Can CBD help for pain relief?

The use of CBD oil for pain is on the rise in Hong Kong. This increase coincides with the continued rise of pain problems in HK and the world at large.

Due to the fast-paced rhythm of the modern world, especially in big cities, most people have to deal with pain, among other health problems.

Some years back, chronic pain was thought to be particularly prevalent in western countries. However, an article shared by ResearchGate reveals something different regarding Hong Kongers. The study shows that the prevalence of chronic pain in the general population of Hong Kong was around 10.8%. This figure puts us on a par with Western countries for pain problems.

So what does the spike in the use of CBD for pain really mean? Is this something you may want to try for arthritis and chronic back, knee, and joint pain, or is it the modern-day snake oil?

Here is what you should know before using CBD for pain relief! In a nutshell, you’ll learn how CBD may be used to manage chronic pains. We’ve also included some practical tips and guidelines on how to use different cannabinoid products to relieve pain.

CBD for Pain Relief?

Although there aren’t solid clinical reports to support this claim, advocates of CBD suggest that it has the potential to relieve pain and inflammation.

To better comprehend where this claim stems from, we need to take a step back and understand precisely what cannabidiol is.

So CBD is one of the two trending compounds of hemp and marijuana plants. You’re right – the second compound is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

While CBD can be derived from both plants, it’s found in higher quantities in hemp. Thus, it’s not a surprise that hemp is the major source of cannabidiol.

CBD and THC are often regarded as cousins due to their numerous similarities. For instance, in addition to sharing a common origin, these two compounds also have a pretty similar chemical structure. However, the arrangement of the atoms varies slightly in both compounds. Experts agree that this variation accounts for the difference in how CBD and THC interact with your body.

Although both are thought to help with pain, sleep, inflammation, and depression, CBD does not cause the “omg, I’m too stoned” feeling caused by THC.

Like THC, cannabidiol has been touted as a “magic pill” for a variety of health issues, one of them being pain relief.

How CBD Works for Pain Relief

It’s important to acknowledge that our understanding of what CBD can and cannot do is still in its infancy. However, evidence from ongoing clinical studies proves that CBD has promising pain-relieving effects thanks to its interactions with the endocannabinoid and inflammatory systems.

CBD for Chronic Pain

Cannabidiol (CBD oil)is steadily gaining traction as a modern alternative for chronic pain relief. Health experts are yet to prove whether CBD might help alleviate chronic pain. However, some researchers opine that it can alter the way the endocannabinoid system (ECS) perceives pain.

The ECS is a cell-signaling system that facilitates the functions of pain perception and its management. A crucial component of the ECS is the receptors found in the brain and fatty tissue of the body.

Endocannabinoids (naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the body) attach to these receptors to pass chemical signals to the cells.

Because cannabinoids are similar to endocannabinoids, it’s thought that CBD oil and other products may change the way someone experiences chronic pain.

CBD for Arthritis and Joint Pain

Researchers are exploring the potential benefits of CBD for joint pain and arthritis. One animal study aimed at understanding whether topical application of CBD may help manage arthritis and joint pain.

The researchers applied 0.6, 3.1, 6.2 or 62.3 mg of CBD on arthritic-affected knee joints of rats per day. After four days, the researchers noted that the rats that received 6.2 and 62.3 mg had less swelling and pain.

The researchers concluded that a dose of 6.2 mg of CBD was enough to manage inflammation and pain in rats. Although studies on the effect of CBD cream for arthritis pain are necessary, these results suggest that cannabidiol may help people dealing with arthritis. What’s more, CBD may be a better alternative to oral arthritis treatments that cause side effects.

CBD for Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain occurs when nerves decide to transmit pain signals without a trigger. Imagine getting calls from an unknown number. This condition is often linked to injured or damaged nerves in the CNS or PNS.

Symptoms of neuropathic pain include;

• Severe pain often described as a stabbing or burning sensation
• Itchiness
• Tingling and numbness
• Redness on the skin
• Partial loss of some senses, for instance, temperature

Like other potential benefits of CBD, its ability to manage neuropathic pain is still under scrutiny. However, many neuropathic patients allege that they experience a calming effect after using CBD products.

A 2017 review published in Anesthesia and Analgesia seems to confirm these claims. The researchers reported that the 614 patients in selective cannabinoids showed a significant, albeit small, reduction in pain. The researchers also associated the use of CBD with a general improvement in quality of life and sleep.

Can CBD Help With Multiple Sclerosis Pain Relief?

