In recent years, CBD has become the substance of choice for relieving all kinds of ailments affecting the human body. This is hardly surprising, given its countless benefits for well-being. Among the many conditions it can help treat is cervical osteoarthritis. It is normal to wonder what properties CBD has that enable it to act on this disease. This article aims to provide you with the answers to this question. If you are curious to know, then read on. It will inform you.
What should you know about cervical osteoarthritis?
Of all the diseases that affect human joints, osteoarthritis is undoubtedly the most common. It is a disease that gradually destroys cartilage, which is why it is classified as a degenerative disease. When the cartilage in the joint breaks down, it allows the two bones to come into contact. This is very painful for the patient when they try to move. When the cartilage is completely gone, the joint becomes completely blocked and the patient is then completely unable to walk.
The pain caused by cervical osteoarthritis is so intense that it completely disrupts the patient's daily life. However, it should be noted that the intensity of the pain varies depending on the level of inflammation in the affected joint. Sometimes the pain is moderate, but at other times it is unbearable. When this is the case, the patient is forced to remain immobile. They can no longer go about their daily activities, carry things, or even move around.
As of today, there is still no treatment capable of curing cervical osteoarthritis. Most of the treatments recommended for this condition only serve to alleviate pain and inflammation. They generally consist of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, injections are also used. However, these treatments often cause side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, high blood pressure, skin rashes, etc. Many patients have therefore turned to natural treatments.
What factors contribute to the onset of this disease?
Several factors are often identified as contributing to cervical osteoarthritis.
Age
Today, osteoarthritis affects 3% of people under the age of 45. 65% of those over the age of 65 suffer from it. The highest rate is found among people over the age of 80, at 80%.
Diseases
People who suffer from metabolic problems such as diabetes and obesity are more susceptible to this disease than others. Let's not forget those whose joints are already weakened by rheumatic problems such as polyarthritis or chondrocalcinosis.
Bad habits
Cervical osteoarthritis also affects many people who habitually carry heavy loads or who are overweight.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is an active compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, which is also found in the same plant, CBD has no psychotropic effects on the human body. What's more, it has many beneficial properties that make it a flagship product used for a variety of purposes. It is important to note that CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory. It is also a very effective pain reliever. It also has positive effects on fatigue, stress, and anxiety.
Despite these properties, researchers say that not all of the benefits of this compound have been discovered yet. All these advantages mean that CBD is now legal. You can buy it in specialized stores.
How does CBD work on cervical osteoarthritis?
From an objective point of view, it can be said that it is joint pain and inflammation that lead many people to believe that CBD will have positive effects on them. This is true, because CBD, with its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, can act on the affected joints. The goal is not to cure osteoarthritis. CBD simply needs to alleviate the symptoms of this disease. CBD therefore has two roles to play in the fight against cervical osteoarthritis.
First, it acts on the source of the pain. This may be the joints in the elbows, knees, wrists, fingers, etc. Second, it also acts on the nervous system. This is where all information relating to pain is processed. CBD then uses its anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling caused by inflammation. Its analgesic properties are also effective in relieving pain.
What research has been conducted on the effect of CBD on cervical osteoarthritis?
In an effort to find an effective remedy for cervical osteoarthritis, several studies have been conducted. Some have focused on the role of CBD in this fight. Two main studies have caught our attention.
The study published in the Journal of Pain
This study was conducted in 2016. It highlights the positive effects of CBD consumption on the joints of people suffering from cervical osteoarthritis. The study was carried out with the aim of demonstrating to everyone that the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of CBD are effective. In addition, it also took care to evaluate the various side effects that could occur. Since experiments should not be conducted on humans, all tests were therefore carried out on rats.
After injecting them with arthritis, the researchers then treated the rodents with gels containing CBD. Four days after applying the gel, the swelling in the rats' joints had subsided. In addition, the rodents also experienced pain relief. However, it is important to note that during this test, the researchers used a certain amount of gel, as they did not obtain positive results with low doses. These results scientifically prove that CBD gel has real therapeutic effects on cervical osteoarthritis. Furthermore, no side effects were observed.
