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Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating substance extracted from the cannabis plant, has gained significant attention in the last decade for its potential pain relief properties. In the UK alone, CBD products such as CBD oils, capsules, creams, and edibles have been quite popular, all of which claim to ease pain and inflammation.
This growing interest in CBD stems from its supposed ability to alleviate chronic pain without the addictive risks associated with opioids or the harsh side effects of traditional pain medications. However, the questions remain: Does CBD help with pain and should you use it for pain relief?
Despite the popular use of CBD for pain relief in the UK, there is not enough scientific proof supporting the efficacy of CBD in pain relief. In this article, we examine whether CBD truly provides pain relief, explore the research behind it, and highlight the potential risks and regulatory concerns of pursuing pain relief with CBD oil in the UK.
The Growing Need for Alternate Pain Treatments in the UK
Chronic pain affects millions of people in the UK. Common conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain encourage many to seek alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals. Opioid-based painkillers, once widely prescribed by doctors and pharmacists, have come under scrutiny due to their addictive nature, leading to potential overdose and severe complications.
On the other hand, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause gastrointestinal issues and cardiovascular risks when used for extended periods. This has resulted in patients exploring natural pain relief options, with CBD emerging as a leading alternative.
CBD markets in the UK have expanded rapidly, with sales exceeding millions of pounds annually. Consumers are attracted by the promise of pain relief without severe side effects and lasting complications. Anecdotal reports suggest that CBD may help manage physical discomfort and soothe emotional outbursts.
However, experts warn of the lack of CBD scientific evidence for pain relief. Personal testimonials, although valuable, cannot replace rigorous scientific research. CBD research is ongoing and results and recommendations may evolve with future findings. But that hasn’t discouraged CBD users from advocating its benefits.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of the 100+ compounds found in cannabis. While several plants contain cannabinoids, people generalise them all as cannabis. Unlike other cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce the joyful “high” associated with cannabis use. This is because CBD doesn’t affect the same receptor cells as THC.
The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that can communicate with cannabinoids. The ECS produces cannabinoids on its own, called endocannabinoids, which play a crucial role in regulating key functions such as sleep, pain management, and immune-system responses.
THC produces a feeling of high by affecting the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors when it enters the body. This triggers the brain’s reward system, which produces pleasure chemicals such as dopamine. CBD is a completely different compound than THC. Its effects on the human body are completely different from those of THC.
Instead of producing a high that impairs a person’s functioning, CBD increases the body’s ability to utilise endocannabinoids more effectively. According to research, CBD in combination with other cannabinoids influences several receptor cells in the human body, including the ECS. Effects include increasing the level of anandamide in the body.
Anandamide is a compound associated with regulating pain. It can regulate the body’s pain perception and improve general mood. Cannabidiol can also limit inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) and the brain, benefitting people experiencing insomnia, physical pain, stress, and several immune system responses.
The Benefits of CBD Oil
While some scientific studies on CBD for pain relief suggest that cannabis and CBD oil could have modest benefits for chronic pain, there is insufficient proof of their efficacy. Researchers need more evidence to prove the therapeutic benefits of CBD and determine safe and effective doses for chronic pain relief. However, here are the benefits of CBD oil, based on available information.
Chronic Pain
Scientists compiled the results of several systematic reviews covering dozens of individuals. According to their findings, there is substantial evidence that cannabis reduces pain severity among adults. Researchers also discovered that regular cannabis users are unlikely to develop a tolerance to the effects of CBD, eliminating the need to increase dosage over time. They concluded that pain relief with CBD oil is possible, affirming the beliefs of users in the UK.
Neuropathic Pain
This type of pain is typically caused by nerve damage. Common causes of neuropathic pain include multiple sclerosis (MS), infections such as shingles, or injuries like herniated discs. Studies suggest that CBD can help with chronic neuropathic pain.
However, it’s important to note that the possible side effects of cannabis outweigh the potential benefits. More research is required to understand the role of CBD in reducing chronic neuropathic pain management, including dosage, risks, and perks.
Arthritis Pain
Back in 2016, researchers used an animal model to test the efficacy of CBD in treating arthritis. Scientists applied a topical gel containing CBD to rats with arthritis for 4 days.
