CBD for Pain | How it Works

CBD oil for pain is one of the most common reasons for using the cannabinoid. Chronic pain from conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis or general back pain can be debilitating.

Pain can impact your work and social life, not to mention cause feelings of depression and cause poor sleep. 

CBD oil for pain is an area that has been researched, with more ongoing. Early animal studies have shown that the cannabinoid has pain relieving and anti inflammatory effects.

However, human studies have yet to validate this. That being said, we hear so much anecdotal evidence of people using CBD oil for pain and noticing a great reduction in their symptoms. 

In this article, we are going to share some science behind how CBD oil for pain is thought to work. We will also answer some of your commonly asked questions. 

How CBD oil for pain relief works

The human body has an endocannabinoid system which was only discovered back in the 90s. This system relates to how we feel. Endocannabinoids occur in the body and bind to endocannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors control how you feel and CB2 control pain and inflammation. 

CBD is a cannabinoid. It is thought to bind to your CB1 and CB2 receptors, helping to change how you feel. It works much the same to CBD’s intoxicating cousin, without the high. 

There is lots of research and science into how CBD oil for pain relief works. If you are interested in diving deep into some science, have a look over at NCBI.

Here’s a snippet:

“There is increasing and exciting evidence showing that endocannabinoids regulate the immune response at both the innate (monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, NK cells, eosinophils, basophils, mast cells) and adaptive immune level (55). Immune cells are not only able to be influenced, but are also able to generate and secrete endocannabinoids that lead to changes in immune-cell behaviour as well as the production of other inflammatory factors that subsequently influence tissue inflammation.”

This review in 2018 found that CBD showed promise in helping to relieve and manage pain and inflammation.

CBD oil for back pain vs CBD cream 

If you are suffering from back pain then you might consider a topical CBD cream to target the area directly. However, while CBD cream certainly has its benefits, CBD oil for back pain may be the better choice. 

This is because CBD oil for back pain enters the bloodstream and can then interact with the endocannabinoid system. This may not only reduce your pain and inflammation, but help you to relax and sleep. 

CBD oil benefits for pain and inflammation 

When you are in pain or suffering from inflammation, you might reach for an NSAID, such as Ibuprofen. These over the counter drugs can help to reduce inflammation and pain, however, long term usage can cause stomach ulcers. You should ideally not be taking it longer than 10 days. 

CBD oil for pain is an all natural supplement. It can be taken daily without the risk of a stomach ulcer. It can also aid your sleep, relaxation and mood. Which may need a boost if you are in chronic pain.

When it comes to inflammation, CBD is thought to work in a similar way to NSAIDs by blocking prostaglandins from being produced. Prostaglandins are released by your body when you are unwell or have an injury, causing pain and inflammation. 

You should be able to take both CBD and ibuprofen at the same time as there have been no reported interactions. However, if it makes you feel unwell it could be a personal interaction, so talk with your doctor. 

How long does it take for CBD oil for pain to work? 

CBD oil for pain is one of the fastest delivery methods aside from vaping CBD. CBD oil would take around 10-30 minutes to have an effect. If you are not feeling the effects you may wish to up your dosage by choosing a CBD oil with a higher percentage of the cannabinoid. 

Remember, don’t fall into the trap of thinking a bigger bottle is always better. A 10ml bottle with 500mg CBD will always be a higher dose that a 30ml bottle with 500mg. 

CBD oil for pain – Wrap up 

• CBD oil for pain may help reduce inflammation and pain
• CBD is thought to block prostaglandins as well as bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors
• Research in animal models is promising as is anecdotal evidence
• CBD oil is natural and OK to take daily