CBD oil for Arthritis pain
Over the years I’ve personally dealt with hundreds of customers over the phone asking if CBD oil can relieve arthritis pain. I love getting this question for many reasons and here is why.
Since CBD became mainstream in the UK, it’s becoming well known as a treatment for pain relief. I think there are enough credible success stories circulating in the public sphere to give it some believability.
On that note, I wanted to share with you everything I know about CBD oil for arthritis and the chronic pain it causes. In this article, we will go over the basics of CBD oil. We will also look at arthritis and its symptoms, what causes it and how CBD oil can help.
We will also reference a study by the Arthritis Foundation where 2600 people took CBD for joint pain and arthritis symptoms and see what they had to say.
Lastly, with our long history as a CBD oil brand, we will share with you our recommendations based on our own customers’ feedback. This will include specific products and dosing information. This is especially helpful if you’re looking for fast relief at a sustainable price.
If you are suffering from daily joint pain or arthritis pain and are looking for CBD products that can help, this article is for you.
What is CBD oil?
If you’re new to CBD oil, you may be asking what it’s all about and why is it so popular.
CBD oil is an extract of the cannabis plant. Its popularity in the UK and EU is growing because of its purported health benefits which include pain relief, chronic pain management, better sleep, lower stress, lower levels of anxiety and a lot more.
Taking CBD oil will not make you feel high or intoxicated because it comes from a type of cannabis plant which is low in THC. CBD oils and products are not the same as marijuana and you can legally buy them in the UK and EU.
CBD is a powerful compound which interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system or ECS for short. The ECS is a large network of millions of receptors found in the body and brain. It plays a majority role in finding homeostasis in the body perfectly balancing all functions. The ECS receptors respond and are stimulated by CBD which allows them to do their job better.
There is substantial evidence that CBD is effective in treating joint pain and inflammation. We have an entire article on CBD oil for pain which covers in depth studies surrounding the broader pain topic.
In context to this article, CBD has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and people have been using it for arthritis pain management. While you should not only rely on CBD oil to treat arthritis pain, it can be a valuable addition to your treatment plan.
This article will solely focus on CBD oil for arthritis pain and not other types of products like gummies or capsules.
What is Arthritis?
Growing up, I remember working with my grandpa on my first car; We were changing the clutch. Things were going great, we were bonding and really getting some work done when suddenly my grandpa got in a bad mood. He disappeared inside and after about 30 minutes, I went wandering around trying to find him; I probably needed his help.
I found him drinking a glass of water looking grumpy and my grandma hovering around. She asked me if we could finish working on the car another day and that I could borrow hers for the time being. I said sure and how come? She brought me outside and said grandpa has really bad osteoarthritis and he can’t move his hands right now. That was my first experience with arthritis and it really made an impression on me of how serious it is.
According to the National Health Service, arthritis is defined as a common condition that causes inflammation and joint pain. It affects millions of people in the UK alone. They also mention arthritis can affect people of all ages and genders meaning it is not a discriminatory disease.
What Causes Arthritis?
A person would think that arthritis is caused by wear and tear of our joints over the years. But it isn’t like that at all.
Arthritis is rarely the cause of sustained physical activity as you age. Sports, exercise and being active actually keep arthritis away.
The root causes of arthritis are poor health choices like diet, smoking, excessive drinking and a low amount of exercise. Anxiety is also thought to have an influence on arthritis.
Our body repairs itself and that includes our joints. But one of these processes can get out of sync where damage is not repaired as quickly or, over repair results and which is just as bad.
Other types of arthritis is hereditary but that doesn’t mean a healthy lifestyle can’t prevent it from affecting a person.
If it Isn’t Wear and Tear, Why Does Arthritis Happen?
Lack of physical activity can be a factor to arthritis.
There is fluid inside our joints called synovial, and it has a thixotropic property that turns it into a gel substance when we use our joints.
This fluid’s unique properties help absorb shocks and lubricate our joints. The fluid also happens to contain nutrients that nourish and support joint health. By using your joints more, you will produce more synovial which keeps your joint healthy and nourished.
Other types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases which causes joint damage.
