Pain is the main symptom of nerve damage, which impacts daily life for many people. The sensations associated with nerve pain can be very unpleasant and range from an annoying tingling sensation to debilitating agony.
Nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, occurs when nerves are injured or inflamed over time by things like autoimmune diseases, poor diet choices, heavy metals, environmental toxins, infectious agents (particularly Lyme Disease), prescription drugs, diabetes, and obesity.
An estimated 26 million people in America have some form of neuropathy. It affects men more often than women. Of those 26 million Americans suffering from peripheral neuropathy, about 20% will develop chronic pain after five years.
Does CBD Help Neuropathic Pain?
Many people with nerve damage do not experience relief from standard painkillers. What’s more, some drugs for treating neuropathy have been linked to serious side effects and death. That is why a growing number of patients are turning to cannabinoids as a safe and effective way to manage their peripheral neuropathic pain.
Cannabidiol is one of the most prominent cannabinoids produced by cannabis. CBD, or cannabidiol oil, offers neuroprotective properties when applied topically to damaged nerves. It also reduces inflammation and stimulates cell growth.
CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the body’s nervous system. The main receptors are called CB1 and CB2, which are found in different locations within the body. They can be activated either directly by plant-based cannabinoids (such as THC) or indirectly via other endogenous cannabinoid compounds in your body like anandamide. Either way, it’s very effective at reducing pain levels.
CBD’s Benefits
CBD is believed to have many benefits for those suffering from chronic nerve pain. It is believed to:
- Relieve pain and inflammation– CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties are believed to be the most prominent way it helps with chronic nerve damage and other joint and muscle-related pain.
- Prevents nerve degeneration – CBD is also believed to protect nerves from further damage. This has huge implications for patients who suffer from diabetic neuropathy or other types of neuropathy caused by autoimmune disorders or environmental toxins. By preventing nerve cells from dying, it ensures they stay functional and healthy for longer.
- It does not produce the psychoactive effects of THC (the chemical in cannabis that gets you high). This makes it ideal for sufferers who want to avoid any sort of “high” sensation when using painkillers. It can also benefit non-pain sufferers looking for relief without experiencing cognitive side effects like changes in mood, hunger, lack of focus, and trouble sleeping.
- Reduce oxidative stress and damage– CBD is believed to improve cell health by reducing oxidative stress in the body.
- The cannabinoid has antioxidant properties, which means it can neutralize free radicals that damage cells and DNA. This reduces inflammation associated with neuropathy by preventing nerve cells from being damaged during the disease’s progression.
- Improve blood flow– CBD is believed to reduce blood pressure in the body. This helps promote better blood flow in the body, particularly in the extremities that suffer from neuropathy.
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What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is when nerves throughout the body are damaged. This damage means that these nerves no longer function properly and can cause pain, numbness, or tingling sensations to run through them.
The most common types of neuropathy include:
Diabetic Neuropathy- This affects about 50% of people with diabetes. It often starts with feelings of pins and needles in the feet, but it can spread up to the legs, hands, arms, and even other organs in patients who do not manage their diabetes well. Other symptoms include pain, itching, burning sensations (especially at night), and changes in temperature sensation like feeling very cold when you’re actually overheated.
Shingles- Like shingles? You may be able to blame your nerves. The condition is caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes a painful rash that can be extremely debilitating.
Neuropathy from autoimmune diseases- Some people develop nerve damage when their immune system attacks nerves. This includes common conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
How to Use CBD for Neuropathy?
CBD is available in a number of different forms, including oils, tinctures, and sprays. It can be taken orally to treat nerve pain caused by neuropathy.
A common way for sufferers to use CBD topically is through balms or lotions. Simply massage this into the affected area 2-3 times per day.
If you’re looking to buy CBD products especially for treating nerve damage, you need to find high purity CBD oil that contains only CBD. It should not contain other chemicals or additives that could negate its benefits or produce side effects.
You also need to make sure the product is third-party tested for purity and potency before using it on your skin (or taking it internally). This ensures you know exactly what you’re getting and how much you should be taking.
Due to the legality of cannabis, CBD products tend to be unregulated. In fact, some CBD-infused creams on the market today could contain harmful chemicals that produce no therapeutic effects at all.
To avoid this, it’s essential that you carefully research any product before buying or using it. You can do this by looking for a reputable company that offers lab tests on its products if you want to go down the safest route possible.
List of CBD Products and their Best Uses
CBD Oil
CBD oil is a popular choice for sufferers of chronic nerve pain. It’s taken orally and helps provide relief from neuropathy by easing inflammation in the affected areas. Some studies have found that using CBD oil regularly can improve nerve function over time, making the pain less intense and more bearable.
One study even reported a complete resolution of symptoms in some patients after taking CBD supplements regularly for four weeks.
To use CBD oil to treat your neuropathy, hold it under your tongue for 30 seconds before swallowing it to let it enter the bloodstream quickly. You can take this orally once or twice per day- just ensure you stick to the recommended dosage, so you don’t experience any side effects.
