Cannabidiol for Joint Problems: Examining its Role in Arthritis Pain Management

Is cannabidiol right for you? People with both types of arthritis are seeing cannabidiol—with its anti-inflammatory properties—as a potential part of their pain management arsenal, a view that is supported by promising preliminary studies.

One of several cannabinoids extracted from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), cannabidiol (CBD) has sparked much interest in the field of medicine as one of the many active pharmacological ingredients in medical cannabis. Unlike some of its more infamous counterparts, CBD does not cause the characteristic high associated with cannabis usage and lacks any addictive properties, all while boasting of anti-inflammatory properties that make it a promising treatment for chronic pain management, including arthritis.

After extensive reviews, the World Health Organization has declared that the use of pure CBD is not linked to any known public health issue. This is a promising development for advocates of medical cannabis derivatives and should eventually clear the way for further peer-reviewed research on its applications in medicine. Patients in Millcreek and other places in Utah can, with their doctor’s approval, try CBD products as part of their pain management regimen.

The Evidence and Benefits

Research has found compelling evidence for the effectiveness of CBD derivatives for several conditions. Besides its very famous ability to treat especially severe types of epilepsy, CBD has also been found by researchers to have immense potential in lowering inflammatory and neuropathic pain—both of which are tied to arthritis.

Still in the early stages of research, the promising evidence for the use of CBD as a safe alternative for other chronic pain medications is an exciting development in pain management, owing to the dangers associated with other pharmacologic solutions for chronic pain. Cannabidiol has fewer and less alarming side-effects and is non-addictive, which make it an excellent alternative to opioid medications that can easily be abused. At least with cancer patients, medical cannabis use has been tied to the reduction of opioid medication use.

In addition, patients taking CBD products have reported sleeping better, which can improve a patient’s quality of life significantly. Patients with chronic pain often struggle to get ample sleep; these effects would not only improve wellbeing but treat

Relieving Joint Swelling

Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are incredibly difficult to treat and cause lingering pain. Osteoarthritis is tied to the degeneration of the bone, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is connected to an autoimmune response that targets the tissues of joints. Both are tied intrinsically to the body’s own pain management system.

Much of the promise of CBD lies in its effects on the human body’s endocannabinoid system. The human body produces and responds to its own set of self-made cannabinoids, which are thought to be tied not only to the perception of pain but also to the function of joints. Rather than latching onto the cannabinoid receptors as once believed, CBD is known to encourage the production and utilization of the human body’s anti-inflammatory cannabinoids, which is tied to their effect on pain. Preliminary reviews of the literature have revealed a promising connection between CBD use and the management of osteoarthritis.

Taking CBD

All these findings are still in the nascent stage of development, though due to its general safety, doctors can usually permit their patients to try CBD products in measured doses (and in the appropriate balance with other conventional therapies) to help manage pain holistically while minimizing possible side effects.

Getting CBD from a trustworthy dispensary and under the informed direction of one’s attending physician is the key to getting the best possible results from CBD use in managing arthritis and other chronic pain.