Pain is…a huge pain! Anyone who’s experienced it knows that pain can drain the joy out of living and make daily activities difficult to impossible.
And, repeatedly reported in study after study, at least one in five adults live with some level of pain on most or all days.
Clearly, we need viable solutions to help manage or mitigate pain so we can reclaim our quality of life. Should CBD be on the roster for pain management options?
Let’s see…
A Primer In Pain
Understanding the types of pain is helpful when unpacking the research on pain management therapies, including CBD for pain.
Pain can be categorized by duration as acute or chronic.
- Acute pain comes on quickly and lasts for a relatively short while (less than six months). There’s a direct cause — like a cut, burn, injury, surgery, etc. — and the pain severity lessens over time as the root condition heals.
- Chronic pain is the kind that’s ongoing or long-term. Sometimes this breed of pain persists even after its underlying condition has healed; sometimes there’s no identified root cause.
Pain can also be classified as nociceptive, resulting from tissue damage, or neuropathic, related to nerve damage or dysfunction. These categories can overlap, resulting in combinations like acute neuropathic pain or chronic nociceptive pain.
Conventional Medicine Approach
Modern medicine has many approaches to alleviating pain. The exact techniques and treatments depend on your health needs.
Some go-to therapies include:
- Medications
- Physical therapy, massage, and chiropractic adjustments
- Stimulation (e.g., with a TENS machine)
- Lifestyle changes (e.g., losing weight)
- Surgery
Nowadays, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods may be part of your care plan. (And sometimes CAM modalities — which can be gentler on the mind and body — are used as an adjunct therapy or in place of medications or surgery.) Yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and counseling are examples of CAM pain management tactics.
This is a good segue to discussing CBD for pain relief (as CBD would probably be deemed a CAM option).therapy, acupuncture, and counseling are examples of CAM pain management tactics.
CBD for Chronic Pain Relief & Occasional Aches
According to a 2022 survey, 60% of American adults use CBD for its purported ability to quell pain.
Does CBD Work Well for Pain?
What does the science say about how effective CBD is at snuffing out aches and pains? Research indicates that CBD is effective at pain management for:
- Back pain
- Inflammatory pain
- Arthritis
- Better sleep
- Knee and joint pain
- Cancer
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches and migraines
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
As always, more studies and high-quality human trials are still needed. Every shred of new data could help to bolster these initial findings and gain insights into long-term effectiveness and safety outcomes associated with CBD for pain.
Should You Take CBD for Pain? Science vs Marketing
Listen to the marketers, and you’ll get a resounding “Yes” screamed in your face. Science takes a more measured stance. The common-sense answer probably is somewhere in the middle and very dependent on your personal situation.
Regulatory Clearance
So far, the FDA has only approved pharmaceutical CBD as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of a few special and rare seizure disorders. As such, in the United States, CBD alone isn’t approved for the treatment of pain.
A combination medication called Nabiximols containing both THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio was approved by Health Canada. Canada allows this prescription drug for certain types of pain — specifically central neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis and cancer pain that doesn’t respond to opioids.
Benefits of CBD for Pain Relief
CBD could be a powerful tool in your pain-fighting arsenal. There are many upsides to CBD:
- It’s not a habit-forming or psychotropic substance so you won’t become addicted or get high from it (though you can get CBD products with THC in them and those may give you some level of buzz…).
- It’s well-tolerated by most adults.
- It frequently has fewer and less severe side effects than mainstream pharma alternatives (like opioids).
- It’s often cheaper and more accessible than conventional treatments.
- It has a host of potential wellness boosts in addition to pain-busting.
- It’s been shown to help people cope with a variety of pain types and pain-inducing conditions!
Let’s dig into that last “pain point” a little deeper. Armed with info, you can make a better decision — with the aid of your doctor — as to whether or not CBD has a place among your pain management weaponry.
Risks of CBD Interacting with Other Medications
While everyone likes to dwell on the advantage of CBD for pain, it’s not without risk. "CBD can interact with other important medications like blood thinners, heart medications, and immunosuppressants… Also, more information needs to be gathered about its safety for the elderly, children, those who are immunocompromised, and pregnant and breastfeeding women," says Dr. Shfik Boyaji, an Interventional Pain fellow at Harvard Medical School and contributor at Harvard Health Publishing.
How to Use CBD to Help Manage Pain
Each person’s system and symptoms are unique. So, you may have to experiment a bit to find the CBD product(s) and routine that works for you.
Here are some guiding principles to keep in mind, though:
- Consistent (e.g., daily) use of CBD may be more effective for chronic pain.
- Ingested forms of CBD, which disperse throughout your system, are likely better for widespread or internal pain.
- Topicals and transdermal CBD could serve you well if your pain is limited to one area and is temporary.
- Different CBD formulations take effect and last for different amounts of time. For example, CBD tinctures and water solubles may be faster-acting than gummies. But CBD gummies may circulate in your body for longer. It’s a tradeoff.
- Consider a full- or broad-spectrum CBD to take advantage of the entourage effect, which may enhance pain relief and overall wellness support.
- Layering CBD products may be an option. For example, a CBD softgel plus CBD cream for back pain may be the dynamic duo you’ve been seeking.
- Consult with your doctor. Make sure CBD is okay for you to use given your personal health profile, medications, etc.
