Using CBD Oil For Pain Management

Chronic pain is a reality many of us face, often turning everyday tasks into significant challenges. It can be a constant companion that impacts our lives, making even simple activities feel overwhelming. 

For centuries, cannabis has been used to manage pain and other ailments—ancient civilisations, including the Chinese and Egyptians, used cannabis for medicinal purposes to treat inflammation, pain, glaucoma, and other conditions. 

Today, compounds like cannabidiol (CBD) have gained popularity for their therapeutic benefits, including reducing anxiety and managing chronic pain. In this article, we’ll explore how CBD oil can help manage pain, how it works, and where you can get it in the UK. We’ll also look into the different types of CBD oil, their potential benefits, and various conditions known to benefit from its use. Here’s everything you need to know about using CBD oil for chronic pain.

What is Pain and the Types of Pain

Pain is an unpleasant feeling that tells us something might be wrong in our body—it can be acute or chronic. 

Acute pain is short-term, regular pain that comes on suddenly and is usually sharp. It serves as a warning of disease or a threat to the body, e.g. the pain from a cut, bruise, or broken bone.

Unlike acute pain, chronic pain persists for a long time, often lasting for months or even years. It can continue even after the injury or illness that caused it has healed. Chronic pain is more complex and can significantly affect a person's quality of life.

Pain can also be classified into different types based on its origin and nature:

• Neuropathic Pain: Caused by damage to the nerves, often described as sharp, shooting, or burning pain. Conditions like diabetic neuropathy or multiple sclerosis often involve neuropathic pain.
• Inflammatory Pain: Caused by tissue damage and inflammation, such as from an injury or infection. This type of pain is common in conditions like arthritis.
• Nociceptive Pain: Caused by physical damage to the body, such as a cut, bruise, or broken bone. It is often described as throbbing or aching.
• Psychogenic Pain: Related to psychological factors, such as stress or anxiety. This type of pain can be just as real as physical pain but originates from emotional or mental stress.

How CBD Works For Pain Management

CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants and it’s known for its potential therapeutic benefits without causing a "high." 

CBD helps manage pain and inflammation by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS has receptors (CB1 and CB2) that regulate pain and immune responses. Instead of attaching to these receptors, CBD influences them indirectly, helping enhance or inhibit their activity. CBD also increases the levels of natural endocannabinoids in the body by preventing their breakdown, which boosts their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.

CBD also activates other receptors, such as TRPV1, which are involved in pain perception and inflammation. By acting on these different pathways, CBD can reduce pain and inflammation making it a promising option for managing various pain conditions.

Potential Benefits of CBD Oil in Treating Pain

Here’s how CBD oil may help with pain:

• Reduces Inflammation: CBD can help reduce inflammation, which is often a source of pain. A study published in the European Journal of Pain found that CBD applied to the skin could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis.
• Interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS): The ECS helps regulate many functions in the body, including pain. CBD interacts with ECS receptors to help manage pain and inflammation.
• May Improve Sleep and Mood: Chronic pain often affects sleep and mood. CBD has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety, which can indirectly help with pain management.
• Revitalises and Helps the Skin: Topical CBD products can benefit those with skin conditions. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce skin inflammation and irritation. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that CBD can help reduce the production of sebum, which can help manage acne. CBD’s antioxidant properties can also help revitalise and soothe the skin, making it beneficial for conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

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Conditions Known to Benefit from CBD Oil

While research on the effectiveness of CBD oil for specific conditions is still ongoing, some studies and clinical trials have shown promising results. Many medical cannabis patients report significant improvements in symptoms related to some of the conditions below.

CBD Oil For Endometriosis

Endometriosis causes painful periods due to tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus growing outside it. Studies suggest that CBD may help manage pain and inflammation associated with endometriosis. One study indicated that CBD could reduce the hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain) associated with endometriosis.

CBD Oil For Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterised by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep issues. Research indicates that CBD may help reduce pain and improve sleep quality for those with fibromyalgia. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology showed that patients using CBD reported significant improvements in pain and quality of life.

CBD Oil For Pain Related To Cancer Treatment

Cancer and its treatments, like chemotherapy, often cause pain. CBD has been studied for its potential to reduce pain and nausea associated with cancer treatments. A review in the British Journal of Pharmacology highlighted CBD's effectiveness in managing chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain.

CBD Oil For Arthritis Pain

Arthritis involves inflammation of the joints, causing pain and stiffness. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can help manage arthritis pain, as highlighted by this study that found CBD gel reduced joint pain and inflammation in rats.

CBD Oil For Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Pain

MS is a chronic illness that affects the central nervous system, leading to symptoms like pain, muscle spasms, and fatigue. CBD has shown promise in alleviating these symptoms. This study found that CBD significantly reduced muscle spasticity and pain in MS patients.

How to Use CBD Oil for Pain

There are various ways to use CBD oil for chronic pain management:

• Oral CBD: Taken as drops, capsules, or edibles. This method is easy and allows for consistent dosing. It is absorbed through the digestive system and can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect.
• Topical CBD: Applied to the skin in the form of creams, lotions, or gels. This is useful for targeted pain relief, like joint or muscle pain. It works by interacting with local cannabinoid receptors.
• Inhalation: Vaping CBD oil provides quick relief as it is absorbed straight into the bloodstream through the lungs. This method may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with respiratory issues.
• Sublingual CBD: Placing CBD oil under the tongue allows for quick absorption into the bloodstream, typically within 15-30 minutes. This method is discreet and easy to control for dosing.

