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CBD Oil For Pain Management: Natural, Safe Pain Relief that Actually Works

Disclaimer: The following information has not been approved by the FDA. This information should not be interpreted as medical advice and is not a substitute for a visit with a medical care professional. Always speak to your doctor about any health concerns. 

The world has a problem with pain. In the United States alone, 300 billion dollars are spent each year trying to manage pain. Approximately 1 in 3 adults are on opioid-based painkillers.

Perhaps you’re one of them.

If so, you know that pain relief isn’t a simple matter of taking a pill and being cured. Chronic pain is a struggle day in and day out. More or stronger doses of painkillers often seem to be the only option.


Until now. Studies are showing that CBD oil has powerful pain-relieving properties comparable to morphine for some forms of acute pain relief. But more than this, CBD also promotes healing within your body, targeting the root of the pain problem — inflammation.

CBD oil is derived from the hemp, or cannabis, plant. Cannabis has been around for thousands of years, and while there have been hundreds of uses, such as rope, food, and clothing, the primary use has been for medicine.

Its most effective treatment? Pain management.

Before we go much further, let’s do our recap of what CBD oil is, how it works, and why it is NOT the same thing as marijuana.

What is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is extracted from hemp or cannabis plants. Cannabidiol is one of over 60 compounds called cannabinoids. These are found in a variety of plants, but the most well-known are those found in cannabis.

Cannabinoids influence your body’s natural healing and pain responses by affecting your endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a part of many of the processes that regulate appetite, mood, sleep, immune-responses, and, most significantly, pain sensation.

Fun Fact: Cannabis isn’t the only plant that contains cannabinoids. Echinacea, cacao, black truffles, black pepper, and kava contain cannabinoids as well.

How is CBD Oil Different From Weed?

CBD is a component of cannabis that does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is THC only that produces the euphoric and intoxicating effect that we associate with weed.

THC, the component that makes you high, reacts with the CB1 receptors, most of which are located in the brain. CBD oil activates CB1 receptors, which is why you’re able to take CBD oils without becoming high or experiencing the associated symptoms of being high.

Recap on CBD Oil

  • CBD does NOT produce a high or change your state of mind. While derived from the same family of plants, CBD oil does not contain a remotely sufficient amount THC to produce a high. 
  • Part of the hype over CBD as a pain reliever is precisely the fact that it does not alter one’s state of mind — unlike most pharmaceutical painkillers, including opioids.
  • CBD influences your body to use its natural endocannabinoid system more effectively.
  • Most CBD oil is extracted from hemp or special strains of cannabis designed for medical use rather than recreational use.

CBD Oil for Pain Relief

Pain is a major symptom of many short and long-term illnesses. Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, neuropathy, Fibromyalgia, cancer — the list of medical ailments that cause acute or chronic pain is nearly endless. Combine with this with pain from injuries, such as back pain, and you’ll realize that just about everyone over the age of 30 does or will struggle with pain.

Age is also a pretty important factor for pain. This study found that one in four elderly people suffered from chronic musculoskeletal pain of a disabling nature. These figures from Australia show up to half of older people suffer persistent pain, and up to 80% of nursing home residents.

CBD pain relief works by interacting with the endocannabinoid receptors in your brain and immune system.

Cannabinoids trigger an anti-inflammatory response in your system, killing pain and even helping your body heal.

Researchers have stated that, “Studies in experimental models of acute and chronic pain have demonstrated the efficacy of cannabinoid receptor agonists, even in neuropathic or inflammatory pain.”

If you want to check out a few of the studies performed on CBD pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects, this one, this one, and this one are all lengthy articles covering a few of the many studies performed. And those are just the tip of the iceberg.

CBD oil for pain relief | vitamin store fitchburg WI

Why Not Choose Pharmaceutical Pain Medications?

Use of prescription pain medications has increased significantly in the last decade, with opioids and drugs containing the narcotic hydrocodone as the most commonly prescribed. Unfortunately, these drugs are frequently associated with health complications, drug addictions, and fatalities.

