Chronic pain, a persistent and, in many cases, debilitating medical condition, affects a significant number of people globally. Its etiology is multifactorial, ranging from traumatic injuries and inflammatory conditions to neurological pathologies, and the impact on quality of life can be considerable. In the context of the search for effective therapeutic alternatives with a favorable safety profile, cannabidiol (CBD) oil has attracted attention in recent years.
Chronic pain – what is it and what are its causes?
Chronic pain is medically defined as a persistent sensation of pain that extends beyond the normal healing period, usually lasting more than three months. Its intensity can range from mild to severe, significantly affecting the patient's quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
The etiology of chronic pain is multifactorial and complex. In some cases, chronic pain can be attributed to an underlying injury or disease, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, or neuropathies. However, in many situations, identifying the exact cause of chronic pain proves to be a challenge.
Common causes of chronic pain include:
- Inflammatory diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other inflammatory diseases can induce chronic joint and muscle pain.
- Peripheral or central nervous system injuries: diabetic neuropathy, post-traumatic or post-surgical nerve injuries can contribute to the development of chronic pain.
- Infections: Certain infections, like herpes zoster, can trigger chronic pain even after the acute infection has resolved.
- Musculoskeletal conditions: low back pain, neck pain and other musculoskeletal conditions can become chronic in the absence of adequate therapeutic management.
- Primary headache: Migraines, a form of primary headache, are characterized by severe and recurring headaches and can contribute to the development of chronic pain.
- Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by diffuse pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
- Endometriosis: Endometriosis, a gynecological condition in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterine cavity, can cause chronic pelvic pain.
- Neoplasia: chronic pain can be a symptom of malignant neoplasms or an adverse effect of oncological treatment.
It is important to emphasize that chronic pain can be exacerbated by psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. These factors amplify the perception of pain and make it more difficult to manage.
CBD oil - characteristics and mechanism of action in relieving chronic pain
CBD is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant, recognized for its diverse therapeutic properties. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, CBD does not induce euphoria or alter perception. This distinctive characteristic makes it an attractive option for those seeking solutions to reduce their pain levels without experiencing the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana use.
The mechanism of action of CBD in relieving pain is complex and involves interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a system of neurotransmitters and receptors distributed throughout the body, involved in the regulation of a wide range of physiological functions, including inflammation, thermoregulation, energy homeostasis, and sleep. CBD interacts with ECS receptors, specifically CB1 and CB2 receptors, modulating their activity and influencing pain perception and the inflammatory response.
Use CBD Oil!
The store with the largest range of natural supplements in Romania
Scientific evidence on the effectiveness of CBD in managing chronic pain
- Inflammatory pain: Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that CBD can reduce inflammatory pain associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and ankylosing spondylitis. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found significant reductions in joint inflammation and pain in animal models of arthritis treated with CBD.
- Neuropathic pain: Neuropathic pain, a form of chronic pain caused by damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, can be refractory to conventional therapies. CBD has shown potential in reducing neuropathic pain associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, and fibromyalgia. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial found that an oral spray containing CBD and THC significantly reduced muscle spasms and pain in patients with multiple sclerosis.
- Cancer-Related Pain: CBD can be used as an adjunct in managing cancer-related pain and the side effects of oncology treatments. A recently published study showed that CBD significantly reduced pain and improved quality of life in patients with advanced cancer.
- Anxiety and sleep disorders: Psychiatric comorbidities such as anxiety and sleep disorders are common in patients with chronic pain and can exacerbate the perception of pain. CBD has demonstrated anxiolytic effects and may improve sleep quality, thus contributing to more effective management of chronic pain.
Clinical applications of CBD in chronic pain management:
- Neuropathic pain: Controlled clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of CBD in reducing the intensity of neuropathic pain associated with conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury. It is hypothesized that the analgesic effect of CBD in neuropathic pain is mediated by modulating ion channels and pain signaling pathways.
- Inflammatory pain: The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD have been demonstrated in animal models and preliminary clinical studies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. CBD may inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce the infiltration of immune cells into affected joints, thereby helping to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Musculoskeletal Pain: CBD can be used as an adjunct in the treatment of muscle and joint pain caused by injury, overuse, or inflammatory conditions. Topical application of CBD-based products can provide a local analgesic effect by reducing inflammation and peripheral sensitivity.
- Fibromyalgia and chronic generalized pain: although the exact mechanisms are not completely known, CBD oil may improve the quality of life of fibromyalgia patients by reducing pain, improving sleep, and reducing anxiety.
- Endometriosis: CBD oil may have a beneficial effect on chronic pelvic pain associated with endometriosis. It is believed that CBD can reduce inflammation and modulate neurotransmitters involved in pain perception in this condition.
The contribution of CBD oil to managing the psychological aspects of chronic pain
CBD oil interacts with neurotransmitters in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), potentially improving symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. This mechanism may be particularly beneficial for patients dealing with chronic pain, as well as the associated anxiety and stress. By inducing a state of relaxation, CBD oil can reduce muscle tension and reduce focus on the sensation of pain.
It is important to note that discomfort and negative thoughts are not always caused by a disease or condition alone. Worrying about poor health can significantly influence the patient's emotional state and their perception of quality of life.
A significant advantage of using CBD oil in pain management is the absence of the risk of addiction.
