CBD for Joint Pain

CBD (Cannabidiol) is a natural cannabis extract that has shown promising results for pain management. In this blog post, we’ll explore the use of CBD for joint pain relief and to relieve the symptoms of arthritis.

What is CBD?

CBD is an active compound found in the Cannabis plant that is non-intoxicating. It is one of more than 500 compounds contained in the plant that affect your body and mind in different ways.

Most CBD products are extracted from hemp, a variety of cannabis with less than 0.3% of THC, the active compound that gets people high.

People use CBD oil to relieve pain associated with chronic conditions, such as arthritis.

Is CBD legal in Europe?

Although CBD is legal in almost every European country, with a few exceptions, the European Union limits access to CBD for internal use. The EU considers it a “novel” (new) food product and insists on licenses for producers. 

For consumers it is legal to possess in most EU countries. Despite this it is always wise to check regulations before travelling to a different country and be aware that although it may be legal in both countries, travelling with it (IE, importing it) may not be.

How does CBD work?

Cannabinoids, also known as phytocannabinoids (phyto = plant in Greek), interact with the body and brain through the human endocannabinoid System (ECS). 

What is the endocannabinoid System (ECS)?

The ECS is the body’s monitoring system. It’s job is to keep your body’s internal processes in balance regardless of outside influences. We call this ideal balanced state “homeostasis”. 

Like the instrument panel in a car, the ECS continually monitors and adjusts the levels of your hormones, heart rate, body temperature etc. When one of these is out – if you are far too hot or your heart is racing etc – your body signals the ECS to bring it back into normal range.

As such, it plays a significant role in how we experience pain, whether acute or chronic, as well as regulating immune system response, sleep, hormones, fertility, body temperature and stress management amongst many other things. 

CBD and the Endocannabinoid system

CBD works with the endocannabinoid system through two different pathways.

The first is by activating cannabinoid receptors and inducing a series of chemical reactions which produce anandamide, our natural “happy molecule”. The second pathway CBD activates involves inhibiting enzymes that break down anandamide.

Anandamide promotes relaxation, sleepiness, analgesia (pain relief) and decreased anxiety. This may explain why many people experience reduced panic attacks or increased appetite when taking CBD oil for pain management. 

Symptoms of arthritis and arthralgia

Causes of joint pain:

Joint pain (arthralgia) has a way of sneaking up on you as you age. In one survey, about 1 in 3 adults reported having joint pain in the past 30 days. Hip and knee pain are most common, but it can affect any part of your body, from your feet to your neck.

There are a number of reasons why joints become painful, but some of the most common include inflammation, injury and/or chronic disease. 

Common issues include: 

• Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic joint condition.

When a joint is at the end of two bony pieces, it cushions them with cartilage. But over time, that tissue can break down, leading to the bones rubbing together painfully and creating symptoms like stiffness and pain.

• Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can cause pain and damage to your joints throughout the body. It typically manifests itself on both sides of the body.

So if a joint in one of your arms or legs is affected, the same joint in the other arm or leg could also be affected. This difference makes rheumatoid arthritis distinguishable from other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis.

• Bursitis

Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the joints. Pain can occur when fluid-filled sacs called bursae act as a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles.

When the bursa becomes inflamed, it can cause pain in a particular body area when pressure is applied.

Gout and rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation,  which may lead to bursitis. One type of this inflammatory condition is tennis elbow.

• Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that can affect anyone. You can recognise it by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints, most often in the big toe.

A sudden gout attack can happen at any moment, often waking you up in the middle of the night with a sensation like your big toe is on fire. The affected joint is hot, swollen, and so tender that even the weight of bedsheets on it may seem unbearable.

Gout symptoms can come and go, but managing the condition is possible.

• Sprains, strains, and injuries

A sprain means a tear in ligaments connecting two bones. The most common location for a sprain is your ankle.

Mild sprains can be effectively treated at home with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Severe sprains may require surgery to repair torn ligaments.

The distinction between a sprain and a strain is that a sprain involves injury to the bands of connective tissue supporting two joints. In contrast, with a muscle strain or, in particular, an injury to these bands of tissue that attach muscles to bones, we have an injury to these attachment points rather than direct disruption of the connective tissues.

Can CBD relieve joint pain?

The Arthritis Foundation reports anecdotal evidence suggesting that people who use CBD experience improvements in pain relief, sleep quality, and reduced anxiety.

Some studies support the use of CBD for painful joint or chronic pain, such as:

• This 2017 study into CBD and joint pain concluded that medical marijuana might provide relief for arthritis sufferers.

• A 2016 study found that applying topical CBD products could reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

• A 2014 review of existing research indicates that CBD may be a promising treatment for osteoarthritis in animals.

So far, however, there have been no conclusive studies to verify whether CBD is an effective arthritis treatment for humans.

In 2006, a study found that the cannabis-based mouth spray called Sativex helped relieve arthritis pain. However, this spray contains both CBD and the psychoactive THC, and access is highly restricted in most EU countries.

While there is evidence of encouraging results, more research is needed to confirm that using CBD can relieve these symptoms.

How to use CBD for joint pain

CBD oil comes in different forms, including liquid, capsules, pastes, sprays, creams, and salves. Choosing a form of CBD depends on your individual needs and what suits you best.

This depends on many factors, such as your desired dose and how long you want the effects to last.

When consumed orally, CBD oils can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to take effect. The effects normally last between 6 to 8 hours.

Keep in mind that CBD products may not work similarly for everyone. It is important to remember that the result and the effect, and the experience depend on many different factors, including age, weight, diet, physical activity level, etc.

The effectiveness of CBD oil also depends on how able our body is to absorb its beneficial components.