Pharmaceuticals vs. CBD Oil: Side Effects and Dangers

This article clearly highlights some of the biggest concerns with over-the-counter and prescription drugs. These drugs are responsible for an alarming number of deaths (46 people per day and almost 17,000 per year).

Acetaminophen, a reportedly ‘safe’ pain killer, is the cause of almost 80,000 visits to the emergency room each year, and its overuse is now considered the most common cause of liver failure in the country.

With the wide variety of painkillers comes an equally wide variety of possible side effects. The primary concerns include the following.

  • High risk of addiction
  • Muscle relaxation and lack of muscle control
  • Muscle spasms
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to drug interactions with opioid receptors in the digestive tract
  • Heart damage and other cardiovascular issues
  • Increased likelihood of heart attacks
  • Liver and kidney damage
  • Potential birth defects and developmental problems in newborns (if the mother was taking painkillers during pregnancy)

Alternatively, research shows surprisingly few side effects to CBD oil. In fact, it is this lack of side effects that makes CBD oil such a promising pain relief drug. CBD oil

  • CBD does not alter your state of mind. For those who require painkillers to get through the day, but must also hold down jobs, this is an enormous benefit. With CBD oil, you can be at work without being in pain, and without being doped up.  
  • CBD is effective without becoming addictive.
  • CBD does not cause any long-term damage or side effects.
  • CBD’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties support and improve the health of the body as a whole, including its impact of specific areas of dysfunction.

But — as with everything in life — there are a few possible concerns. The primary concern is that CBD oil can reduce the effect of other prescription medications, so don’t stop, start, or alter medications without first consulting your doctor.

The following mild side effects typically occur while establishing a correct dosage for your pain, but may occur at any point.

  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Low blood pressure

Pharmaceuticals vs. CBD Oil: Expense

CBD oil is a comparatively inexpensive option to pharmaceutical painkillers. Those who are lucky enough to have insurance coverage often also have high deductibles or no prescription coverage. This means that the cost of prescription painkillers is often an out-of-pocket expense — and the cost can be crushing.

Pharmaceutical painkillers can easily cost over $1 per pill. Sound small? For those taking numerous pills per dose, several times a day, this rapidly adds up to a hefty price tag. When recovering from a surgery or injury, these medicines are typically used for a couple of weeks or less. But for those struggling with chronic pain conditions, things get expensive fast.

CBD oil, on the other hand, is a more affordable option. More or less can be taken depending on the pain levels being experienced that day, and can be stopped and started as needed. Lighter or stronger doses are available as well.

Pharmaceuticals vs. CBD Oil: Be Mindful

It’s apparent that CBD oil can offer people with chronic pain an alternative to dangerous, habit-forming medications, such as opioids. Just keep in mind that because the FDA doesn’t approve CBD products, they are also not regulated for purity and dosage.

What this means to you is that you should be extra careful in finding a reputable, high-quality brand from people you trust. This might be our team at The Healthy Place, a local supplement store near you, a medical practitioner, chiropractor, or naturopath. Just do your research first.

Please remember, we are not advising anyone to stop, start, or alter any medically prescribed medications without first consulting a licensed medical practitioner.

CBD oil for pain management

People suffering from chronic pain frequently experience additional health issues related to pain. Some additional medical benefits of CBD oil include relief for the following common side effects of chronic pain:

  • Insomnia: CBD has gained recognition by many medical professionals as a mild, natural sleep aid. By stabilizing your bodies natural symptoms and reducing the ‘alarm’ hormones related to stress, anxiety, and pain, your body (and brain) are finally able to relax.
  • Depression: CBD oil benefits include mood-boosting properties. Those with mild depression related to pain or anxiety find increased outlook on life when taking CBD oil.
  • Anxiety: CBD oil works some powerful healing when it comes to anxiety and stress. Research shows CBD affects serotonin receptors in the brain, activating more neurons and stimulating neurogenesis (growth). When this occurs, the mood is improved, and anxiety and stress are reduced.
  • Appetite: Cannabis has been used to stimulate appetite for hundreds of years. Many people experiencing daily pain, and especially those fighting cancer, have found that small doses of CBD oil can trigger a natural hunger response, while also fighting nausea.

