CBD has gained tremendous traction as an alternative to opioid pain medications in light of the opioid crisis, yet still carries risks that must be considered when making decisions regarding medication treatment plans. Studies suggest that CBD may offer relief for a range of pain-related conditions while decreasing dose requirements to treat them effectively.
CBD works by engaging specific receptors in the brain to alter your perception of pain. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties address its source. Furthermore, it may interact with chemicals within your body that promote anxiety or mood disorders thereby helping regulate them.
People who dislike taking pills may benefit from trying tinctures under their tongue to quickly absorb CBD into the bloodstream or purchasing creams, salves, lotions and patches which can be directly applied to their skin for relief from aches, burning, tingling and stiffness caused by chronic back pain, arthritis and muscle spasms.
One small study by researchers showed that one 250 milligram dose of CBD significantly lowered resting blood pressure among healthy men, suggesting it could help lower risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease and other chronic health problems. A later 2020 study found that CBD gel significantly reduced pain among people suffering from osteoarthritis for three months at least; those using the product did significantly better than those who received placebo products, improving both their worst pain score as well as their WOMAC Arthritis Index rating of physical function.