A person’s genetics can make some people more susceptible, but research suggests that gut dysfunction may also play a role.
A healthy digestive system is crucial to a strong immune system. To keep your gut functioning well, it is important to eat right and not drink as much alcohol. Try to eat more natural probiotics which increase gut flora.
What About Chronic Inflammation?
Chronic inflammation is can lead to serious health problems like arthritis.
Acute inflammation is short term and perfectly natural. Our bodies use inflammation to help repair itself from injury. If you’ve ever stubbed your toe in the middle of the night and it is tender for a few days, that is acute inflammation.
Chronic inflammation is completely different. It can last for years and show up as a dull, consistent pain that never really goes away.
The body’s immune system is designed to protect us from harmful invaders and repair any damage caused by an injury. But, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can harm your tissues and organs. A compromised body can be a long and dangerous path towards other more serious disease.
When it comes to arthritis, chronic inflammation damages your joints, causing pain and making it harder to move comfortably.
Eating too many processed foods can be a cause of chronic inflammation so it is important to learn how to eat for your health. More fruits and veg seem boring at times but it really is one way to protect yourself.
Chronic inflammation should be considered a major health concern and taking action now to reduce any contributing factors will go a long way.
Lifestyle changes such as a eating more healthy foods, regular exercise, stress reduction, and environmental detoxification can help to reduce chronic inflammation and prevent or manage arthritis and other chronic diseases.
Does CBD oil for Arthritis Pain Work?
Using cbd for arthritis can be a powerful complementary treatment for arthritis pain and here is why. CBD oils stimulate the ECS system in a number of ways to mitigate arthritis pain. CBD is also a natural anti-inflammatory.
What that actually means. In a study titled “The role of the endocannabinoid system in pain” Dr. Steve Woodhams explains that CBD has an effect on our CB1 and CB2 receptors. The reaction these receptors have are different though.
The CB1 Receptor and how it relates to pain
CB1 receptors react on signaling, and in context to this article, pain signals. CB1 receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system which translates pain into useable information for our brain. By using CBD oil, CB1 receptors respond and modulate signals in the nervous system. The outcome may be lower pain levels. There is an interesting study by Dr. Shenglong Zou which examines the science behind cannabinoid supplementation and its effects on CB1 receptors.
The CB2 Receptor and Its Relation to Immune Response
What’s more intriguing is that CB2 receptors handle immune system responses by governing signals sent to those cells. This is useful information when it comes to rheumatism or other autoimmune arthritis types.
A study by the Maj Institute of Pharmacology in Poland looked at the role CB2 receptors play in joint pain relief. It is important to note that the study was only looking at CBD oil and not medical cannabis. Here is a snippet of the introduction.
On the other hand, CB2 receptors are mainly located in the periphery on immune cells, and CB2 modulators exert analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo.
The study’s goal was to establish the role cannabinoid therapies can play in joint degeneration and arthritis pain. The study concludes by stating:
Cannabinoids not only alleviate joint hyperalgesia but also may help to prevent joint damage, chronic pain development and disease progression.
More research is needed to be conclusive, but the evidence is strong. The author does say that using CBD may be an interesting alternative to NSAID therapy. Lastly, the study mentions that using cbd products in the early stages of arthritis progression are important.
What 2,600 people say about CBD for arthritis
The US-based Arthritis Foundation provide some of the most interesting evidence to answer the question: is CBD good for arthritis? They received 2,600 responses to a survey on CBD use. Some 52% of respondents lived with osteoarthritis and 45% with rheumatism for 10 or more years. Here’s a summary of the findings:
- 29% of respondents regularly used CBD to manage arthritis symptoms – with 62% using a liquid form of CBD such as CBD oil.
- 94% of regular CBD users said they use it to relieve pain, with many saying it was a non-addictive alternative to opioids and others using it to wean off opioids following joint replacement surgery.
- 75% of regular CBD users said it was ‘effective’ or ‘very effective’ in relieving symptoms of arthritis.
- Over 30% of users said CBD provided relief from morning stiffness.
- 71% of users said CBD helped them get to sleep, while 30% said CBD helped relieve symptoms of fatigue.
