Arthritis is a common menace that affects a vast number of the population in the world. Most people associate arthritis with aches and pains caused by old age, but that is not true. A large number of patients with arthritis are not a day above 65, and a significant number are children.
The pains caused by this menace can be excruciating, and it may even harm the quality of life. Cannabis can offer effective pain management treatment, and as such more patients are turning towards its health benefits.
Arthritis is a form of autoimmune disorder that causes an inflammatory joint disease. The joint get inflammatory proteins, such as nitric oxide, synthetase, chemokines, cytokines, and arachidonic acid metabolic by-products, released by the immune system.
Symptoms of arthritis include:
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Swollen joins
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A warm joint, which may be reddish
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Stiff joints
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Problems in movement
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Working on a daily task becomes impossible.
Following are the different types of arthritis-
Osteoarthritis
This degenerative disease causes the cushioning surrounding end of bones to wear out, thus causing stiffness, swelling, and pain. With time the pain becomes chronic. It can occur as a result of weight gain, aging, or hereditary.
Some severe cases of degenerative arthritis that cause chronic pain may lead to immobility and, as such, reduce the quality of life. You can avoid it by eating healthy diets and staying active.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is an example of inflammatory arthritis, which appears when the immune system can’t fight diseases and infections. The body generates uncontrolled inflammation that may cause organ damage and joint inflammation. It affects the feet, hands, and other body parts and causes a lot of pain.
Cannabis as a treatment option for arthritis
Over the last few years, the curtains on old stigmas against the use of marijuana have been falling quickly. This is because most people have gained knowledge and enough research that helps them embrace the health benefits of cannabis.
Even greater news for patients thinking of cannabis as a treatment option for arthritis pain is that many states around the world are supporting the legalization of marijuana.
Cannabis cannabinoids for arthritis pain
You can find more than a hundred cannabinoids in a cannabis plant. But, only two of these compounds are the most popular. The two components are cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC is the cannabis compound that is primarily responsible for the mind-altering effect of cannabis. CBD, on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive component that counters the effects of THC. However, both cannabinoids boast of excellent healing properties.
THC, for example, can assist people suffering from chronic arthritis pain because it has a strong anti-inflammatory effect as well as an excellent pain killer. Similarly, CBD can provide health and therapeutic benefits without causing euphoria.
Over the years, CBD has stepped into the light due to its remarkable healing properties, where it can help patients with various conditions such as arthritis. It’s famous because it combines neuroprotective features, antioxidant and, potent inflammatory properties to assist in the management of arthritis pain. CBD has taken over the spotlight because of its potential in combating various conditions. It’s famous for its antioxidant, neuroprotective, and inflammatory properties. Patients with arthritis can take it to assist in the management of arthritis pain.
The two products are present in various marijuana strains, and they work better together rather than when they are alone.
How cannabis works to relieve arthritis pain
Cannabinoids interact with specialized receptors in the body. One of these receptors is the CB2 receptor, which is critical in managing inflammations and pain. CBD enters the body and stimulates the production of natural cannabinoids. A study in 2011 revealed the effects of cannabis in reducing pain.
● CBD can reduce arthritis pain
One of the most significant benefits of CBD in cannabis seeds is providing a positive effect on pain. A study done in 2016 affirmed that CBD was effective in preventing arthritis pain and inflammation. Another study showed that cannabinoids could be effective in easing chronic pain.
● CBD for Depression and anxiety
CBD can help with a variety of mental health disorders, with one being a reduction of stress. One research considers its use as a potential treatment option for various anxiety disorders quite useful. This is beneficial for patients with arthritis because the pain caused by this condition can lead to depression.
● Can promote healthy bone and cartilage
People with damaged cartilage can turn to cannabis as it has a lot of potential in helping to build cartilage. It not only speeds up the healing of fractures, but it can also help increase bone density.
● Can promote a healthy immune system
Arthritis attacks on your joint system. These attacks come from the immune system, and they result in pain and swelling. CBD interacts with CB2 receptors and, as such, can help alleviate and manage arthritis.
Anti-inflammatory
As mentioned above, arthritis cause inflammation of the joint, and if it’s left untreated, it can cause disability and joint damage. CBD contains anti-inflammation properties that can stop or slow down the progression of arthritis. One can use convenient CBD gel caps to get effective pain relief from arthritis.
Which CBD Product should I take for arthritis?
If smoking cannabis is not your thing, you do not have to worry as you can still reap the health benefits of cannabis. It is possible because CBD products come in various forms for application on the skin, inhaling or ingesting orally. The following are some of the methods of having your CBD:
Orally
You can swallow CBD as pills, in food or liquid, where its digested in the digestive system. This method causes delayed effects because of slow absorption. However, capsules are a safe and effective way of taking a precise dose.
Topically
CBD infused topical products like balms, cream, and lotion, are directly applied to the affected area.
Inhaling
Done through vaporizing or vaping. Vaping makes use of a discreet vaping pen.
Besides being available in different doses and forms, cannabis also comes in a remarkable array of strains. The choice of strain you make should depend on the type of arthritis pain you experience. Cannabis strains include:
Girl Scout Cookies cannabis strain
The incredible hybrid contains concentrated THC for pain relief.
Cannatonic cannabis strain
Has high CBD levels and low THC, which means you can get the desired pain-relieving benefits without getting the mind-altering effects associated with THC.
ACDC cannabis strain
This powerhouse cannabis strain has low THC and high CBD, which can provide immediate pain relief without the psychoactive effect.
Harlequin Cannabis strain
Its ratio of CBD to THC is 5:2, which can be perfect for pain relief without the euphoric high.
Canna Tsu cannabis strain
It has a high CBD concentration, which can be great for fighting inflammation.
Conclusion
The health benefits of cannabis have come out, and more and more people are acknowledging its use in combating various conditions. If you are looking for a way to manage arthritis pain, then cannabis might your best option. Just make sure you buy quality CBD products from reputed sellers only.
