CBD for arthritis: What the research shows – Open Access Government

CBD has shown benefits for many health conditions, including arthritis. Here’s what the research shows

CBD shows promise in reducing the side effects of arthritis, but more long-term studies are needed to examine whether it can prevent and fully treat the condition.

CBD is short for cannabidiol (CBD), a popular cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Cannabis is an incredibly unique and complex plant, full of compounds that give it its characteristic effects, taste, and smell. Compounds include cannabinoids like CBD and THC, terpenes, flavonoids, lipids, and other plant compounds. CBD is popular and widely appreciated for its well-tolerated nature and its vast range of therapeutic effects that can benefit our physical and mental wellbeing.

Arthritis is a common condition that affects individuals of all ages and causes inflammation and joint pain. The individual symptoms experienced will depend on the type of arthritis. Still, they generally include joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, high inflammation levels, weakness, and restricted movement around the joint (1). Two of the most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. While there is currently no cure for arthritis, treatments including surgery, physiotherapy, and medication have been successful in slowing down arthritis for many patients.

Arthritis and CBD

CBD has already been utilised to ease and assist many health conditions, including insomnia, anxiety and depression, nausea and chronic pain. Under the umbrella of chronic pain conditions is arthritis. While studies are still in their infancy, the results are promising.

Traditional medication for arthritis varies, but usually includes a mix of different options (2):

• Painkillers to reduce pain.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation.
• Counterirritants to interfere with the transmission of pain signals.
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
• Biologic response modifiers to target various proteins involved in immune response.
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to restrict your immune system from attacking the joint.

While these medications are effective, safety from long-term use is often questioned. Repeated use of these drugs has been shown to damage the arthritis patient’s heart, liver, stomach and kidneys. When doses are too high or taken for a prolonged period, this can also cause liver damage in some instances (3).

More patients are becoming aware of alternative treatment methods like lifestyle changes or physical therapy. In addition, natural medication alternatives like CBD have risen in popularity as an option with fewer adverse side effects.

The Endocannabinoid system CBD can lower inflammation and pain by its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system responsible for regulating body processes, including our mood, metabolism, energy levels and pain output. The ECS consists of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and receptor proteins. …….

Source: https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/cbd-for-arthritis-what-the-research-shows/120022/