Most people suffering from MS are now turning to cannabidiol to help alleviate the symptoms. A 2017 web-based study conducted by the Multiple Sclerosis Society found that close to 70% of MS patients were using CBD for their MS management regimen.

Consequently, there are lots of studies underway to determine whether CBD may help manage symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

So far, what we know is that CBD may help reduce pain and spasticity in MS patients. In a 2018 study, the subjects reported lower levels of disability, which researchers linked to improvement in mood, memory, and fatigue. However, it’s important to note here that this study involved the use of Sativex – a cannabis-based spray that contains both CBD and THC.

Using CBD for Cancer Treatment Relief

Armed with a zeal to live, cancer patients at advanced stages of the disease are now considering CBD oil as a natural option.

So, does CBD oil cure cancer? No – at least not now. But reports are suggesting that cannabidiol may have a role in managing chemotherapy symptoms, such as pain, lack of appetite, and vomiting. Additionally, multiple studies show that CBD may be combined with opioids to achieve a synergistic effect for more effective pain relief compared to using opioids only.

CBD for Sports and Training Recovery

Athletes understand that the key to remaining competitive in the world of sports is to push themselves to their physical limits. This means staying strong while moving through the pain to level up with the competition.

In 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) struck CBD out of its list of prohibited substances (in and out of competition). Technically, this shows that CBD is continually being viewed as something that can help athletes get the most out of their bodies and training programs.

This is particularly good news for athletes looking for an alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are drugs commonly used by athletes because of their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Although NSAIDs help manage pain, they have a gnarly side, particularly when used over a long period. At the top of this list are problems, such as ulcers, heartburn, and stomach upset.

For this reason, most athletes now favor CBD products because they work just like NSAIDs (if not more) without posing the risks mentioned above.

In the world of sports, CBD products are used to:

• Reduce inflammation – athletes use CBD cream for pain to avoid delayed muscle soreness and recover faster.
• Relieve pain – CBD gummies for pain may help relieve pain pre- and post-exercises, leading to better sleep and relaxation- the two most important performance enhancers.
• Reduce muscle spasms- muscle cramps during exercise are caused by physical overexertion, poor physical condition, and inadequate diet, among other theories. Sports experts agree that CBD supplements may help reduce muscle spasms and pains thanks to their antispasmodic properties. And the good news is that, unlike regular muscle relaxants and painkillers, CBD products are natural and have fewer negative effects.

Does THC Help With Pain?

Yes. For years, marijuana has been used as a natural alternative to pain-relieving medications. Like CBD, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is said to help manage chronic pain caused by cancer, AIDS, and rheumatoid.

Experts say that THC has a three-prong approach in pain management. The first argument is that this compound activates cannabinoid receptors in the nerve cells, reducing pain sensation.

Secondly, evidence suggests that THC impacts dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate levels. These elements play a crucial role in modulating and stabilizing an individual’s mood, happiness, and feelings of well-being. Also, there are arguments that THC has anti-inflammatory properties when combined with CBD.

Now, keep in mind that any product containing THC is illegal in Hong Kong. That being said, if you want to enjoy the benefits of most cannabis compounds while avoiding THC, broad-spectrum products are the next best choice.

FAQs

How should I use CBD oil for pain?

You’ll have various options when treating pain with CBD. CBD oil is the most common method of taking CBD. This method requires putting 4-5 drops of the supplement directly under the tongue and holding it for around one minute. CBD cream, roll-on, lotion, pills, and gummies are other excellent alternatives.

How long does it take for CBD oil to work for joint pain?

It takes about 10-45 minutes. When taken sublingually , CBD can take more than 45 minutes for its effects to kick in.

How much CBD should I take for pain?

Doses of between 20 and 80 milligrams per day tend to work for most people. Some people may need to take up to 300 mg when in a lot of pain. If you’re a first-time user, we’d recommend starting with 20-30 mg and then going up gradually until you reach your optimal CBD dosage.

Where Can I Buy CBD Oil for Pain in Hong Kong?

One of the earliest CBD online stores in Hong Kong, CBD Online HK continues to lead the pack with its wide range of high-quality CBD products to suit our users’ needs. We carry pretty much all forms of CBD, including oils, creams, soft gels, and gummies.

Conclusion

Going by the current evidence, most experts agree that CBD may help deal with most forms of pain, including chronic pain, arthritis, multiple sclerosis pain. CBD is also popular with athletes who want to boost their physical performance without sacrificing their regular mental function, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Remember that there’s no one form of CBD that works for everyone. If this is your first time, seek your doctor’s advice, especially if you’re on other medications.