Finding effective ways to manage pain is important to patients struggling with injuries, chronic conditions, and post-surgery recovery. Pain can be debilitating and prevent you from completing your regular activities, but conventional pain management methods aren’t always the right option for patients. For those seeking an alternative, CBD could be a viable choice.
CBD for Pain Management
What Is CBD?
CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol. It’s a naturally-occurring chemical compound derived from cannabis (the sativa plant, to be exact).
While CBD is associated with marijuana, it’s not psychoactive, meaning that it won’t give you a high. The psychoactive properties of marijuana come from THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. Instead, CBD contributes to the feelings of calm and relaxation that many experience with marijuana use.
Used on its own in the form of oils, capsules, creams, and edibles, CBD may be an effective complementary treatment for pain.
CBD Inflammation
Research indicates that CBD can ease inflammation by impacting the endocannabinoid receptors in the body. Given that inflammation is a major contributor to pain and can inhibit healing, the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD can be highly beneficial for patients of all types.
The endocannabinoid system has a part in many processes in the body, including immune system responses, chronic pain, sleep, stress, mood, muscle formation, bone growth, and more. Ultimately, the role of the endocannabinoid system is to help your body return to homeostasis after the impact of external threats, such as illness or injury. By stimulating endocannabinoid receptors, CBD may support your body’s ability to return to its optimal state after being affected by pain.
CBD for Feelings of Pain Relief
CBD can have a similar impact on how you feel while taking pain medications by stimulating certain receptors in the brain. These receptors can make you feel relief from pain, even if an injury or condition is still active. One such receptor is TRPV1.
TRPV1, short for transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V, has a large role in pain signaling. CBD attaches to TRV1 receptors, affecting how your body perceives pain.
There’s much research still to be completed about the impact of CBD on pain. However, many patients may find that it provides natural pain relief and is an effective tool in day-to-day pain management.
Make an Appointment Today
Dr. Michael Higgins has extensive training in both Orthopaedic and Spinal Surgery and is prepared to help you make the right choice for your body. Contact us today at 352-688-6035 to learn how Dr. Higgins and the experienced staff at Hernando Orthopaedic and Spinal Surgery can help you return to a healthy and pain-free lifestyle.
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