CBD has been high in the public consciousness as an alternative treatment, with the 2019 Consumer Reports survey found that almost 25% of respondents had used CBD to replace over the counter medication or prescription drugs. People have been using CBD oil to manage a wide range of conditions, effectively reducing the pain associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. So how does CBD oil work, and is it a viable alternative for pain relief?

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a phytocannabinoid found in the hemp plant. Cannabis contains over 100 chemical compounds and is most well known for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive cannabinoid that causes the ‘high’ feeling sought by recreational users. CBD, however, is not psychoactive and can provide pain relief without altering a user’s state of mind.

CBD works in a signaling system in the body known as the endocannabinoid system. The nervous system contains cannabinoid receptors, which qualitative data suggests can be upregulated by a variety of pharmaceuticals and alternative medicines to reduce pain. CBD oil may be capable of stimulating these receptors, although its effectiveness depends on matching the condition with the CBD oil that works best for it. When the right oil is chosen, CBD may impact endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing chronic pain and inflammation in the body.

Research into the effectiveness of CBD oil for pain management

Cannabis has been used in pain management for over 4,000 years, but it is only recently that research has looked at the specific compounds responsible for pain relief. Research began with rats, with studies finding that CBD can reduce pain responses to surgical incisions and lessen sciatic nerve pain. Several studies have now also focused on humans, with researchers repeatedly finding that a combination of THC and CBD can treat the pain associated with arthritis and multiple sclerosis. The oral spray, Sativex, has consequently received approval for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in several countries, and in a small sample study of its effectiveness, participants reported improvements in muscle spasms, walking, and pain reduction. However, there was no control group, so more research would be needed to confirm the results.

Research is still limited

Although an increasing amount of studies are focusing on the effectiveness of CBD for pain management in humans, research is still in its infancy. This is largely due to political issues surrounding cannabis research. Preclinical trials in animals strongly suggest, however, that CBD has the power to reduce pain and inflammation, and observational studies in humans appear to support this.

Fatigue Research Center recommends that those living with chronic pain discuss CBD oil with their doctor if they wish to include it in their treatment plan. They advise continuing with prescribed medications and warn that CBD products should be bought from reputable sources. This is important because CBD products are not currently FDA approved, so those looking to use them should be careful to choose products that have been tested by ‘an independent third-party lab.