CBD for pain
Hi!
I have been thinking about using CBD products for pain. I’m on biologics and have prescription anti-inflammatories, but I don’t want to take the anti inflammatories all the time as they are quite strong. I also have fibromyalgia which I developed after AS.
I asked my rheumatologist about taking CBD, as I wanted to check if it interacted with any of my medications. They said it’s fine to take it, but they don’t recommend it because the CBD compound is altered by removing THC, so they don’t believe it works and think it is all placebo.
On the other hand, my grandad, who in his late 70s and has back issues (age related, not AS) tried CBD. He is the sort of person who will not take a painkiller even when he is really in pain! He was very sceptical about CBD but noticed a big improvement in pain almost immediately.
So I was wondering, has anyone in the community tried using CBD for pain? Did it make a difference for you? CBD products can be pretty expensive, are they worth the money?
Thanks!
- The topic of using CBD (cannabidiol) for various health conditions, including arthritis, is still an area of ongoing research, and there are varying views among medical specialists. While some investigations suggest the potential benefits of CBD for pain relief and inflammation reduction, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety, as well as its interactions with other medications.
It's important to note that the removal of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) from CBD products does not necessarily render them ineffective. CBD works on the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain, inflammation, and other processes. The removal of THC is primarily done to ensure the CBD product complies with legal regulations and to minimize psychoactive effects.
If you continue to wish to explore CBD and its benefits, here are some tips that were offered up to me prior to use:
1. Look for reputable CBD brands that provide third-party lab testing results to ensure the product's quality, purity, and CBD concentration.
2. Begin with a low dosage and gradually increase it if needed. This allows you to assess how your body responds to CBD and helps minimize the risk of adverse effects.
3. Be aware that even though CBD is generally considered safe, it can potentially interact with certain medications.
4. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use and consult your healthcare professional.
5. CBD should not replace any prescribed medications or therapies for your spondyloarthritis. It should be seen as a potentially complementary approach, and its use should be discussed and monitored by your healthcare professional.
Hoping you get a chance to read some articles on our site in relation to CBD use and spondyloarthritis, as suggested by Doreen. Here are a few as well. https://axialspondyloarthritis.net/living/cbd-pain-management https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/cbd-for-arthritis-pain
Sending you relief and well wishes on your journey. Rebecca (community moderator),
Many in this community have shared their experience using CBD (most especially topical). I do hope some will chime in here with their feedback. In the meantime, I thought I'd share these two articles that may provide some helpful information: https://axialspondyloarthritis.net/treatment/medical-marijuana and https://axialspondyloarthritis.net/living/cbd
Wishing you all the best, Doreen (Team Member)If you are in a state where its legal I would suggest THC. It does work better. I will add there is a wonderful CBD pain relief cream made by 3Chi that works great.
thanks for the recommendation! Unfortunately I’m in the U.K. and THC products aren’t legal here 🙁
