CBD OIL FOR ARTHRITIS

It is nearly impossible to discuss the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD without referring to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. These properties can serve important roles in assisting with elderly care. In this article, we shall discuss how using CBD oil for arthritis can interact with the ECS (endocannabinoid system) to improve arthritic symptoms. Please note that unless otherwise stated, all claims in this article are from scientific research and not based on official statements from the FDA.

Overview of Arthritis

In most cases, arthritis is a term commonly used to refer to the inflammation of the joints leading to severe or chronic pain. It is also used to describe more than 200 conditions affecting the joints, tissues around it, and other connective tissues. It is also described as the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints.

Arthritis is the leading cause of chronic pain in over 54.4 million American adults. The presence of the disease is pronounced joint pain and stiffness, which may tend to worsen with an increase in age. As the disease progresses, it produces more severe symptoms like a decreased range of motion, muscle stiffness, and redness. Arthritis is common among the aged and can also run in the family. Underlying conditions such as obesity and previous joint injury may increase the chances of experiencing this disease condition.

After a successful establishment in the body, arthritis can be expressed as fibromyalgia (affecting both sides of the body), gout (affecting the knee, ankles, and elbows), osteoarthritis (found in the cartilages that cushion the ends of the bones), and rheumatoid arthritis (affecting the joints).

Apart from running in the family, arthritis can be linked to a dysfunctional immune system, abnormal metabolism, and infections. The most conventional treatment plans focus on the use of anti-inflammatories, non-pharmacological therapies, physical or occupational therapy, and surgical procedures to replace the affected joint in extreme cases.

CBD and Arthritis

Information gathered from research has identified an excellent therapeutic potential of CBD and other cannabinoids. It has been identified to perform excellently as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antitumor, antidepressant, anxiolytic and antimicrobial agent. These vast array of activities are largely dependent on the interaction between CBD and the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system. These receptors (CB1 and CB2) play a significant role in the pain circuit and the control of cognitive activities like hunger, internal balance, and appetite.

The bulk of CBD activity relies solely on the interaction with these receptors. It has been identified to bring about the following potential benefits to arthritic patients after a successful laboratory experiment.

Improves the rate of metabolism

As stated earlier, one of the leading causes of arthritis is abnormal metabolism, which can be corrected with the right application of CBD. CBD has a great potential to enhance bowel movement, increase the rate of metabolism while boosting appetite. This plays a key role in keeping the body nourished and less prone to arthritic cases.

Pain relief

Arthritis and chronic pain are inseparable. The duo can be caused by a dysfunctional immune system. Apart from the widespread possible anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, its interaction with the ECS receptors have been identified to promote hormonal secretion, response to stress, and pain. The ECS is also responsible for the regulation of neuronal activity by controlling the transmission of nerve impulses from the peripheral sensory nerve endings up to the brain, attenuate synaptic transmission to limit cell to cell communication and the transfer of nerve impulse and the production of anti-inflammatory effects capable of suppressing degranulation. The role of CB2 receptors in inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory factors by non-neuronal cells have also been reported.

Reduces anxiety

Another benefit of using CBD oil for arthritis is how it affects your mood. CBD can interact with feel-good hormones to promote relaxation and sleep among people who have arthritis and chronic pains. This serves to improve their symptoms over time. CBD can also interact with neurotransmitters like serotonin to improve mood. This also helps to alleviate stress and anxiety. Information gathered from research has shown how CBD can reduce both physical and mental symptoms of anxiety.

Enhances the immune system

CB2 receptors are mainly expressed in immune cells and can serve to produce modulatory effects on their activities. This means CBD can aid in balancing the activities of the immune system. There is a growing body of research indicating how CBD can reduce the risk of auto-immune diseases like ulcerative colitis, Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease. CBD can also increase the expression of genes capable of dealing with oxidative stress, thus reducing cellular damage from auto-immune diseases like arthritis.

Antioxidant effect

The need for internal balance during arthritis cannot be overemphasized. The accumulation of free radicals in joints, muscles, and tissues could be fatal to the body hence the need for strong antioxidants like CBD. These antioxidants help to neutralize the harmful effects of these free radicals, thus promoting internal balance. CBD has a better antioxidant profile than vitamin C, and E.

Are there side effects to using CBD Oil for Arthritis?

It is pertinent to note that although CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant, its mode of activity differs from THC, its psychoactive counterpart. CBD does not interact directly with the ECS receptors but only triggers their activity, thus producing little to no potentially harmful side effects. Contrary to what is obtainable with over-the-counter prescription drugs and pain killers, CBD is not addictive, nor does it tamper with brain activity. Its non-psychoactive nature comes into play in eliciting the best therapeutic activities for arthritis without making you high. The use of CBD products for medical and recreational purposes is legal in several parts of the world as long as it has below 0.3% THC.

With this impressive and enticing potential therapeutic potential against arthritis, it is important to bear in mind that CBD is highly inhibitory. It can inhibit the activities of Cytochrome P450 from metabolizing drugs like aspirin and warfarin, thus making their concentrations too high or leading to an overdose. On this note, if you would like to use CBD oil for arthritis symptoms it is important to consult with your physician before taking or combining CBD with any medication.

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Crystal Kadir

GP and Sex & Relationship Adviser at atomicvaporstore.com

GP and Sex & Relationship Adviser – Durham University, MS

Crystal is a qualified doctor and a sex and relationships adviser at Dimepiece LA. In her spare time, she enjoys nature and is a budding tennis enthusiast. Crystal is involved with several governmental and educational initiatives aimed at increasing awareness about sexual health and making free advice more accessible to everyone.

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