When it comes to the vast array of health conditions that may be treated with CBD, pain is by far one of the most challenging and complicated.
This is because doctors themselves are still trying to understand pain and how it can be accurately measured. One of the biggest obstacles to this, of course, is that pain can’t be seen. It can only be studied and treated through the patient describing what they’re experiencing.
CBD is a natural remedy that doesn’t treat pain in the traditional way like many pharmaceutical drugs do. Green Health Docs mentions that marijuana can and should be used as an alternative to addictive opioids – so if you live in a state where medicinal marijuana is legal – like West Virginia, for example – you can apply for a medical cannabis card online.
With this in mind, we wrote this article for you to understand CBD a little bit better in relation to pain, and figure out whether CBD is the right natural remedy for you. Let’s take a look at CBD as a viable option for pain treatment.
Article Contents
Best CBD Oil for Chronic Pain
1. Verified CBD
Verified CBD is one of the old guards of the CBD oil industry, having been around since 2014, which is when the industry roughly first started gaining traction. These days, they are a fully-fledged business that sells CBD to over 50 countries globally.
We love that they employ one of the best extraction processes you can use, CO2, and they also make sure that every single one of their products go through comprehensive testing. This is to ensure that there aren’t any impurities in the mix.
Another reason why Verified CBD is at the top of our list is that they source all of their plant material from within the U.S., where you can find some of the strictest regulations around growing and harvesting.
Verified CBD offers some of the purest CBD oil products out there at 80% purity, which is as much as 40% purer than other companies out there.
2. Verma Farms
Verma Farms is a company that likes to keep it organic and as natural as possible. They also have an interesting point of difference in the form of CBD gummies, that come in a wide variety of flavors.
They source their hemp material from Maui, which means it’s American-grown. Of course, this is a huge advantage that puts them above a lot of other CBD companies out there – when you source your plant material from overseas, it can be difficult to guarantee the quality.
Verma Farms offers CBD oil that is entirely free from THC, which means that it won’t get you high. They only source from organic hemp farms, allowing their products to be free from pesticides and other nasty chemicals.
They have free shipping to all U.S. states, and we’re satisfied with the potency and purity of their products to put them in second place as a top performer.
Read our full review here. Get Coupons here.
3. Hemp Bombs
Hemp Bombs is another American-based company that has headquarters in Florida. They run a vertical operation, which means that they do every step of the process themselves, from extracting the CBD from the plant to bottling the end result. They get their hemp from European farms, where you can find some of the strictest growing regulations and standards.
Hemp Bombs produces CBD products that are potent, pure, and clean. They are made from 99% CBD isolate, which not only means their products are powerful, but they also are free from THC, so you don’t have to worry about getting high. This is a great company to check out if you are about to undergo a drug test and need the results to be free from THC. Similar to Verma Farms, one of Hemp Bombs’ points of difference is their CBD gummies.
4. Natures Script
Natures Script source their CBD from non-GMO industrial hemp. They work closely with farmers who know everything about farming hemp and do so sustainably as well. Nature’s Script believes that their standards are high across the board, from the plant through the production process to the bottle at the end. This is another vertically structured company, which again means they have a hand in each step of the process.
We also like that Nature’s Script lab tests all of their products before they reach the consumer. They do this through a third party so that there’s no room for bias. They even feature a certificate of analysis that guarantees their THC levels aren’t higher than 0.3%. On the packet itself, you can quickly scan to reveal the lab test results of the particular batch you’ve purchased, and you can also find out about how many milligrams of hemp extract it includes. Nature’s Script is an all-American CBD company that comes with a solid reputation.
5. Nuleaf Naturals
Nuleaf Naturals places a particular emphasis on product purity. They were also established in 2014, so have been around for a while now. While their product line may be small and simple, it’s the quality that really counts, and we think that their products are excellent in terms of quality. Their full-spectrum CBD oils come in different sizes and are suitable for both pets and humans.
They extract their CBD oil from hemp that is grown in Colorado. They use the CO2 extraction method, which is just one of the reasons why their products are such high quality. They also make sure that all of their products undergo third-party lab testing. The only downside is that you have to get in touch with them yourself to see any lab test results. With this in mind, we recommend contacting them directly and not getting the information from a third party website, like Reddit, for example.
