How Do I Use CBD Oil For Pain?

There is a lot of information on the internet about using CBD and you may be wondering: how do I use CBD for pain?

The medicinal and healing properties and benefits of the cannabis Sativa plant have been used for as long as 5,000 years ago.  

For the same amount of time, cannabinoids have been used as a pain reliever. 

Modern-day medicine has advanced to provide all types of pain medication – yet cannabinol remains ever-popular. Why? 

CBD offers a natural, homeopathic pain reliever that can be dosed to meet individual needs and self-administered. 

It affords a more flexible style of pain management, and it allows people to self-administer in accordance with their specific pain needs. 

Curious about how to use CBD oil for pain? 

Find out how your body naturally processes and manages pain and how to use CBD to alleviate your own. 

CBD and Pain Prevention

Inside every human body is a biological system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

The ECS is homeostatic, meaning it maintains and regulates immunity, sleep, appetite, inflammation, and many physiological conditions such as addiction and epilepsy. 

Our ECS constantly monitors an internal balance throughout our central nervous system (CNS), organs, and muscles. 

This balance is aided by cell-signaled communication and facilitated by our body’s pre-existing endocannabinoid molecules and pharmacological cannabinoid receptor interaction. 

Endocannabinoids, the molecules produced by our bodies, will bind with cannabinoids, causing them to activate. 

Cannabinoids mitigate physiological reactions to harmful or unpleasant stimulation. 

CB1 and CB2 sub receptors inhibit pain perception and sensation in particular. 

CB1 receptors are primarily present in the CNS but found in the heart, lungs, brain, and nerves, among other anatomical areas. 

They also reside in pain pathways. 

CB2 receptors are present in immune cells and appear in the spleen, tonsils, lymphoid organs, and immune tissues. 

Together endocannabinoid and cannabinoid receptors block or alter synaptic responses and signals by blocking and moderating painful stimuli. 

At the end of the day, pain is a biological response to unpleasant sensations like discomfort, aches, or soreness and the endocannabinoid system is a biological response to pain. 

What Kind of Pain Relief Does CBD Offer? 

Research has shown CBD pain relief has targeted arthritic pain or pain caused by the swelling of the joints and inflammation. 

Rodent studies found that CBD can reduce arthritis-related inflammation and inflammation-induced pain. 

In a similar vein, science has concluded that CBD can improve pain caused by neuropathic numbness or weakness – a symptom of nerve damage. 

Studies also show that CBD’s effect on cancer is quite compelling. 

It is suggested that cancer and chemotherapy-caused pain, nausea, stress, anxiety, and other side effects can be aided by CBD. 

Additionally, CBD has been considered as a treatment for cancer, as it has displayed both tumor reduction and cancer medication enhancement potential. 

CBD can mediate menstrual pain by alleviating cramping, bloating, and breast tenderness or swelling.  

Comparably, symptoms of menopause, such as swelling feet, can be quelled by CBD as the body experiences a range of physical changes. 

Other studies have looked into the effect of CBD on headaches and migraines, its wound healing properties, and potential benefits to general pain health and wellness. 

What’s the Best Way to Use CBD for Pain? 

CBD for pain relief will differ depending on the type of pain a user is experiencing and the preferred method of application or ingestion. 

For example, those suffering from blank may require application-specific to their blank, while others attempting to treat blank might be better off using blank. 

Topical and Transdermal Application  

Topical application is often a preferred choice for chronic joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. 

External topical or transdermal CBD products can be applied directly to the source of the pain and prompt localized relief. 

Popular topical CBD products include lotions, balms, ointments, rubs, salves, and even transdermal CBD patches, which are small patches stuck to your skin that release a steady stream of CBD doses. 

Topical CBD is absorbed into your body through your skin at a steady, constant pace. 

Once it interacts with your ECS, it will subdue your receptor’s reactivity. 

Topical and transdermal onsets take between an hour and an hour and a half to take effect but will last longer than other ingestion methods and have increased bioavailability.

Sublingual Absorption

Sublingual absorption is one of the most effective ways to take CBD due to its dual onsets. 

When applying CBD sublingually, a few drops of CBD oil are placed under the tongue. 

The user then holds the CBD there for 10 to 30 seconds and swallows. 

During the initial placement of CBD under the tongue, the cells and capillaries in the mouth absorb the oil, sending CBD right into the bloodstream. 

This method can cause CBD to be felt in as little as 30 seconds. 

Swallowing transfers the rest of the CBD to the digestive tract, where it will be processed and sent to the liver and, eventually, the bloodstream. 

Digestive ingestion takes longer because the CBD has farther to travel. Still, it does provide a secondary onset that echoes the sublingual absorption and can be felt about two hours later. 

Skipping sublingual absorption and swallowing CBD oil directly, or consuming it via CBD edibles or any CBD consumable, will follow the same path and take the same amount of time. 

Sublingual absorption is a popular pain-relieving preference, as it is the most effective way to take CBD. 

However, digestive consumption and sublingual absorption complement other types of CBD, such as topical CBD, providing additional and proactive dosage for wholesome pain management.

Inhalation

Inhaling CBD is a prime choice for those looking to take immediate action. 

CBD can be inhaled by vaping it or smoking CBD bud or flower, which sends the CBD into your lungs and bloodstream, where it begins to circulate immediately. 

Inhalation is fast and effective, as it makes for high CBD concentrations. 

However, inhalation for pain will render brief respites, as the effects of inhaled CBD don’t last as long as other consumption methods. 

Combination CBD

This, too, is where a combination CBD regime might be best for pain relief. 

For example, sublingual absorption and inhalation could offer near-instant action, offsetting the pain, while digestive or topical applications take hold and offer secondary or more targeted relief.  

Combining CBD might feel a bit overwhelming and make it difficult to discern what’s working and what’s not. 

To figure out what kind of CBD is right for you, start by using one method, and once adjusted, recalculate what you still need and incorporate another. 

If you aren’t sure which product to start with, try out a few and then make the best fit a part of your routine. 

CBD for pain, especially chronic pain, can take some time to work and give you the desired effects.

If your CBD isn’t working or your pain isn’t improving, you may not be taking enough, using the right product, or buying non-verified CBD.

To ensure maximum CBD efficiency and effects, consider your dosage, consumption, and vendor. 

Finally, one of the most important parts of using CBD oil for pain is talking to your doctor and listening to your body. 

Using CBD as a medicinal is one part innate and one part interaction – with yourself and a medical professional. 

Give yourself the recovery you deserve- let CBD help you feel healed.