Evolution of CBD Pain Research
The scientific timeline reveals how deep the investigation into cannabis goes. In 2018, scientists conducted an extensive review of scientific literature dating back to 1975 to evaluate the use of CBD for pain management. The review examined research across several categories, including cancer pain, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain.
Rather than concluding that CBD works for everyone, this scientific review concluded that CBD shows promising potential as an option for certain types of chronic pain management, though data remains varied depending on the condition.See the best strains for fibromyalgia
In the years following that review, researchers at the University of Mississippi began synthesizing a novel CBD analogue known as NB2111. Led by Dr Ken Sufka, the team has been investigating whether the compound could help target neuropathic pain, potentially offering an alternative to prescription opioids, which researchers hope may carry a lower risk of dependence.
Synthetic Vs Plant-Derived CBD
There’s a growing interest in developing synthetic CBD derivatives, particularly among pharmaceutical companies looking to create new, patentable drugs. But not everyone is keen on a lab-made alternative. For people who prefer plant-based products, CBD extracted directly from hemp offers a more natural option, retaining the wider range of compounds found in the plant, depending on how the extract is produced.
Research into CBD and pain management is ongoing, and there’s still plenty to learn about how it works and who might benefit. If you’re considering CBD for pain or inflammation, speak to a healthcare professional first. They can help you weigh up the available evidence and decide whether a plant-derived CBD product is an appropriate option for you.
Making the Switch to CBD
If you’re thinking about making the switch to CBD to manage your pain symptoms then you should always consult your doctor first.
If you are currently taking prescription medications, such as opioids, it is vital that you never alter your dosage or stop taking them suddenly on your own. Managing or tapering off prescription medications requires strict medical supervision to ensure your safety and to minimize the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms.
Talk openly with your doctor about your interest in plant-derived alternatives. They can help you create a safe, gradual plan to adjust your current routine and decide if a natural CBD product is a suitable addition to your wellness strategy.
Choosing The Right Product
The sheer volume of choices available in the CBD market can at first appear a little daunting, but finding the right fit doesn’t have to be complicated.
The first step we recommend is reading our article about the various methods of consumption. This will help you decide what type of CBD product best suits your daily routine, lifestyle, and wellness goals.
Once you’ve decided how you prefer to take your CBD, the next step is finding a consistently high-quality product from a reputable supplier. Whether you are looking for CBD to help manage back pain or support your body against other forms of discomfort, we have you covered.
We recently researched and compiled guides on the best CBD products for pain, the best CBD oils for pain, and even more specifically, the best CBD products for back pain.
For individuals seeking alternative formats, high-quality hemp flower is often noted for its distinct botanical profile. When evaluating different options, understanding how various product types interact with the body can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your wellness preferences.
Finding the Right Dose
Finally, it’s time to start thinking about finding your ideal “serving size” and the most practical approach to dosing is to start low and go slow. Keep a journal to record your dosages and how you feel to help keep track of your progress.
Start with a low dose and increase it gradually, if needed, over several days or weeks. This gives you time to see how your body responds and find an amount that works for you.
CBD: A Natural Approach to Daily Wellness
Research into CBD and pain management is ongoing, and while early findings are encouraging, there’s still much to learn about how effective it is for different types of pain. Even so, interest in hemp-derived CBD continues to grow, with some people exploring it as part of their approach to managing everyday discomfort and inflammation.
One reason for that interest is CBD’s potential to offer another option for people looking beyond conventional pain relief. However, natural doesn’t automatically mean risk-free. CBD can cause side effects and interact with certain medications, and its safety depends on factors such as dosage and individual health.
If you’re curious about plant-derived CBD, it’s worth taking the time to understand the available evidence and choose products carefully. You can also read my guide to hemp-derived CBD products, where I look at some of the options available and what to consider before buying.
References
- Costa et al. (2007). CBD and inflammatory pain in rats. European Journal of Pharmacology. PubMed
- Pan et al. (2009). Cannabidiol attenuates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by decreasing oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation, and cell death. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. PubMed
- Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation (2015). ResearchGate
- Philpott HT, O’Brien M, McDougall JJ. (2017). Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis. Pain. PubMed Central
- Cannabinoid-mediated modulation of neuropathic pain and microglial accumulation in a model of murine type I diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (2010). Molecular Pain. PubMed Central
- Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting α3 glycine receptors (2012). Journal of Experimental Medicine. PubMed Central
- Single and combined effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (2017). British Journal of Pharmacology. PubMed
- Review of cannabinoid pain research since 1975 (2018). Frontiers in Pharmacology. Frontiers
- University of Mississippi: novel CBD analogue NB2111. PubMed
- Dr Ken Sufka, University of Mississippi. Ole Miss profile
- Chronic pain prevalence in US adults. JAMA
- Back pain and sick days. Instant Consult
- Cytokines definition. Sino Biological
- Peripheral nerves definition. MedicineNet
