Chronic Pain from Arthritis? 3 Major Ways CBD Is Used to Treat the Symptoms of Arthritis

Updated August 2021

Did you know that more than 54 million people in the United States have arthritis? If you're looking for a natural way to treat the inflammation and pain caused by arthritis, using CBD is an option that's becoming increasingly popular. If you're looking to learn more about how it can help you to treat the symptoms of arthritis, we've created a complete guide to help you better understand its action on the body. Keep writing to learn more!

What Is CBD? 

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a type of cannabinoid that's found in the cannabis family. It is very different from THC, as CBD doesn't contain any of the psychoactive properties that THC is known for. 

In other words, this means using CBD won't have any effect on the cognitive activity in your brain. It won't cause you to get high—the effect that is traditionally associated with using marijuana. Since many people use marijuana as a recreational drug, there is a widespread belief that CBD provides a type of euphoric high because it's a byproduct of marijuana.

However, for a CBD-based product to be legally sold in the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill stated that a product has to contain less than 0.3% THC.

Many recent studies have shown that CBD oil and other types of CBD products have been a useful tool for helping to reduce inflammation and providing pain relief. Some common conditions it is currently being used to treat are:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Psychosis
• Seizures
• Inflammation
• Nausea
• Chronic migraines

CBD is not the only way that you can treat arthritis. However, it is a popular tool to be used to manage the symptoms of chronic conditions.

How Does CBD Work?

As we mentioned above, CBD is a type of cannabinoid. Your body naturally produces certain kinds of cannabinoids. We have two different types of receptors present within the body and brain. When it enters your body, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for metabolic health, eye health, thermoregulation, appetite, mood, and other vital functions of the body. In addition, the endocannabinoid system is also responsible for regulating the overall health of your immune system. Recently it has also been discovered that it can be a useful tool to suppress T cells. T cells are responsible for damaging the joint cells in individuals with arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Three Major Ways CBD Is Used to Treat the Symptoms of Arthritis

If you're wondering how CBD can help you treat the symptoms of your arthritis, here are 3 major ways it can help arthritis!

1. CB2 Receptors

CB2 receptors are responsible for supporting the health of your immune system by maintaining a healthy level of inflammation and reducing pain levels. By using CBD, what you ingest or apply to your skin will attach to the CB2 receptors in your body and brain. This will help to increase your body's natural production of cannabinoids that connect to the CB2 receptors in your body.

As an end result, it helps your body to respond to the pain signals that it's receiving, increasing your body's natural pain management capabilities, as well as to fight against unhealthy levels of inflammation. 

2. Anti-inflammatory Properties

It is commonly used in people with arthritis for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. If you're struggling to manage the pain and inflammation in your body that arthritis causes, you might wish to consider using CBD to decrease inflammation across your entire body.

3. Depression and Anxiety

A recent study has found that 14% of people that suffer from arthritis also suffer from morbid depression. CBD is currently being used to treat people that suffer from anxiety and depression, alongside using it to treat their chronic pain. If you're somebody who is struggling with the symptoms of arthritis, and depression or anxiety, CBD can help you to improve your mental wellbeing. 

CBD vs. Other Arthritis Treatment

CBD isn't the only tool that you can use to treat the symptoms of your arthritis. Let's take a closer look up at the treatments that are commonly used for arthritis, as well as the risks that they pose a comparison to CBD.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is one of the cheapest treatments that you can use to treat arthritis. It's a commonly prescribed option due to its approval for heart health the non-destructive property it has on the gastrointestinal system. However, acetaminophen can potentially damage the liver and doesn't relieve inflammation.

NSAIDs

Another popular treatment for arthritis, NSAIDs do offer anti-inflammatory properties. However, taking NSAIDs over a long period of time increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and stomach bleeding.

Opioids

Opioids are widely used due to their strong painkilling effect, but they're highly addictive and easy to overdose on.

CBD

While it is a relatively new form of arthritis treatment, it rarely causes side effects. Even in unique cases where people report side effects of CBD, it doesn't pose any severe or life-threatening side effects like the above-listed arthritis treatment options do. 

Understanding the Importance of CBD for Managing Arthritis

CBD has been shown to be a promising treatment for the symptoms and pain of arthritis. By interacting with the receptors that are found in the body and brain, it is believed to be a powerful tool to reduce the impact that arthritis has on your body.

Are you looking to learn more about the benefits of CBD to get your health back on track? We've got everything you need on our blog. Click here learn more. 

‍