A study by a rheumatologist in 2017
Further research was also conducted by rheumatologist Philpott. He also used rats, which he carefully injected with osteoarthritis. The aim of the experiment was to determine the impact of CBD on the terminal phase of this disease. After treatment, all of the sick rats showed a marked improvement. The edema had largely subsided. The pain had also decreased considerably. Once again, the effectiveness of CBD in the fight against cervical osteoarthritis has been proven.
Which CBD-based products are effective for cervical osteoarthritis?
Given the multitude of benefits that CBD offers, it is important that as many people as possible can enjoy them. As such, there is a wide range of CBD-based products available on the market. However, these products are designed for different uses. Certain products are specifically recommended for effectively combating cervical osteoarthritis.
CBD gels
This product is applied to the affected joint. Using the palms of your hands, gently massage the area to allow the gel to penetrate the skin. It reduces inflammation and relieves pain. It should be used for as long as the pain persists. In general, it is recommended to use it three times a day.
Sublingual CBD oil
CBD oil is the most common form in which CBD is commercially available. To enjoy its benefits, simply place a few drops under your tongue. Then wait a few minutes for it to take effect. It should be noted that it is best to consume CBD oil on an empty stomach. This avoids any interactions between the molecule and other foods. You should also be aware that CBD oil generally contains a high dose of CBD. It is therefore recommended to start with oils that have a relatively low CBD content.
You can use an oil that contains 5% CBD to familiarize yourself with the product. Then move on to an oil with 10% CBD. The latter is also suitable when you experience mild pain. You can then use oils with a CBD concentration of 15%. These are recommended for people who are already used to consuming CBD. For severe pain, use oils with a concentration of 25%. You will then be satisfied.
CBD oil
This CBD oil is different from sublingual oil because it is not intended for consumption. It is recommended for massaging swollen joints. Simply place a few drops in the palm of your hand and gently massage the joints. It works very quickly.
CBD capsules
Some patients also prefer to use CBD capsules. These are small capsules that contain high doses of CBD that are already calculated to avoid overdoses. The advantage of capsules lies in how they are consumed. When you swallow them, the CBD they contain spreads throughout the body. According to some people, this method of consumption has a much more effective effect on pain caused by cervical osteoarthritis. However, it should be remembered that not all bodies react in the same way.
How can you avoid overdosing on CBD?
Since CBD is not a medicine and is available over the counter, it is very difficult to control its dosage. In fact, it is considered a dietary supplement. In addition, several other ingredients are included in the composition of commercially available products. First, you need to find the product that is best suited to your body. Then, you need to find the right dosage.
When it comes to dosage, several factors must be taken into account. These include weight, body type, food preferences, tastes, etc. However, regardless of the product chosen, it is advisable to start with the form that contains the lowest percentage of CBD. Once you are used to its effects, you can then gradually increase the concentration. This will allow you to find the dosage that is right for your body. You can also refer to the instructions provided with the product.
Most manufacturers recommend a dose of 1 to 6 mg for every five kilograms. This dose should be taken twice a day. Depending on the intensity of the pain and your needs, you can also increase it.
What treatments should you choose if you suffer from cervical osteoarthritis?
Nowadays, there are a multitude of conventional treatments used to relieve inflammation and pain caused by cervical osteoarthritis. However, they may not be effective for some patients. These patients are therefore forced to turn to CBD, which has the advantage of providing much more effective relief. Furthermore, it has no known side effects on the body. This is not the case with conventional treatments.
However, CBD should be taken with caution, as it is not a treatment for osteoarthritis. It simply reduces inflammation and pain. It is therefore up to the patient to choose the treatment that works best for them. Keep in mind, however, that CBD is prohibited for certain people.