- 41% of users reported greater wellbeing after using CBD, and 77% of CBD users said it relieved symptoms of anxiety. 67% reported improvements in depressed mood.
- 33% of respondents not using CBD said they wanted to know more about how it could replace or complement nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- 66% of all respondents reported having spoken to their doctor about CBD use, though 47% said they were still unsure if CBD is good for arthritis.
A further press release from the Arthritis Foundation urged patients not to substitute CBD for disease-modifying medications for inflammatory arthritis. Stopping prescribed medications for rheumatism can cause future damage to joints, and so CBD should be considered part of an overall pain management plan.
What Are the Different Types of Arthritis?
There are over 100 types of arthritis which can affect people and cause pain. The two most common being rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
We will cover a few of the main types of arthritis here:
Osteoarthritis
This is the most common type of arthritis in the UK. It usually starts to develop in people starting in their mid-forties.
It is caused by the thinning of the cartilage around the joints. As the cartilage thins over time, bone on bone contact starts to happen. The cartilage is what allows the smooth flexing of joints so once it’s gone, a person’s tendons and ligaments will work harder which eventually leads to pain.
One thing to know about osteoarthritis is that it can lead to bone spurs. Bone spurs are out of the ordinary bone growths that can severely affect mobility and cause inflammation and pain.
Typical areas affected by osteoarthritis are:
- Hands
- Knees
- Hips
- Spine
Osteoarthritis is more common in women but can affect anyone including young people. A person can develop this form of arthritis as a result of an accident.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint stiffness, joint pain, tenderness and you may hear a creaking or cracking sound when moving the specific joints affected. Another symptom is chronic inflammation and chronic pain.
CBD oil can be used to reduce pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis which we will cover in the next section.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis or often called rheumatism or RA, is where the body’s own immune system attacks joints and causes chronic pain, swelling and inflammation.
This type of arthritis mostly affects women though it is less common than osteoarthritis. People who are affected will start to notice symptoms between their 30s to 50s.
Arthritic pain from RA is the result of swelling in the outer covering of the joint called the synovium. This then affects the entire joint and may cause deformation in the bone. Joint pain and swelling are the most common symptoms.
It is important to know that rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other organs in the body. These include the lungs, heart and the eyes.
If you are a smoker, your chances of developing RA are significantly higher according the North Downs Hospital. They go on further to say most people who do smoke are not aware that it is making their problem worse so best try to quit.
If you have RA and you’re looking for pain relief using CBD oil, we’ll be sure to share all of our advice later in the article.
Other Types of Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Autoimmune diseases like fibromyalgia can cause permanent damage to nerves. It is a self perpetuation condition where pain is sent through the nervous system even if the injury has long since healed.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia include body wide pain, tiredness and fatigue, difficulties thinking, and poor sleep. People with fibromyalgia often have tender points on their bodies that are sensitive to the touch.
While CBD oil may not cure fibromyalgia, it has been shown to improve symptoms such as chronic pain and sleep disturbances. In fact, a study published in the 2022 edition of Current Rheumatology Reports found that using CBD oil improved pain and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia.
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, causing pain and inflammation. It is most commonly found in the big toe, but can also affect other joints such as the ankle, knee, wrist, and elbow.
Symptoms of gout include sudden and severe joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint. Gout is usually a sign of an unhealthy lifestyle and can be triggered by certain foods or drinking alcohol.
While there is no cure for gout, treatments such as CBD oil can help manage symptoms such as pain and inflammation. According to Doctor of Pharmacy Timothy E. Welty, chairman of the Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Drake University in Des Moines Iowa, wrote that CBD oil has been used as a pain reliever for gout since the 19th century by western practitioners.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Is caused by psoriasis, an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks the joints and causes inflammatory pain.
One in three people with the condition will get the arthritis associated with it.
The symptoms are the same, with chronic joint pain, swelling and inflammation. It can cause deformation in the joints which restricts mobility.
Normally, treatments include nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs but lately, CBD products are starting to show promise to relieve the symptoms. Other medications including prescribed medications should treat both psoriasis and the arthritis.
