How to Use CBD Oil for Joint Pain
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a naturally existing compound in the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant has more than 100 such compounds, also known as cannabinoids.Â
The other known and well-understood cannabinoid is THC, which is responsible for the mind-altering effect associated with cannabis use.Â
CBD is not psychoactive and is being touted for its many health benefits.Â
In this article, we will look at CBD oil for joint pain, explaining how it may help, as well as the best way to use it for pain.
What’s Joint Pain?
Joints refer to the body parts where your bones meet. Joints allow the skeletal bones to move and include shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.Â
Joint pain refers to aches, soreness, and discomforts in any of the body’s joints.
While joint pain may not always require a visit to the doctor, it is sometimes a result of an underlying medical condition such as injury or illness.Â
Arthritis is the most common cause of joint pain. There are two forms of arthritis:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
The American College of Rheumatology notes that osteoarthritis is most common in adults (40+ years), and tends to affect commonly used joints such as wrists, hips, hands, and knees.
You may also experience joint and muscle discomfort after strenuous physical activity.
Can CBD Oil Help With Joint Pain?
The common medications for joint pain include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. Drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used for milder joint pain.
While these drugs may relieve pain, they are often associated with severe side effects such as liver damage, heart attacks, and strokes.Â
They may also be addictive, may not work for everyone, and requires a prescription.
Could CBD oil be the solution?
For those looking for a more natural solution to manage this chronic condition, CBD may be an option.Â
This is because anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD may help with different forms of pain including joint, back, and nerve pain. The best thing?Â
CBD is not addictive, has no known severe side effects, and you don’t necessarily need a prescription since in most cases, it’s sold as a food supplement.Â
How CBD Oil May Work for Joint Pain
While it’s not clear exactly how CBD may help with joint pain, researchers believe that it has an impact on two body parts; the affected area or the site of soreness, e.g., knees joint and the central nervous system which is responsible for sending signals to the brain when it detects stimulation.
All mammals have a cell-signaling system known as the endocannabinoid system or ECS.
The ECS is responsible for maintaining body biological balance, which is key in maintaining critical body processes such as immune system response, sleep, appetite, etc.
CBD is thought to interact with the endocannabinoid receptors which can be described as tiny protein molecules attached to body cells.Â
These receptors are tasked with receiving chemical signals from different stimuli and prompting your body cells to respond appropriately.
By interacting with this system, CBD is thought to create pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
It’s thought to achieve this by activating or inhibiting key compounds that influence the endocannabinoid system, including anandamide. CBD is thought to inhibit the absorption of this compound which is associated with pain reduction.
The Studies
In several studies, CBD oil has been shown to reduce joint pain and inflammation without causing severe side effects.
In a 2016 study, topical CBD helped reduce joint swelling in rats. The researchers noted that Cannabidiol may offer therapeutic potential for behaviors associated with arthritis and pain-related inflammation.
In another research, CBD was seen to reduce joint pain in arthritic rats.Â
Of course, more human studies are needed to ascertain exactly how CBD oil may help reduce joint pain, but people are already reporting benefiting from CBD oil for joint, back, nerve, and arthritis-related complications.Â
For Instance, while talking to Weedmaps News, Bill Evans, a 34 years old US citizen notes that CBD salves and creams have helped him manage muscle spasms and joint pain.Â
He says that this has helped him get rid of some of his pain relievers as well as at least three types of muscle relaxers.
How to Use CBD Oil for Joint Pain
There are many options to consume CBD including edibles, pills, tinctures, vapes, etc.Â
However, when it comes to joint pain, topicals are your best bet. This is because they offer targeted relief instead of full-body relief.
Topical CBD Application; CBD Creams and Lotions for Joint Pain
CBD topicals exist in many forms; oils, lotions, salves, patches, bath bombs, creams, etc.Â
So can CBD creams help with joint pain? CBD lotions and creams are made by infusing high-quality CBD oil with premium olive or coconut oil.Â
The mixture is then blended with therapeutic herbs resulting in an-all natural pain relief ointment.
Your skin is choked with cannabinoid receptors that can interact with the CBD in your CBD-infused lotion.Â
Instead of impacting the endocannabinoid system as a whole, when applied topically, Cannabidiol targets localized clusters of cannabinoid receptors. This is how CBD offers direct relief to the affected joints and muscles.
However, you should only go for products with high CBD concentration and apply it liberally since your skin is designed to prevent anything from entering the body.
How Long Does It Take for CBD Oil to Work for Joint Pain?
Yes, CBD may help with joint pain, but how fast should I expect the results?
Well, there is nothing in black and white when it comes to how long CBD may take for joint pain as this will depend on several factors including CBD concentration, your body chemistry as well as the severity of pain.
Obviously, how you use CBD will also come in handy.Â
For instance, if you decide to ingest CBD instead of applying it topically for joint pain, you might have to wait longer since the compound will have to go through the digestive system.
Typically, however, you should experience results within 15-45 minutes.Â
Is There a Right CBD Oil Dosage?
Not exactly. There’s very little risk for CBD overdose- This gives you more room to experiment with different CBD doses until you get the perfect one for you.
The best way is to start with the lowest possible dosage and gradually increase your consumption.Â
Which CBD Products Are Best for Joint Pain Relief?
Just like any other drug, the effectiveness of CBD will be determined by the quality of your product.
Remember that not all CBD topicals are created equal. Your goal is to determine the best dosage and CBD consumption method, yes, but also the best product on the market.Â
At Great CBD Shop, our products contain a proprietary blend of organic CBD-rich hemp extracts, aromatic terpenes, and other useful hemp products to create what is popularly referred to as the entourage effect- this refers to all these compounds working together in perfect synergy.
All our products are THC free and range from CBD creams and oils to hemp-derived dog treats.
If looking for the best CBD products for pain, feel free to check out Green Roads Muscle and Joint Relief Cream, CBDFX CBD Cream, and Swiss Relief Eucalyptus CBD Salve.
You can also check more options here.
One of the reasons why our products stand out is that they are made according to the needs of all our customers.Â
For instance, if you don’t fancy oil-based balms, we have water-based CBD creams that absorb directly into your skin.
Our topical products won’t clog your pores and will quickly get absorbed into your skin and joints.
Take Away on CBD Oil for Joint Pain
CBD oil is showing promise as a potential remedy for joint pain. Researchers believe that it may reduce pain and inflammation by impacting the immune system and brain receptors.
Topical CBD application is the best for joint relief since it offers targeted relief.
As always, feel free to contact us for premium CBD oil products as well as any questions or concerns.