CBD Oil for Chronic Pain
Most people say that when they’ve taken CBD by itself, it hasn’t been enough to deal with chronic pain effectively. However, what it can help with is types of pain that historically have been difficult to manage with conventional medicine. Let’s take a look at some of the health issues CBD oil can help with in terms of pain management.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is not only a chronic medical condition, but it’s also flagged as one of the best examples of CBD oil being effective at treating chronic pain. M.S. is a disease where the central nervous system of the body is attacked by the immune system. It sends mixed up signals throughout the nervous system that can manifest as chronic pain.
CBD oil that is full-spectrum has been shown to be effective at relieving pain in M.S. patients. The reasons are two-fold. The first is that THC has been shown to be effective at relieving pain in M.S. patients, while CBD has been shown to help relieve symptoms of the disease, including muscles spasms and inflammation. By helping reduce symptoms like this, CBD can contribute toward general pain relief in M.S. patients. The good part is that CBD is not a sedative, unlike conventional muscle relaxants. This means that you can take it throughout the day with minimal disruption.
Arthritis
Arthritis is an umbrella term for many different types of health conditions. These health conditions all affect joint pain, but the two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Similar to M.S., CBD can be effective at relieving symptoms caused by arthritis, including inflammation between damaged bones and joints. It may be able to do this by stimulating cannabinoid receptors that are located on our immune cells. This helps reduce the release of inflammation-causing chemicals.
When it comes to studies, there is evidence that suggests applying CBD topical cream to the skin around the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain. The result of both THC and CBD helping patients with arthritis is called the ‘entourage’ effect. This is when CBD and THC interact with one another to become even more effective together than apart.
Migraines
While migraine headaches may be slightly more common than M.S. and arthritis, this doesn’t mean that they’re easy to treat. CBD may be able to help where other conventional medicine can’t. When you experience a migraine, your serotonin levels are going to decrease. This sharp drop can make a nerve in the brain release chemicals that can cause chronic, throbbing pain. While the actual causes of migraines aren’t entirely known, there are some common catalysts. These include stress, alcohol, some medications, caffeine, and changes in hormones.
Recent studies suggest that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body in a way that can be effective at relieving migraine symptoms. What was also interesting is that migraine sufferers reported not responding positively or enjoying being treated with CBD when it was combined with THC. As a result, treating migraines with just CBD could be the most effective way forward. At the end of the day, like many health conditions that have been treated by CBD so far, there is more research that needs to be done. This doesn’t mean that in the interim CBD can’t help with the side effects of a migraine.
Fibromyalgia
This condition also manifests chronic pain and affects bones, tendons, joints, and muscles. While it has no currently known cause, research does indicate that it may have neurological links. A lot of the time, patients will experience severe pain from light bumps and touches that would otherwise not be considered painful.
Conventional medication is available to help treat Fibromyalgia symptoms, but currently, there is no known cure. A study from about 10 years ago indicates that synthetic THC may be able to help reduce pain – however, this doesn’t come without its side effects. Since then, there have been other studies that indicate cannabis helps reduce stiffness and pain in patients, whether they ingest it orally or smoke it. Again, especially with a health condition like fibromyalgia, research is ongoing, and it’s not determined whether CBD is the most effective way to treat its symptoms or not.
Allodynia
Allodynia is a unique condition where the patient develops and experiences high levels of pain from typically painless scenarios. For example, a person may feel pain from something brushing past them or touching their arm lightly. In fact, Allodynia can actually be a symptom of various nerve diseases, and because it has no one cause, it can be difficult to diagnose and manage.
One study indicated that CBD is effective at preventing the different types of Allodynia when it’s brought on by a specific chemotherapy drug, Paclitaxel. The CBD was given both orally and intravenously.
Preventative Treatment
What’s interesting about CBD is that it isn’t only used to treat pain once a condition has been diagnosed or after an injury has occurred. In fact, there are quite a few instances where taking CBD beforehand can help prevent specific types of pain from developing.
