A Look into The Research Of CBD For Arthritis

CBD, short for cannabidiol and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), is the two most prominent chemical compounds found in cannabis. This has led to lots of scientific research into them both, especially the health benefits of CBD. One of the most significant health benefits of CBD is its pain-relieving effects. Where THC causes psychotic highs, CBD does not.

CBD has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. However, it’s only in the last one hundred years of scientific developments that we’ve been able to learn more about it. The ability of CBD to treat the chronic pain and other symptoms associated with arthritis has long been a topic of interest, as mentioned on https://cfah.org/.

To understand how CBD could treat arthritis, we must understand what arthritis is.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a well-known condition and is often associated with older generations. However, it can affect individuals of all ages.

Arthritis is a term used to describe joint pain and joint disease caused by an autoimmune dysfunction. Different types of arthritis cause various symptoms in the individual. The two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Those affected commonly experience several symptoms, the most common being:

• Chronic pain
• Swelling, inflammation & restricted movement
• Reduced Appetite

Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for arthritis, but surgery, physiotherapy, and medication treatments.

Research of CBD for Treating Arthritis:

CBD is thought to relieve pain through its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is our own body’s production of molecules called endogenous cannabinoids. The ECS system is responsible for regulating the body’s state of homeostasis, which is crucial for the digestive, immune and neurological systems to operate effectively. Research suggests the primary way CBD can help relieve pain is the different ways CBD cannabinoids interact with our ECS system.

Research has found that CBD can activate, antagonise, or inhibit our cannabinoid receptors. Specifically, our CB1 and CB2 receptors. The way CBD activates our CB2 receptors causes a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation, such as that caused by arthritis. Therefore, research has praised CBD for its anti-inflammatory effects on the body.

Studies have also shown patients with arthritis are less likely to build up a tolerance to the pain-relieving effects of CBD, as is often seen with pain-relief drugs. There is also a lot of concern for the addictiveness of traditional medicines, which is why more patients are seeking more natural and non-addictive pain relief like CBD.

Due to the way CBD interacts with our ECS, studies have also found its ability to improve symptoms of nausea and vomiting. This is particularly important for arthritis patients as many drugs have unpleasant side effects on digestion and appetite.

Since CBD is a plant extract, it can be incorporated into many kinds of products. You can find it in vapours, oils, oral sprays, edibles, creams, ointments, supplements and more. This means you can take it according to your needs and preference. For chronic pain, research has found topical sprays, gels, and ointments to be the most effective for reducing inflammation and pain while also contributing to improved sleep quality for arthritis patients.