They found a significant drop in inflammation and the effect of pain without any substantial side effects. Therefore, patients suffering from arthritis may find relief from using CBD oil. However, more research on humans needs to be done to ascertain the benefits for certain.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease typically affecting the human body through the CNS. Common symptoms of MS include strong muscle spasms causing constant discomfort in patients. An independent study found that short-term use of CBD could reduce the frequency of muscle spasms. However, more studies on humans are necessary to verify these findings.
Is CBD Safe?
Despite the purported benefits of CBD, some users may experience specific side effects. Common symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and irritability. CBD can also amplify the effects of blood thinners and other medicines by consuming the liver enzymes needed to break down these drugs. This data is extremely crucial for users taking blood thinners, anti-epileptic medication, or immunosuppressant drugs since all of the above can react with CBD.
Consuming high doses of CBD may also show irregularities in liver-related blood tests. Certain prescription drugs may also have a similar effect. Hence, it’s essential to inform the physician when using CBD so that they can regularly monitor the liver enzyme levels.
One of the major concerns with CBD is that it is often marketed as a supplement and not a prescription drug.
The CBD market in the UK is largely unregulated, meaning it is difficult to ascertain the product quality and verify the list of active ingredients present in it. Hence, there is a chance of an over-the-counter CBD product containing unknown elements. Therefore, when purchasing CBD products, check the label to see if the product has been tested by a recognised third-party laboratory.
Scientific Studies on CBD for Pain Relief
While CBD’s scientific evidence for pain relief is still in its early stages, preclinical studies on animals have shown tremendous potential. Some studies suggest that CBD reduces pain and inflammation in conditions such as nerve damage and arthritis. However, translating these findings for human application is the real challenge, as animal studies don’t always reflect the symptoms and effects on humans.
Clinical trials also deliver mixed results with some studies indicating that CBD may help reduce chronic pain in patients with conditions like MS and fibromyalgia. However, many of these findings are deemed insufficient due to variations in dosage, small sample sizes, and variable administration methods. Systematic reviews assessing multiple studies highlight the need for more extensive research.
For example, while some trials report moderate pain relief, others find no significant difference between CBD and a placebo. Additionally, the lack of standardised dosage guidelines further complicates the matter as researchers fail to draw definitive conclusions. Having said that, several scientific studies on CBD for pain in hundreds of patients have found that it is a safe and effective drug for the treatment of seizure disorders, especially in children.
The US Food and Drug Administration, back in 2018, granted approval for the use of purified CBD for treating Dravet syndromes and Lennox-Gastaut in children. These rare syndromes produce frequent seizures that are immune to conventional epilepsy medication. CBD delivered as an oral solution has proven to be quite effective in managing the symptoms.
Furthermore, CBD affects multiple processes in the body, meaning it can be used for more than one medical condition. According to available reports, CBD appears to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, similar to aspirin. Therefore, it might be effective for the treatment of inflammatory pain, including body pain, headaches, and arthritis. GBD also has potential use for cancer therapy, although results are currently insufficient.
Preliminary studies suggest two primary benefits of using CBD for cancer therapy. Firstly, there is evidence of CBD directly killing cancer cells, improving the efficacy of traditional cancer treatment. Secondly, since CBD effectively reduces anxiety, stress, and physical pain, adding it to the treatment plan may improve a patient’s quality of life. Therefore, while experts agree that CBD may have potential as an alternate pain medication, large-scale, high-quality studies are necessary to establish its efficacy and safety.
Potential Risks and Regulatory Concerns
While prescription CBD is safe when consumed in prescribed doses, self-medication can be risky. This is especially true for unregulated CBD oils. The industry is largely unregulated, which raises safety concerns. Furthermore, the lofty marketing claims that most companies make are largely unfounded in science and research. The growing demand for medical cannabinoids in the UK has resulted in mushrooming CBD oil shops and online stores selling CBD oil.
However, despite its growing use, CBD is not without risks. Some users may experience side effects ranging from dizziness and drowsiness to nausea and diarrhoea. In rare cases, CBD can also lead to liver toxicity, especially when taken in high doses or combined with other medications. Therefore, individuals with preexisting medical conditions or those taking prescription drugs should consult a physician before self-medicating with CBD.