One study suggests that CBD was able to reduce the pain that rats felt that was brought on by chemicals. The chemicals used in the experiment can also be found in Paclitaxel, the chemotherapy drug that was mentioned previously. The rats that were given CBD experienced much lower levels of pain than the rats that didn’t receive any. This study suggests that CBD may be effective at helping reduce chronic pain in cancer patients, particularly those who are going through chemotherapy.
As you can see, studies like this indicate that CBD, on some level, is an effective treatment for chronic pain.
Nerve Pain
We mentioned previously that CBD might be an effective pain treatment for MS. Because MS is a disease that directly affects the nervous system of the body, this means that CBD could potentially be an effective pain treatment for nerve pain in general.
One study indicates that CBD could potentially be effective at suppressing neuropathic and inflammatory pain. It does so by managing the activity of certain receptors in the brain that are responsible for communicating with the body’s nervous system.
Joint Pain
Again, CBD has shown itself to be an effective remedy for joint pain caused by various different types of arthritis. One of the biggest causes of irritation and pain in the joints is when they are inflamed. By being a natural inflammatory, this indicates that CBD could be an effective treatment for reducing inflammation of the joints, which in turn could help reduce any pain you may be experiencing as a result.
Interestingly, you don’t just have to apply CBD topically around the joints to experience pain relief. There is evidence to suggest that smoking cannabis can help reduce joint pain as well – in fact, this is one of the most common reasons why people request medicinal marijuana.
Back Pain
CBD has also been considered as a treatment for other conditions that can be the direct cause of chronic back pain. A study in 2014 indicated that CBD could reduce not only the pain felt but the damage caused by disc degeneration. Rats with spinal injuries were given various doses of CBD, and the results were a reduction in degeneration, as well as a reduction in the effects of the injured disc.
Another way that back pain can affect your day to day is through a lack of sleep. However, research suggests that CBD may be an effective treatment for anxiety and stress associated with struggling to sleep.
Neck Pain
Whether your neck pain is the result of stress and tension or a health condition, it can impede on everyday life. It has been suggested that rubbing topical cream on your neck can help reduce pain and inflammation in this area. This could also be because CBD may be an effective way to relieve joint pain, another possible cause of neck pain.
While you can take CBD orally and even intravenously when it comes to issues like neck pain generally speaking it’s recommended that it is applied topically for direct relief.
Types of CBD Products
With the CBD oil industry booming, it’s no surprise that you have many different options to choose from when figuring out which form you prefer to take your CBD in. Because all methods of taking CBD can be effective, it all comes down to your personal preferences.
Naturally, there’s a lot to think about when working out the best way of taking CBD for you. With this in mind, let’s take a look at a few options out there, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Sublingual Oils
This first form is probably the most common form of taking CBD, and it’s otherwise known as CBD oil. This is simply an oil that includes a certain level of dissolved CBD.
Because CBD oil needs a carrier, most companies choose to mix it with hemp oil. While you do have the option of mixing it with olive oil, a lot of people prefer hemp oil for its mild, nutty flavor. Coconut oil is also a viable option, as well.
Some companies even carry their CBD oil with essential oils, which can include anything from clove to peppermint and even rosemary. It all comes down to your personal taste. While some come with their own health benefits, generally speaking, this is just one way to give the consumer more options.
Sublingual CBD oil is the most straightforward way to consume CBD. You can either take it orally under the tongue or by adding a couple of drops to a smoothie, your morning coffee, or even baking. This form of CBD is excellent for mild pain because your stomach is going to take its time digesting it. While there is a delay between when you take it and the effect it may have, you will feel the effects for a while. This form of CBD is excellent for people who like to take a regular dose at roughly the same time every day.
Vaping
If you’re looking for a faster way to get relief from CBD oil, then you may want to consider vaping it. Most CBD vape juice is mixed with glycerin made from vegetables like the soybean or coconuts. A vape pen vaporizes the liquid which you inhale into your lungs. This is a much faster way to get CBD into your bloodstream, so if you want immediate relief from pain, it’s a good option.
This could also be an effective remedy for people who are suffering from asthma or even allergies. There is some evidence to suggest that vaping CBD could help reduce inflammation and coughing that comes with asthma.
