Chronic neuropathic pain affects hundreds of millions of adults worldwide and has a direct impact on quality of life. This pathology is characterized in detail in terms of cellular and molecular mechanisms, and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is widely recognized as the key to the development of chronic neuropathic pain.
Scientific evidence confirms that phyto-synthetics and endocannabinoids are effective in the treatment of pain, while there is strong data on the therapeutic use of cannabis-derived products. Here we review the involvement of the ECS, along with other cellular and molecular elements, in the pathology of chronic neuropathic pain and how this system can be targeted to treat pain.
Chronic neuropathic pain ?
Chronic pain is classified by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) as pain that lasts longer than 3 months, even after the underlying cause has healed ( Raja et al., 2020 ). One of the main types of chronic pain is neuropathic pain, which occurs when pain is caused by injury or disease of the somatosensory nervous system ( Raja et al., 2020 ).
Patients can suffer both social and economic consequences, as it is very inconvenient to carry out daily tasks when they are in pain. Physical and social impairments, as well as pain, can sometimes lead to depression .
Although opioids are the primary pharmacotherapeutic approach to reducing symptoms associated with chronic neuropathic pain, a number of reports have described their potential for addiction and consequently increased mortality ( Hser et al., 2015 ).
To avoid side effects similar to those caused by opioids and to achieve greater success in the treatment of pain, new molecular targets for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain are constantly being investigated.
The role of the endocannabinoid system as a pharmacological target and the advantages of using medical Cannabis sp. for the treatment of pain are remarkable, as described in this review . However, further research is needed with animal models and in clinical practice to understand more effective ways to modulate eCS in humans and to identify how the concomitant effect may contribute to the treatment potential of Cannabis sp. in the treatment of pain.
Which cbd to fight against pain?
CBD oil comes from the cannabis plant. CBD products generally do not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the intoxicating ingredient people associate with cannabis. When the product contains THC, its amounts are usually very low.
Researchers are studying the effectiveness of CBD oil in many conditions, including chronic pain . Research is also being done on the safety of CBD products.
It can be difficult for people to choose a safe product with CBD oil due to the lack of consistent regulations. Some studies from a trusted source show that some products are not properly labeled and may include unexpected ingredients or amounts.
Neuropathy Cause, Treatment, Medication?
Neuropathy is a chronic pain condition. A person with neuropathy has damaged nerves.
Damaged nerves can occur after a physical traumatic accident or in several different conditions. such as :
- lack of certain nutrients
- chronic alcohol abuse
- Diabetes
- infections
- inflammatory conditions such as vasculitis
- low levels of thyroid hormones or hypothyroidism
Sometimes doctors cannot determine the cause of the neuropathy, but they can suggest different treatment options.
If a person develops neuropathy from treatable conditions, such as diabetes, chronic alcohol abuse, or nutrient deficiencies, the doctor will first seek to control the disease.
People with chronic neuropathy pain may benefit from seeing a pain specialist if regular pain relievers don't work.
Doctors may prescribe medications, such as:
- membrane stabilizers, including gabapentin
- antiepileptics, including phenytoin
- tricyclic antidepressants, including amitriptyline
How Can CBD Relieve Neuropathic Pain?
Sometimes treatments in current guidelines do not provide sufficient pain relief, and one may prefer to study CBD oil for neuropathy for its pain-relieving properties.
In a small 2020 Pubmed study , A Trusted Source, researchers randomized 29 people with neuropathy to either CBD oil or a placebo.
Participants in the CBD oil group tolerated the product well and had a statistically significant reduction in pain compared to the placebo group.
Although these results seem promising, researchers need to conduct additional studies in a larger population to confirm these results.
People with neuropathy claim that several cannabis products, including inhaled herbal cannabis, sprays and tablets, are effective.
However, there is still a lack of strong evidence that any CBD product works in chronic neuropathic pain.
The Risks of Consuming Cannabidiol Oil for Pain
The risks of using CBD oil include the possibility of mislabelling, exposure to higher doses of THC, or other contaminants.
The FDA reviews proposed health claims for CBD products. They suggest that CBD products can potentially harm consumers, so to avoid tainted products always choose a reputable dealer who offers third-party lab testing to ensure safe and legal cannabis oil content.
Which cannabis cbd to improve neuropathic pain?
Applying a cannabidiol (CBD) salve to the painful area or taking it by mouth can help relieve the pain of neuropathy. However, more research is needed to prove the effectiveness of CBD products as pain relievers.
How to use cbd for pain?
Cannabis has been used long term in the treatment of painkillers, spasticity, nausea and anxiety. It is also used to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome , epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.
Cannabidiol exists in different forms to relieve your pain such as oils, capsules, e liquids, patches or even cannabis creams or balms...
What is the most effective cbd?
CBD or non-psychotropic cannabinoid is a component of hemp, marijuana and other varieties of cannabis. It is most effective in the treatment of neuropathic pain.
you will need to try different dosages of Cannabidiol as each person reacts differently depending on their physiology and biology, but the most commonly used form is cbd oil.
Is CBD legal?
CBD products of hemp origin and containing less than 0.2% THC are legal in France. On the other hand, cannabis-derived CBD products are legal. Check local laws, especially when traveling.
How to fight against neuropathic pain?
Some doctors recommend transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a noninvasive treatment for pain relief from neuropathy. TENS uses electrical current to activate nerves to relieve pain.
Some people prefer to use herbal remedies. Some of the remedies that scientists have studied for neuropathy include:
- Acorus calamus
- Alstonia Scholaris
- Citrullus colocynthis
-
Turmeric longa
- Crocus sativus
- ginkgo biloba
- Special Mitragyna
- Momordica charantia
- Salvia officinalis
CBD and fibromyalgia
The use of cbd to treat fibromyalgia is controversial. Some practitioners recommend the use of cbd to relieve neuropathic pain because it has an anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic effect.
read our article on fibromyalgia to find out more...
Consult your doctor
Before using products containing CBD oil, a doctor should be consulted, as some products may affect or interact with other medications.
Doctors can help individuals, but they cannot guarantee the effectiveness of CBD products for neuropathy. By discussing the use of CBD with a doctor, one can monitor any potential side effects.
If the person with neuropathy is looking for an alternative treatment, the doctor can help them find a more suitable option. By discussing treatment goals and perceived benefits of using CBD oil, doctors can help set reasonable goals for pain relief and set realistic expectations.
Summary
Although many people with neuropathy are exploring the possibility of using CBD products, there is no evidence of their effectiveness.
People with neuropathy who think they are not getting enough pain relief from traditional therapies should talk to their doctor.
