Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a plant chemical compound found in cannabis plants, specifically in industrial hemp. It has recently been removed from the Schedule 1 substance list, meaning that the federal government now recognizes it as having medical value. Preliminary evidence, mostly from animal studies, suggests that topical CBD cream may help with arthritis, inflammation and chronic pain. However, research on the effects of CBD on arthritis in humans is limited and there is no research on the specific use of CBD cream. The common explanation for the potential effectiveness of topical CBD products is that, once the substances penetrate the outer layer of the skin, they bind to cannabinoid receptors.
This binding triggers a reaction that can help reduce inflammation and pain. In one study, rats were given either CBD or a saline solution. The results showed that, after receiving CBD, the rats had less inflammation in the joint area and fewer pain-related behaviors compared to those who received the saline solution. The only clinical trial currently underway is a phase 2 trial with a patented CBD transdermal gel in 320 patients with knee osteoarthritis for 12 weeks. Anecdotally, topical CBD products seem to work best to control the flare-ups of chronic low-grade problems that most endurance athletes live with.
But if you're interested in using CBD to control severe pain, it's probably worth talking to your doctor first about all your options. Because CBD has anti-inflammatory benefits when applied to the skin, it is suitable for treating acne and eczema. In this metaphor, cannabinoids are the keys to the locks, and those keys can be the body's own endocannabinoids or an external source of cannabinoids, such as a topical CBD. Most current research on CBD focuses on specific diseases such as seizures or tremors caused by Parkinson's.If you're no stranger to muscle aches or a persistent skin condition, you may have heard of CBD and its potential benefits. While there is still limited research on its effects on humans, preliminary evidence suggests that topical CBD cream may help with arthritis, inflammation and chronic pain.
However, it's important to talk to your doctor first before using any form of CBD for severe pain.