One downside to vaping CBD oil is that it won’t hang around for too long, unlike CBD oil. It’s also difficult to measure out a regular dose when you are inhaling it through a vape pen, so this form of CBD intake is recommended for short-term pain relief. It’s also important to note that not a lot of research has been done into the risks of vaping in general, so we recommend that you consult with your health care professional before making this a part of your daily routine.
Topicals
When you apply a topical CBD cream directly to the affected area, it can be effective, almost immediate pain relief. This is a great option if your pain is localized. Topical CBD cream will absorb directly into your skin, providing fast-acting relief. When the effect fades, simply re-apply to the affected area.
This is an excellent option if you experience sore joints or muscles from either injury or exercise. The main reason why CBD topical creams are so effective on muscle or joint pain is because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also a great way to improve your mobility if you suffer from arthritis. If you’re looking for pain relief in localized parts of the body, topical CBD cream could be a great option.
Transdermal Products
This form of CBD is similar to topical creams and includes gels and patches as well. Potentially the biggest difference between CBD topicals and transdermal products is that topical creams only stay on the surface of the skin. Transdermal products, however, can penetrate through the other layers of the skin to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This then means that they can have a pain-relieving effect on the body as a whole.
If you use a CBD patch, you’ll receive a continuous dose of CBD throughout the day. This form of CBD can also help with things like inflammation and pain caused by arthritis, and the reason why they’re so effective is that they can target different areas of the body that are affected at the same time. Because they last longer than a topical cream, you can apply them at night and experience pain relief while you sleep, too.
Capsules
CBD capsules are another common form of CBD, coming in at a close second to CBD oil. This allows you to swallow a specified dose of CBD, just like you would any other medication. A lot of people prefer this method because it means that they don’t have to taste the CBD oil, which not everyone is partial to.
Like other medications, taking CBD capsules will give you a slower onset time. This is also one of the more discreet ways to take your regular dose of CBD, especially when compared to CBD oil drops or even vaping.
Edibles
You may have already noticed that CBD edibles are becoming increasingly popular, especially at restaurants, cafes, and dispensaries. There are many different ways to take a CBD edible, including in the form of candies, gummies, or even chocolate. This is an excellent alternative to taking oil if you don’t like the taste, or capsules if you struggle to swallow pills.
Typically, sublingual or CBD oil is added to a baked good once it has finished cooking, and as a result, it’s difficult to taste the CBD. This is going to really help you enjoy ingesting CBD. When it comes to how long it takes to kick in, you can compare it to CBD oil and capsules. Because your body has to digest the edible and metabolize, the effect is gradual. For this reason, edibles are useful for treating pain that is both generalized and long-term. It’s important to make sure you are getting a high enough dosage as well when you take it in the form of an edible.
Flower
Of course, when you think of smoking cannabis, you think of getting high. However, there are other strains of the cannabis Sativa plant that you can smoke without experiencing the psychoactive effects. If you live in a state where you can smoke cannabis legally, then you may want to consider trying a strain that has a high level of CBD and a low level of THC. Additionally, as we mentioned before, there is an ‘entourage’ effect when you combine THC and CBD.
You can compare smoking CBD to vaping it – because the CBD is getting into your system through the lungs, it’s going to give you an immediate effect. However, this effect isn’t going to be long-lasting. It can, however, help to treat various areas affected by pain at the same time.
Because it’s not recommended that you smoke burnt particles, this method of taking CBD isn’t going to be appealing to all.
Top Rated CBD Companies
| Rank | Company | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verma Farms | Visit |
| 2 | Absolute Nature | |
| 3 | Endoca | |
| 4 | Hemp Bombs | |
| 5 | Charlotte's Web |
Final Thoughts
As you can see, CBD can be effective at treating both chronic and acute pain on some level. The studies indicate that CBD is effective at helping reduce inflammation, as well as pain caused by various diseases and medication conditions.
They also indicate that CBD could be effective at helping relieve pain associated with the joints or the nervous system. However, in more serious cases, stronger pain relief shouldn’t be completely replaced by CBD. At the end of the day, a lot more research needs to be done so that we can have a better understanding of how CBD treats and helps manage pain.
With more knowledge, we can find even more ways to use CBD to bring patients relief from chronic pain.
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