Finding the Best CBD Oil for Pain

CBD oil affects us all a little differently.

Your first priority is to find a high-quality brand of CBD oil. We love Wild Theory CBD Co. and HempLucid. Both brands have extremely high processing and manufacturing standards, which means that we’re confident that we’re buying pure, natural, and untainted CBD oil. This is important — thanks to recent legalization, there are ‘knock-off’ brands that are more focused on quick production than on quality.

The best CBD oil equals the best results. Be choosy.

Think about coffee — some respond a lot to just a little, while other people can seem to drink a gallon without batting an eye. All of our bodies process in different ways.

Because of this, we recommend that when starting out with CBD oil, start small and start slow. Gradually increase until you feel the results. Keep in mind; it can sometimes take a couple of hours for CBD oil to kick in.  You’ll have to be patient — don’t give up if you don’t feel any results within the first few days.

Take your CBD oil with or without food, in water, or right under your tongue. Food can help you to metabolize more quickly, but it’s not necessary. By placing CBD oil under your tongue, you’ll also absorb the benefits quickly. Expect CBD oil to take an hour or two to take effect.

Here are some general guidelines on CBD dosage:

CBD Oil for General Health Supplementation and Prevention:

  • 3 drops in the morning or evening (2-5 % CBD) or 1-3 mg CBD per dosage, two to three times per day

CBD Oil for Mild to Moderate Pain, Digestive Problems, and Insomnia:

  • 3 drops in the morning and 3 drops in the evening (2-5 % CBD) or 2-6 mg CBD per dosage

CBD Oil for Anxiety, Stress, and Depression:

  • 3 drops in the morning, 3 drops during the day and 3 drops in the evening (2-5 % CBD) or 3-10 mg CBD per dosage

CBD Oil Dosage for Moderate to Severe Pain:

  • 3 drops in the morning and 3 drops in the evening, after a week 5 drops in the morning and 5 drops in the evening, after 14 days 5 drops in the morning, 5 drops during the day and 5 drops in the evening (5-8 % CBD) or 20 – 30 mg CBD per dosage
  • 4 drops in the morning and 4 drops in the evening, after a week 5 drops in the morning and 5 drops in the evening, after 14 days increase the dose further (10-25 % CBD) or 20 – 40 mg CBD per dosage

Please note, these are generally suggested doses ONLY. The appropriate doses will depend upon the CBD product you choose. We do not ever recommend starting, stopping, or altering medications, including CBD oil, without first consulting your naturopath or medical practitioner.

CBD Oil for Sale at The Healthy Place

We sell CBD oil at both of our Madison supplement store locations in Fitchburg and Sun Prairie. All of our Wellness Consultants are trained on CBD oil benefits and uses and would be happy to help you find the best CBD oil for pain relief. Also, take a moment to check out our growing library of CBD research studies and resources

Or, you can check out our CBD oil for sale online here as well. All of our products are carefully and critically screened before we let them in the store.


*Disclaimer: All information and recommendations given on this site, in email correspondence, newsletters or other materials provided by The Healthy Place is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice nor be viewed as a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider. Consult a licensed healthcare practitioner before modifying, stopping, or starting the use of any medications, health programs, diets, and/or supplements, as well as regarding any health concerns you may have. Our statements and information have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. As with any health-related program, product, or service, your risks and results may vary. We expressly disclaim responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information provided to you here.”


Rynn Jacobson is Content Marketing Director. She's passionate about educating people on natural and alternative health and wellness options. Her favorite ways to stay healthy are drinking herbal tea and hiking in the mountains.

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3 comments on “CBD Oil For Pain Management: Natural, Safe Pain Relief that Actually Works

  1. Lani Eithun on

    I have 2 bulging discs and spinal stenosis, lumbar. I also have arthritis in both shoulders with 1 shoulder is completely bone on bone. I also have degenerative disease in neck. So I have a lot of pain. I take hydrocodone and I barely takes the edge off the pain. Do you have any suggestion for CBD oil

    Reply

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