Pros:
- Easy to use- no pills to take daily
- Tastes good- flavors available
- Relatively affordable
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CBD Topical Creams
CBD cream is a popular option for neuropathy patients because it can provide targeted relief to the affected area. For example, you might apply this to your feet or hands using the included applicator. Some CBD sprays also work this way, but they are usually more expensive. You can even apply some creams topically on your temples to treat migraines!
Pros:
- Targeted pain relief- right where you need it
- Relatively affordable compared to other options
- It can be used alongside medications without side effects.
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CBD Oil Extracts and Tinctures
Oil extracts and tinctures are other popular choices for neuropathy sufferers. Because they’re administered orally, you don’t have to worry about applying creams or topicals to your skin. You can also take these supplements in the evening before going to bed, so you won’t have to get up multiple times a day. It is important, however, that you do not drive after taking CBD oil since it may cause drowsiness!
Pros:
- Convenient- no need to apply topicals to the affected area
- Easy to take- just hold under tongue until absorbed
- It can be taken at night before bed.
- Relatively affordable compared to other options
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CBD Gummies and Candy
Many patients who need immediate treatment for nerve pain choose CBD gummies, candy, or chocolate instead. They often take these orally directly or use them in cooking if they can’t swallow them whole. Best of all? They taste delicious! Simply eat 1-2 pieces per day to get the relief you need. You shouldn’t consume a higher dosage than that without medical guidance, though, since side effects are possible otherwise.
Pros:
- Quickly absorbed into the bloodstream- no waiting around.
- Relatively affordable compared to other options
- Tastes good- flavors available
- More discreet than CBD oil capsules/drops
CBD Capsules/Drops
If you don’t like the idea of taking CBD orally, then capsules and drops might be a better option for you. You simply swallow these with water or another beverage after placing them under your tongue. It takes around 20-30 minutes to take effect this way, but there’s no risk of getting drowsy afterward!
Pros:
- Quickly absorbed into the bloodstream- no waiting around.
- Relatively affordable compared to other options
- It can be used alongside medications without side effects.
- More discreet than CBD oil extracts and tinctures
- No need to hold it under the tongue before swallowing (just swallow it first)
CBD Vaporizers and Vape Pods
Vaporizers and vape pods (for e-cigarettes and vape pens) are other options for patients who need immediate relief. Just like CBD gummies and candy, these heat the oil until it turns into a gas- giving you quick pain relief. The best part? You can take this as often as needed without the worry of side effects or drowsiness (which is common with oral therapies).
Pros:
- Quickly absorbed into the bloodstream- no waiting around.
- It can be used alongside medications without side effects.
- No need to hold under the tongue before swallowing (just swallow it first)
- Relatively affordable compared to other options
- More discreet than CBD capsules/drops
- No lingering tastes or smells from traditional smoking methods.
CBD Suppositories
If you have a disorder that affects your intestinal functions, then CBD suppositories could be a great treatment option for you. These are inserted directly into the rectum and enter the bloodstream quickly to provide targeted relief.
Pros:
- It can be used alongside medications without side effects
- More discreet than CBD capsules/drops
- No lingering tastes or smells from traditional smoking methods.
- Can be inserted whenever needed
- No waiting around for oral therapy to take effect.
CBD Patches
CBD patches are great for patients who need immediate pain relief that can last for up to 12 hours. Just stick the patch on the affected area, and you’re good to go! Because it’s transdermal, CBD oil is absorbed quickly through your skin without having to hold it under your tongue first. These tend to be more expensive though, so if you don’t have a lot of money these might not be the best choice right now.
Pros:
- Quickly absorbed into the bloodstream- no waiting around
- More discreet than CBD capsules/drops
- No lingering tastes or smells from traditional smoking methods.
- Can be used when needed, no need to take it every day.
- No risk of negative side effects from oral therapy since it’s transdermal.
- Wide variety of available products for various needs and budgets.
What are the Possible Side Effects of CBD Products?
In general, CBD products are very safe and well-tolerated, even at high dosages. However, all supplements have the potential to cause side effects for individuals like yourself! You should always consult a medical professional before beginning any new treatment option to determine whether or not it’s right for you. The most common reported side effects of CBD oil include:
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Lack of energy
- Upset stomach- nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Itchiness around the site where topicals were applied (this will usually go away in just a few hours after application).
While these are less serious than other medications available today, please do not attempt to drive or work around heavy machinery when you start CBD oil. Most side effects only last for the duration of the product’s calming/relaxing effect, but some can be more serious in nature. It’s always best to use these products under supervision by a medical professional until you get to know how your body reacts to them!
In Closing,
If you want to experience relief from nerve pain without having to rely on prescription medications like opioids, then CBD is the perfect product for you! CBD is shown to be effective in animal models of pain, and now they’re also available for people who need immediate relief. What CBD Product have you tried? Let us know what your experiences are in the comments below!