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By Rebecca Fending
You’ve probably heard a lot about CBD oil, but have you ever wondered what it could do for your body, specifically your joints? Recent research shows that with your doctor’s approval, cannabidiol (CBD, for short) can be a fantastic alternative option for people who struggle with joint pain.
What is CBD?
CBD is a compound that is gathered by extracting the oil compound from the seeds and stalks of a cannabis or hemp plant. The oil compound that is commonly used is created by adding a “carrier oil”, such as sweet almond or jojoba, to the cannabidiol extractions. Once absorbed, the oil integrates itself into the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is essentially the network that regulates homeostasis within the body for inflammation, pain sensory, and metabolism.
The Benefits
With its recent legalization in several states, CBD oil serves its users in a multitude of ways from pain relief to anxiety ease. Here’s a list of the top uses for cannabidiol:
- It contains no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound in marijuana that gives its users a “high”. This means that CBD acts as a holistic method of pain relief, relaxation, and skincare without being reflected in a drug test.
- It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in both humans and animals.
- The oil compound is used most commonly to reduce and relieve pain by acting on the endocannabinoid system within the body. This creates a more direct treatment for inflammation and pain than conventional pain relievers.
- Aids in easing symptoms caused by cancer—from loss of appetite to aching pain.
- As cannabidiol acts on the endocannabinoid signaling system, it has also proven to help with neurological diseases and disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
The Side Effects
However, CBD can also have its side effects on the user depending on your occurring health issues and even body type. If you struggle with blood pressure, be warned that the oil can lower your blood pressure to unsafe levels. CBD oil effectively thins your blood, which is why it acts as a great anti-inflammatory substance. This makes it dangerous for anyone that either uses either blood thinners or blood pressure medication.
In more common cases, cannabidiol oil can cause nausea or general sickness. This is due to some people (especially those with sensitive stomachs) not being able to digest the oil. General sickness during use can also be due to the lack of a regulated dosage for most people.
These side effects have reportedly diminished over a matter of time as the oil wears off, but they should still be taken seriously when you mix CBD with other medications.
CBD And Joint Care
All this being said, medical research suggests that CBD oil can be used as a treatment for folks who are looking for an alternative to opioids and other pain relief medications. One research study found that both cannabis and CBD are effective for managing pain. However, the oil is able to do so without the psychotropic effects that are caused by the compound in cannabis, THC.
Due to CBD’s interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system, it was more useful in actually reducing the amount of joint swelling as opposed to simply dulling the pain. This means that cannabidiol can actually help reduce the cause of your joint pain, contrary to the masking of symptoms that is characteristic of cannabis and opioid use.
So, if you’re looking for an alternative to your current joint pain maintenance, CBD may be your answer. With its gentler and more stable way of assisting in pain care, cannabidiol is a great alternative for those who feel as though they’ve tried everything. As always, be sure to check with your doctor before working cannabidiol into your daily regimen to ensure it’s an appropriate choice for you.