And, a word to the wise. Remember that many CBD products on the market are not yet regulated. While the FDA’s been reticent to evaluate CBD’s health benefits, it has found (through testing) that many products contain different levels of cannabinoids (CBD included) than were claimed by the manufacturers. So, only consider products with lab tests (COAs) that confirm the CBD product’s content.
Which Form of CBD is Best for Pain?
CBD comes in various forms, including oils, topicals, edibles, and capsules. When choosing the best form of cannabidiol for pain, consider the specific type of discomfort you're experiencing and what will best fit your lifestyle.
Cannabidiol drops (oils and tinctures) are popular for their versatility, high bioavailability, and fast absorption, making them a great choice for general pain relief. Many people choose cannabidiol oil for acute and chronic pain.
Those who rely on CBD for chronic pain may find pre-measured doses of CBD in the form of gummies, pills, and edibles to be more convenient, especially if taking consistent doses throughout the day and when on the go.
Looking for the best CBD for knee pain and other joint pain? Consider CBD topicals such as creams and balms, which can be directly applied to the affected area for targeted relief. Topicals can be used on their own or in tandem with tinctures, capsules, or edibles. This two-step approach is popular when using CBD for arthritis pain as it offers the potential for immediate and long-term relief. The same goes for using CBD for back pain and inflammation.
As you can see, you have some choices when it comes to selecting the best CBD for pain relief.
How Does CBD Oil Take Away Pain?
All in, CBD can help neutralize pain by:
- Preventing it from happening in the first place by reducing pain signals
- Preventing it from happening in the first place by mediating underlying or ancillary health concerns
- Desensitizing us to its presence or intensity
- Addressing causes of underlying or ancillary health concerns
- Encouraging the body to return to homeostasis (functional balance)
- Improving mood and mindset
- Facilitating better sleep
How’s CBD do this?
Pain, the ECS & CBD
Earlier, we scratched at the biology of pain. As you may recall, pain is the result of messages passing between receptors and nerves and being interpreted by the brain and body.
Your endocannabinoid system (ECS) extends throughout your head, torso, limbs, and organs. Its receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids are present in your central and peripheral nervous systems. The components of your ECS are thought to play a key role in the mechanics and management of pain.
When CBD is introduced to your body, it collaborates with your ECS to disrupt pain signals. Its interaction with the receptors is what leads to the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, and antioxidant effects CBD is reputed for.
CBD also partners with the ECS to help address underlying issues — such as inflammation, bone health, or metabolic factors — as well as secondary problems that arise from having pain. This is where CBD’s ability to soothe stress and anxiety comes in. And we all know too well the vicious cycle physical, mental, and emotional pain can go in.
Got Pain? CBD for Pain Management May Help!
Pain takes many shapes, as does CBD. Perhaps that’s why they may be a good pair.
Existing research suggests that CBD can be an effective component of a pain management plan. And anecdotal wisdom validates its effectiveness in many people.
CBD can work with your body to undermine pain causes, triggers, and exacerbators that result from injury, illness, etc. More high-quality scientific studies on humans are needed to understand the long-term effects of CBD for pain and why many people have beneficial CBD experiences while others don’t.
While I have had good results using CBD as an alternative or complementary therapy for my chronic back pain, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating CBD into your care plan. CBD can interact with certain medications, and its safety and efficacy have not yet been fully established in clinical trials for various autoimmune diseases.
Assuming it’s okay, opt for premium CBD oil products that come with a COA and match your needs and preferences.
CBD for Pain: FAQs
Is CBD a painkiller?
CBD has been reported in animal studies and by humans to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which can ease pain.
How does CBD oil take away the pain?
Cannabidiol collaborates with your body’s endocannabinoid system to disrupt pain signals and to help address underlying issues such as inflammation.
What amount of CBD helps with pain?
Can’t say exactly. Each person’s symptoms and biology are different. And different CBD formulations and dosing regimens yield different results. You may have to experiment a bit to find the CBD product(s) and routine that works for you.
What medications should not be taken with CBD?
CBD can interact with medications like ibuprofen, anticoagulants, antiepileptics, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, statins, immunosuppressants, opioids, and antihistamines. These interactions may alter drug metabolism, increasing side effects or reducing efficacy. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining CBD with any medications.
What form of CBD is best for beginners?
For beginners, CBD oil tinctures are often the best option. They offer easy dosing and quick absorption when taken sublingually (under the tongue). Tinctures allow users to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed, making it easier to find the optimal dosage. Additionally, CBD gummies and capsules are beginner-friendly options, providing pre-measured doses and a familiar consumption method.
What strength CBD should I use for pain?
The appropriate strength of CBD for pain management varies depending on factors like the type and severity of pain, individual body chemistry, and prior experience with CBD. For beginners, it's generally recommended to start with a low dose, and gradually increase the dosage as needed, monitoring how your body responds.
For moderate to severe pain, higher CBD strengths may be necessary, but it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the right dosage and avoid potential interactions with other medications. Always start low and go slow to find the most effective and safe dosage for your specific needs.
Does CBD help with arthritis?
CBD may help alleviate some symptoms of arthritis, including pain and inflammation. Studies suggest that CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, which can be beneficial for people with arthritis. Some individuals report reduced joint pain and improved mobility after using CBD products.
However, the effectiveness of CBD for arthritis can vary from person to person, and more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and appropriate dosages. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting CBD, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.
Does CBD help with chronic inflammation?
CBD has shown potential in helping to manage chronic inflammation. It may interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which is involved in immune response and inflammation regulation. Some studies suggest that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in various conditions, including chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and more.