Types of CBD Oil

There are different types of CBD oil based on their composition:

• Full-Spectrum CBD: Contains all cannabinoids, including THC (but less than 0.2% in the UK), terpenes, and flavonoids. This type may provide the most therapeutic benefits due to the "entourage effect," where all compounds work together.
• Broad-Spectrum CBD: Contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but no THC. This type is a good option for those who want the benefits of multiple cannabinoids without THC.
• CBD Isolate: Pure CBD with no other cannabinoids or terpenes. This type is ideal for those who want to avoid THC altogether

Types of Pain CBD Oil Can Alleviate

Although more research needs to be done, there have been some promising early results from preclinical and some clinical studies. Some of the types of pain CBD oil might be able to help manage are fibromyalgia, cancer pain, arthritis and neuropathic pain.

Managing Fibromyalgia and Endometriosis with CBD Oil

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that can cause musculoskeletal pain, meaning pain in the muscles and bones. It can also lead to fatigue, anxiety and depression. It’s a complex condition that can be difficult to identify and treat. A 2021 survey of 2,701 people with fibromyalgia found that CBD use was generally effective at reducing pain, however more rigorous studies are required to better understand if this is a consistent effect.

Endometriosis is another chronic condition that can cause pain around the pelvis. Endometriosis is caused by tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus growing outside of the uterus. Cannabinoid receptors have been found inside the endometrium, suggesting CBD may act on these receptors and potentially reducing inflammation and pain related to endometriosis.

How CBD Oil Can Help Alleviate Cancer Pain

People with cancer may experience different types of pain from the disease itself and from treatment. Tumours can cause cancer pain by pressing on nerves, organs and bones, and also by releasing chemicals into the body that cause pain. Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery can also cause pain that can range from mild to severe.

The research on CBD oil for cancer pain is promising, with one review stating that the evidence suggests CBD may be a useful option to reduce cancer pain and ease chemotherapy side effects. However, the review emphasises the need for more human studies and randomised controlled trials on CBD use for people with cancer.

How CBD Oil Eases Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling and tenderness in one or more joints in the body. The term “arthritis” broadly refers to joint pain or joint disease, and there are more than 100 types of arthritis. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

So far, the research on CBD for arthritis is limited, but there have been some positive early findings. One 2018 study tested how effective a CBD gel might be for those with knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Of the 320 people treated with CBD, there was initially no statistically significant difference in knee pain compared to placebo. However, closer inspection of the participants who responded well to CBD treatment revealed a statically significant change in pain compared to placebo.  

Studies such as these are promising, but most of the evidence for using CBD for arthritis is anecdotal. Some people who have arthritis report a noticeable improvement in pain after using CBD oil, but more high-quality human studies are needed on CBD’s potential role in managing arthritis pain.

Managing Neuropathic Pain with CBD Oil

Neuropathic pain is a type of pain that affects the nerves. Nerve pain can occur when a health condition damages nerves anywhere in the body, and can resemble an electric shock or a sharp burning sensation.

CBD may have some use in treating neuropathic pain. A small placebo-controlled study with 29 patients found that topical CBD oil provided “statistically significant” relief from neuropathic pain, and that treatment was well-tolerated.

However, most reviews of the evidence for CBD oil and neuropathic pain stress the need for more high-quality studies with higher sample sizes. Although, some reviews do state that CBD may be an effective and safe treatment for neuropathic pain despite the limited clinical evidence.

CBD Oil Use For Pain

The best way to use CBD oil for pain depends on your condition and the method of delivery you’re most comfortable with. Some people prefer inhaling CBD using a vaporiser and CBD oil cartridges. Vaping has a fast onset, which may benefit you if you need immediate relief.

On the other hand, you can also simply drop CBD oil onto or under your tongue, or ingest CBD via a capsule, lozenge or topical cream. Oils, capsules and lozenges can take between 30-90 minutes to take effect. The effects can last from 8-12 hours, although the exact length of effect will vary from person to person.

CBD topicals might suit you if you experience localised pain. The ability to apply the cream or lotion directly to the painful area may offer faster or more pronounced relief, but the evidence for this is so far mostly anecdotal.

Exploring Potential Side Effects of CBD Oil

CBD oil can have some side effects, but they are rare and usually minor. CBD oil’s side effects can include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness and diarrhoea. Thankfully CBD oil is usually tolerated well, and most side effects occur at high doses.

A good rule is to start low and go slow, so that you can see how CBD affects you individually. When prescribed by a medical cannabis specialist, your doctor will determine the best starting dose to help you feel as comfortable as possible.

You may have also heard that CBD can be harmful for the liver, but recent research suggests that this may not be the case. Regardless, speak to your doctor if you experience any liver issues before starting any new medication, including CBD oil.

How to Get Started with CBD Oil in the UK

If you’re considering CBD oil for pain management, it’s essential to talk to a healthcare professional before starting CBD oil, especially if you are taking other medications. They can help you determine the right product and dosage for your needs.

In the UK, CBD can be purchased OTC (over the counter), however, CBD oil with THC can be only prescribed by a specialist doctor. You can get a prescription for CBD oil from specialised clinics or authorised healthcare professionals. These experts can guide you through the process and ensure you receive high-quality, lab-tested products.

For some conditions and symptoms, specialists may recommend THC oil as a more suitable option. It is important to take THC oil directly as instructed by your Alternaleaf doctor.

If you are going to purchase CBD oil over the counter, ensure you buy it from trusted suppliers who provide lab reports and ensure the purity and potency of their products. Look for products that have been third-party tested. Our partner pharmacy, Montu, stocks a range of CBD based products that you can access without a prescription. If you would like to explore the possibility of accessing THC-based medications, we recommend completing our questionnaire to assess your eligibility for medical cannabis.

CBD oil has shown promise in managing various types of pain, from endometriosis to arthritis and pain from cancer treatments. If you’re considering CBD oil, start by consulting with a doctor to find the right product and dosage for your needs. With the right approach, CBD oil could be a valuable addition to your pain management toolkit and help you on your journey to better health.