CBD Topical For Joint Pain

You may have heard about CBD Oil drops under the tongue but did you know that CBD can be applied to the skin for targeted relief? Before we dive in, lets go over the basics.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, most commonly referred to as CBD, is molecular compound found in the cannabis and hemp plant that is 100% non-intoxicating, unlike THC. Studies on CBD shows that it can help modulate and repair many physiological systems in the brain and body, through the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Found in all mammals, the ECS is made up of cannabinoid receptors, known as CB1 & CB2, that react only to cannabinoids, such as CBD and the more well known compound, THC. CBD also works on other receptors in the body, such as Vanilloid and Serotonin.

CBD has become an increasingly popular topic across the world and is being touted by many, from athletes to celebrities, as a natural alternative to reduce inflammation and pain.

Two most common types of joint pain:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - a condition where the body attacks its joints, causing inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis can most commonly be found in hands and feet, leading to swollen, stiff, painful joints.

Osteoarthritis (OA) - which is a degenerative condition in joint cartilage and bones. It is most commonly found in the hip, knees and thumbs.

Topically, CBD’s most alluring attributes are its anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain- relieving) properties. Your skin is the largest organ you have, it also has the highest amount and concentration of CB2 receptors, which makes CBD topicals highly effective.

A study taken place in 2016 stated that "topical CBD application has therapeutic potential for relief of arthritis pain-related behaviors and inflammation without evident side-effects"

Another study that occurred in 2017 stated that "CBD treatment prevented the later development of pain and nerve damage in these OA (Osteoarthritis) joints. These findings suggest that CBD may be a safe and useful therapeutic aid for treating OA joint neuropathic pain."

Sources

Distribution of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) on sensory nerve fibers and adnexal structures in human skin.

Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis

Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis.