What to Know About CBD Oil and Arthritis
Posted by Chelsea Featonby onMany of us will have heard about the ways in which CBD oil is thought to affect the body, but it’s important to understand the research behind these experiences.
CBD oil seems to help at least some people who are suffering from arthritis, so we’re taking a look at how CBD oil could impact symptoms associated with this condition, including the current scientific research and how you should use it if you wish to.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. According to the NHS, more than 10 million people in the UK are living with arthritis or other similar conditions that affect the joints.
One of the most common symptoms of arthritis is inflammation in and around the joints. This can be incredibly uncomfortable and even cause significant pain to those who are suffering from the condition. There is no cure for arthritis, but there are a range of methods and treatments that people can try to see if it helps them manage the symptoms.
What are the different types of arthritis?
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The former affects almost 9 million people in the UK while the latter affects more than 400,000 people.
Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage lining of the joint which makes movement more difficult, and leads to stiffness and pain. The most commonly affected joints are in the hands, knees, hips and spine.
With rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system directly targets the joints which leads to swelling and pain. It initially affects the outer covering of the joints but it can spread across, leading to further swelling and increased discomfort and pain.
Could CBD oil help with arthritis?
As we mentioned earlier, one of the main symptoms of arthritis and its associated conditions is inflammation. This occurs around the joints and can make it difficult for people to go about their daily lives in the way that they usually would.
Many people have suggested that cannabidiol (CBD) has significant anti-inflammatory properties, which has led researchers to look into how it might affect those with arthritis.
This initial research into the impact of CBD on arthritis and other inflammatory conditions has been promising. One 2015 study in the European Journal of Pain found that topical CBD application has therapeutic potential for relief of arthritis pain and inflammation without significant side-effects.
Another study on the potential impact of CBD on rheumatoid arthritis in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America found that it has combined immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects, meaning it could be effective in managing the symptoms of the diseases.
The research so far has been very promising and we look forward to seeing a lot more being done in this area!
How do people use CBD oil for arthritis?
So, now that we’ve explained a bit about what the current scientific thought is behind CBD oil and arthritis, you might be wondering how exactly people use it for this condition.
It is generally thought that the best way to use CBD for arthritis is to apply it topically. This means you apply it directly to the area that is inflamed or painful. You can do this using CBD balm, CBD moisturiser or CBD cream.
Alternatively, some people may prefer to take CBD oil orally once or twice a day so that it goes into the bloodstream.
There are many different CBD product types so it’s all about finding what is best for you!
This article was written by James Storie-Pugh from Mellow Store, the UK’s online CBD marketplace which stocks high-quality CBD brands including Cannacares.