Adding cbd oils to your treatment plan could increase your chances of success. CBD oil is a natural anti-inflammatory which can help relieve arthritis related pain and joint pain.
What CBD Products Should You Buy?
If you’re thinking about buying CBD for arthritis it is important to consider a few factors first. That’s because not all products are equal in potency and delivery.
First and foremost, stick with CBD oils. They are much cheaper when it comes to cost per dosage. CBD oil absorb into your bloodstream better than a cbd gummy or capsule. A person can absorb up to 30% using an oil in contrast to just 12% for a edible. Just that fact alone will give you a 3 for 1 ratio of actual product use.
There are two types of oils Broad spectrum cbd oil and full spectrum cbd oil. Both come from the cannabis sativa plant making these types of CBD legal. Both have shown in studies to provide noticeable relief and reduce inflammation.
The only difference between the two is full spectrum cbd oil contains a small and legal amount of THC. The addiction of THC is thought to make the product more effective, especially when it comes to pain.
Using broad spectrum cbd oil can be as effective but we tend to recommend them less.
When selecting a product, be sure to not skimp on price. High quality cbd products end up being more cost effective because they actually work. One way to make sure the quality is high is to always buy organic CBD oil. They are produced using hemp in a very controlled environment so the potency is typically much higher.
Our products fit these strict standards. I will link to my recommendations below. To shop our full range of products go to our CBD shop page.
Finding The Right Dosage of CBD for Arthritis?
There is no standard dosage for everyone but we can definitely help figure it out.
Weight, height and body composition are considerations when figuring out your dosage. Also, the severity of your condition also is a factor.
In example, a person who weighs 100 kilos or 220 lbs. will need a higher dosage. If I was this person, I would opt to use our 2000 mg Full Spectrum CBD oil.
Now, if I was only 50 kgs. or 110 lbs, I would probably go with the 1000mg Full Spectrum cbd product.
I would start with 3 to 4 drops twice a day for a week. If this amount did not relieve pain, I would increase the amount by 1 drop.
There are no rules so we recommend trusting your gut in the beginning and finding what works for you. There is no risk of overdosing from CBD oil, so take it slow but add more when you think you need to.
How Do I Use CBD Oil?
After you select a product simply use a mirror to count the number of drops you place under your tongue. Hold the drops there for 2 to 3 minutes and then swallow.
Holding the drops under your tongue will increase the amount you absorb so the longer the better.
You’ll start to notice benefits about 30 minutes after taking it.
It is also worth knowing that CBD does take a few days to fully enter the system and start to work. Remain consistent with your dosing for the best effect. Try using it at the exact same times each day so you can clear any confusion and determine what is working for you.
If you ever have questions related to CBD, you can call us or send us an email using our contact page.
Will CBD Oil Interact with Other Medication?
CBD may interact with some medication so it is important to speak with your healthcare professional before you start. The main medication types include heart medication, blood thinners and birth control.
For a full list of medications, please read our CBD and drug interactions article.
Do I Need a Prescription For CBD Oil?
No, you will not.
CBD is a food supplement and sold over the counter at stores and online. It is completely legal for you to buy CBD in the UK and EU.
CBD oil, CBD creams and drinks are all types of approved nonprescription cbd products.
Can I use CBD for arthritis on my Dog or Cat?
Yes you can!
We explained how CBD works with the ECS system and how it can reduce inflammation. The great news is dogs and cats have the same ECS system.
If you’re pet is showing signs of arthritis, you may want to get them some CBD oil for pets. Our CBD products for pets are the same high quality as our human products. They are all organic and come with lab tests.
To start a dog or cat out with CBD, use 1 to 2 drops and then gradually work your way up. The effects are powerful and you should notice a change in mobility within a week.
Conclusion on CBD oil for Arthritis
Using CBD products for arthritis can be a game changer. There are a tonne of studies out there that show promise to help with the symptoms of any arthritis type you may have.
It is important to live a healthy lifestyle and get plenty of exercise. Diet and gut health are contributing causes of arthritis so eat healthy and stay on top of drinking.
If you are shopping for CBD oil, be sure to go with a company that offers a lot of support and a phone number to call and speak with someone.