Oils 

CBD oils typically have a base of hemp oil, olive oil or coconut oil (MCT). These extracts normally come in either a dropper bottle or atomizer. For best absorption take oil sublingually (under the tongue) where it is absorbed by the mucous membranes. 

This method ensures the oil is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and liver. CBD taken this way takes about 30 minutes to enter your system, and effects should last 6 to 8 hours. 

Tinctures

Tinctures can be ingested in several ways, all of which have their pros and cons. when ingested orally they typically take significantly longer to work out the system than edibles (1–2 hours). They also have similar effects as edibles, lasting for 5–6 hours.

Edibles

CBD edibles are made using extracts in a food-based form. CBD edibles can be found as drinks and food items like teas or chocolate bars.

Gummies are a common type of CBD edible, typically in various strengths and flavours.

Vaporizers

CBD Vape Oil is an oil made by combining CBD with what can be referred to as a carrier liquid. The mixture is then processed and turned into pre-filled cartridges inserted into the vape pen (sometimes called a battery), which heats the liquid, turning it into a vapour that people inhale.

Creams and lotions

For people experiencing joint pain, topical application of CBD can be extremely helpful. This could be by topical application of oils, cbd cream, or lotions. This is one of the quickest application methods and whilst it may take up to 20 minutes, most people will feel the effects much more quickly.

There are many different topical CBD products available so try out a few to see which gives you most relief.

CBD for joint pain dosage

CBD’s effect on different types of health problems varies, and there is no standard dosage for medical cannabis.

We are all unique, and so are our bodies. So you can adjust the dosage according to how you feel and what effect you want.

CBD oil usually has a low level of initial side effects, so the best course of action is to roceed with small doses and monitor what happens.

You should take small doses during the day and according to your needs rather than large amounts. Observe if it works well for you over a few days before lowering or increasing dosage.

If the desired effects are not reached, gradually increase your dose. Do this moderately and reasonably without taking too much at once.

How long does it take CBD to ease joint pain?

Consuming CBD oil sublingually will deliver the effects of the oil within 30 minutes, while edibles may take 2 hours to feel any effect. Smoking or vaping flowers is the quickest method with maximum effects felt within about three minutes. The effects of this form of consumption also wear off much more quickly, so a combination of vaping and oil may be a good compromise.

Safety and side effects of CBD oil for joint pain

CBD does not generally cause many adverse effects whatever the preferred method of use: orally, inhaling, or topically.

While CBD is unlikely to cause any noticeable side effects, it may interact poorly with certain medications and certain medical conditions.

It can cause:

• changes in appetite or weight
• diarrhea
• fatigue

The bottom line is to consult your doctor before using CBD, especially if you have a health condition and take other medications. Don’t stop taking your prescription medication unless you have the go-ahead from your doctor.

Certain prescription medications may have a grapefruit warning, and may also be affected by CBD. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best therapeutic option for you through close monitoring of meds so that you can use both CBD and your prescription as needed.

Lifestyle changes to relieve joint pain

How you live affects your health, especially if you are suffering from joint pain or arthritis. Being overweight, having a poor diet and high stress levels can all make your pain worse.

Try making the following changes. They will help relieve your pain:

• Exercise: By getting your blood flowing, you can release endorphins which help to reduce pain and improve mood. Choose an activity that is fun for you like a relaxing walk or dancing to your favourite music.
• Reduce stress levels: Decrease anxiety by practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga or listening to soothing music.
• Healthy eating habits: Fruit, vegetables and whole grains all have  anti-inflammatory properties. Salmon, tuna and other fatty fish are also good. The spice turmeric has also been shown to reduce inflammation and arthritic symptoms. Avoid refined carbs and white sugar, fried and processed foods, trans-fats, gluten and nuts. 
• Get vitamin C. Studies have shown that vitamin C may help reduce inflammation in the body. Go wild with fresh fruit, or pour yourself an extra glass of juice each day.
• Keep track of your weight. Even a few kilos extra can worsen arthritic pain. Work out your healthiest weight and track your weight loss until you reach it.
• Avoid alcohol. It is easy to resort to using alcohol for pain management, but in the long term it will only add calories to your diet and make the problem worse. CBD can give the same effect but with a much lower impact on your body.

Final thoughts

CBD shows potential as a treatment for joint pain and arthritis. However, more research is needed to explore this evidence further. 

What is clear is that many people already use CBD oil and appear to find relief from their symptoms.

CBD is a natural product with very few side effects. If you have been struggling with a painful condition that has not responded well to conventional treatments, why not try it? 

FAQ

Is CBD good for joint pain?

Animal studies have suggested that CBD may alleviate pain and inflammation, though this effect has not been validated in quality human trials.

Though it is difficult to gauge how many people with joint pain have tried CBD since no statistics are available on its use as a joint pain treatment, anecdotal evidence suggests that some reported noticeable pain relief.

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

Consuming CBD oil sublingually will deliver the effects of the oil in 30 minutes, while edibles may have a long-lasting onset time and may take 2 hours to feel any effect.

Is CBD oil or cream better for joint pain?

For long-term, all-over relief, products such as oils or gummies may be a good choice. If you’re looking for something to target pain in just one area, a topical treatment or lotion may better suit your needs.

Is CBD beneficial for joint pain?

Yes it is!  CBD may be beneficial in relieving arthritis symptoms of joint pain and should be considered a possibility with your healthcare provider for better overall outcomes.

Background story: The American Arthritis Foundation recommends CBD use among other therapies to see how it can alleviate symptoms of joint pain.

Cannabis has been shown to reduce inflammation and offer healing properties for many patients with mild pain. You should start at a low dose to ensure it will not have any side effects and see if the medication is used in your individualized treatment plan.