Drug interactions are a major concern, as CBD can affect the metabolism of several medications, such as antidepressants and blood thinners, which can cause adverse side effects. Moreover, the long-term effects of using CBD are largely unknown, which raises serious questions about its safety over extended periods. While most people tolerate CBD, some users may experience weight gain or loss.
Researchers are also yet to determine the long-term effects of CBD on hormones. In some people, CBD can interfere with an enzyme called cytochrome P450 complex, disrupting the liver’s ability to break down toxins and potentially causing liver failure. Extensive research is still required to determine the causes and long-term side effects of CBD on the human body.
Contamination is another major challenge among users. Most unregulated CBD oils have little to no CBD. Instead, they contain high amounts of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that causes the high. Not to mention that regulatory oversight remains a challenge in the UK.
While CBD is legal in the country, it’s classified as a novel food. This means manufacturers must obtain all necessary approvals before selling edible CBD products. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) monitors CBD marketed for medicinal purposes. Hence, all products, including CBD oils and edibles, must go through rigorous testing and approval.
Companies like Reakiro specialise in producing high-quality CBD products, including gummies, capsules, oils, and more. They follow the highest industry standards from advanced extraction to transparent sourcing and potent formulation through third-party testing to stay compliant with the UK’s quality standards. However, many over-the-counter products may lack proper quality control, leading to inconsistent product purity and potency. Therefore, it is paramount to ensure the product meets UK quality control standards before consumption.
How to Use CBD for Pain Relief?
If you are considering using CBD products as an alternative pain medication, selecting the right product and dosage is crucial. CBD is available in several forms, from oils and gummies to capsules and topical creams. While oils and tinctures provide quick absorption, capsules and gummies provide a more consistent dosage. Topical creams, on the other hand, are ideal for localised pain relief, including tenderness in the muscles or joint pain.
When starting CBD, it’s advisable to consult a physician. However, those opting for self-medication must begin with a low dose and gradually increase consumption as needed. Individual responses to CBD might vary. Hence, it’s essential to consider factors such as body mass, metabolism rate, and pain severity when calculating the ideal dosage. A healthcare professional can help determine the ideal dosage. It is advisable to consult a physician to minimise the risk of side effects.
Consumers must also prioritise purchasing from reputable brands like Reakiro that provide third-party lab testing results, instead of unverified CBD oil shops. Look for transparent labelling and quality assurance to ensure the products contain the appropriate levels of CBD as advertised. Users should also beware of exaggerated health claims, as CBD is not a miracle cure and should be used as part of a broader pain management plan.
The Bottom Line on CBD
CBD presents a promising alternative to pain treatment in the UK. While it is quickly gaining popularity among users between 25 and 49 years of age, user discretion is advised. Although scientific studies hint at its potential for pain relief, conclusive results are yet to be reached.
Ongoing experiments using regulated guidelines may deliver conclusive evidence of the effects of CBD on the human body. This is the need of the day as the rampant use of natural pain relief highlights the need for conducting high-quality clinical trials to determine the effectiveness of CBD as a prescription medication.
Despite its potential, CBD carries its own set of risks. For example, multiple side effects, severe drug interactions, and lacking regulatory concerns highlight the importance of informed decision-making. Individuals interested in trying CBD should do so cautiously, consulting healthcare professionals and choosing high-quality products from reputable sources like Reakiro.
So, to answer the most popular question among CBD users, “Does CBD help with pain?” While CBD may provide relief for some, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. As research continues, a clearer understanding of its benefits and risks will emerge, helping consumers make better-informed choices about incorporating CBD into their pain management strategies.
About Reakiro
Reakiro is a leading provider of superior, science-backed CBD nutraceutical products. The company is committed to transparency, quality, and innovation, empowering individuals to take control of their physical and mental well-being with high-quality and biosupportive wellness solutions. The company has won several awards and accolades at global events, the most prominent of which was the World CBD Awards.
Reakiro harnesses the power of nature through science to deliver effective pain relief solutions for everyone. The company maintains control over the entire process, from sourcing to formulation and packaging, ensuring product quality and consistency. Each product undergoes rigorous testing by independent third-party laboratories to meet high-quality standards. The company is committed to transparency, with each product featuring traceable batch codes to build trust with customers.
