CBD oil is trending in pain management, and studies suggest it may help manage the symptoms of chronic pain conditions, including arthritis. Taken through tinctures, gummies or topical creams or balms, many of those suffering with arthritis have found refuge with CBD.
Is there evidence CBD helps arthritis pain?
You might be surprised to learn that there are over 100 types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type and rheumatoid arthritis ranks second.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis, caused by a breakdown of the cartilage within joint spaces. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis, but research shows that osteoarthritis also has an inflammatory component.
Both forms of arthritis cause symptoms like joint pain, stiffness, and reduced range-of-motion. Although there are medications to treat both types of arthritis, these medications have side effects and aren't always effective.
CBD to the Rescue
CBD is a compound derived from the flowers of the hemp plant. CBD interacts with our body's endocannabinoid system, a complex system in the body that affects many functions including:
- Pain
- Inflammation and the immune response
- Response to stress
- Digestive function
- Learning
- Reproductive function
- Sleep
- Heart function
- Bone health
- Metabolism
The Endocannabinoid System and Arthritis
When taken orally or applied topically, CBD binds to receptors in the body's endocannabinoid system effectively reducing pain and inflammation and possibly support healing.
One study found 6 milligrams of CBD applied topically each day reduced joint pain, swelling, and inflammation in rats with arthritic symptoms. Another study in 2015, in mice, found that applying CBD to the skin with joint swelling due to arthritis reduced pain and inflammation.
Our Chronic Pain Release Balm contains nearly 3350 milligrams of CBD! Each gram of balm has over 10x the effective dose. It's extremely concentrated and a little goes a long way!
There are many anecdotal reports of people with arthritis benefiting from CBD oil. This includes people with osteoarthritis and those with rheumatoid arthritis. It makes sense from a physiological perspective too, since CBD binds to endocannabinoid receptors involved in inflammation.
Testimony to CBD
A recent testimony we received from a woman in her 60's revealed that after applying Chronic Pain Release Balm, she noticed a dramatic reduction in pain and improved range of motion within minutes of application. After a month of daily use, she noted her arthritis was actually improving!
How to Choose CBD Oil
The most popular CBD options are CBD oils and CBD topicals such as lotions and balms, Although there are other forms available, including CBD gummies and capsules. One of the best ways to combat pain, swelling and stiffness from arthritis is through a two pronged approach. By using an ingestible CBD product as well as applying a topical CBD product, you can benefit from localized and generalized pain and inflammation relief.
Read the ingredients!
It's very important to choose a full-spectrum hemp extract rich in CBD over a product with just CBD. A full spectrum hemp extract will contain additional medicinal compounds from the hemp plant that will be much more effective than a product with just CBD.
Read the ingredients on all CBD products. Most hemp extracts are reduced to the following:
- Full Spectrum Hemp Extract = BEST
- Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract = BETTER
- CBD / Cannabidiol = GOOD
Also, consider using a product that contains organic ingredients. How hemp is grown and processed will play a role in the medicinal profile of the final product. Small, organic farms tend to produce high quality extracts.