Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of more than 480 compounds that’s officially identified in the cannabis plant and medical professionals recommend it for the treatment of various conditions. Many of the medicinal properties of cannabis actually tie back to CBD.

CBD is mostly famous for its immense analgesic effects. That explains why it’s widely used to treat diseases that cause pain. However, researchers have also been able to uncover CBD’s positive effects on anxiety, inflammation, insomnia, seizures, and many other medical conditions.

Now, while there are numerous ways to consume cannabidiol for pain relief, CBD oil remains the most popular method.

 

Why Use CBD Oil?

First, using CBD oil is one of the fastest methods to deliver cannabidiol to your system. That’s especially true if you’re dripping tinctures under your tongue or vaping CBD e-juice. Both methods deliver cannabidiol right into your bloodstream instead of going through the digestion process as is the case with CBD gummies and pills.

Also, CBD oil happens to be the most abundant cannabidiol product available on the market and you’re more likely to see a bottle of CBD oil than CBD gummies, CBD-infused teas, or CBD-based medical pills. Needless to say, CBD oil also contains all the documented therapeutic properties of cannabis, particularly the herb’s analgesic effects. Recreational cannabis users can also invest in full-spectrum CBD, which is known to contain some psychoactive properties.

 

What Role Does Cannabidiol Oil Play In Pain Treatment?

First off, it’s important to consult your physician before you begin using CBD for pain relief. Once you’ve been advised to do so, you can boldly walk into your preferred cbd oil uk retail outlet and order your cannabidiol oil.

But just what role does cannabidiol oil play in pain treatment? Now, the role of CBD oil for pain alleviation can be summed up into one statement – it boosts the function of your endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a system within the body that performs pivotal roles in maintaining a homeostatic balance.

Examples of the duties of the ECS include;

  • Pain treatment
  • Relief from inflammation
  • Treatment of stress and anxiety disorders
  • Elevation of mood
  • Boosting of appetite
  • Regulation of circadian rhythms
  • Treatment of mental, psychological, and neurodegenerative disorders
  • Boosting of energy levels

Your endocannabinoid system is made up of endogenous cannabinoids as well as endocannabinoid receptors like CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are more prevalent around your brain and central nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors are located in your peripheral organs.

When you’re in pain, your ECS detects the painful sensations and relays signals to your brain through your endocannabinoid receptors. Your brain responds by coordinating the functions that marshal all your body’s defenses against the painful condition. Now, CBD improves the performance of this system by making it easier for your endogenous cannabinoids to bind more effectively to your endocannabinoid receptors.

When CBD oil enters your system, the cannabinoids in the oil travel to your endocannabinoid system, where they alter the chemical structure of your endocannabinoid receptors, especially CB2 receptors. Therefore, it becomes a lot easier for your endogenous cannabinoids to bind to these receptors.

In addition to improving cell-signaling between your endogenous cannabinoids and endocannabinoid receptors, CBD oil also reduces pain by increasing anandamide levels in your body. Anandamide is a popular endogenous cannabinoid that has been cited for its pain-relieving effects. When cannabidiol oil enters your system, it inhibits the activity of enzymes that destroy anandamide, such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). This results in more anandamide levels in your system and provides a faster relief from pain.

Another way  CBD oil relieves pain is through activating the vanilloid receptors and lowering your body’s messenger activity. The latter method is particularly crucial if you’re grappling with pain that’s triggered by an inflammatory response.

 

What Does Research Say?

Studies conducted on the pain-relieving effects of cannabidiol oil have yielded some inspiring findings. A study published in the European Journal of Pain confirmed that cannabidiol oil could help to treat arthritis pain in rats. In this experiment, it also emerged that CBD oil could help to alleviate inflammation without exposing the patient to any side effects.

Another study in the Journal of Experimental Medicine further corroborates the analgesic and anti-inflammatory claims of cannabidiol oil. In another 2017 study, cannabidiol oil emerged as a powerful remedy against osteoarthritis pain.

 

How Much CBD Should I Use For Pain Relief?

There’s really no fixed rule on how much CBD oil to consume for pain treatment. That’s because cannabidiol doesn’t have an ideal dose.

The amount of CBD oil that you use depends on;

  • Your age and body weight
  • Your body chemistry, i.e. your sensitivity or tolerance to CBD
  • The method of consumption
  • The strength of CBD in the oil
  • Whether you’re presently on any other medications
  • Whether you’re a new or seasoned user

However, the unwritten rule when using cannabidiol oil for pain treatment is to begin low and work your way up slowly.

The fact that cannabidiol oil is a powerful remedy against pain is beyond doubt. However, to get CBD oil to work for you, always remember to follow your doctor’s recommended guidelines.

About the Author

Derek Edison