Living with chronic pain can be a debilitating experience, greatly reducing quality of life and interfering with daily activities. While there are many pharmaceutical treatments available to manage pain, many prefer to explore natural alternatives like CBD oil for pain management. But what is the science behind how CBD oil works? This article will explain the scientific basis of why people use CBD oil for pain relief and its potential therapeutic effects on chronic conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis.

CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychotropic compound found in cannabis plants that has been gaining notoriety among health professionals due to its potential medicinal properties. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another compound found in cannabis plants, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects and cannot make a person feel ‚high or alter their mental state in any way. Rather, it acts upon the body’s endocannabinoid system network of receptors throughout the body that respond to cannabinoids to produce a variety of biological effects.

What Is Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an important physiological system made up of cannabinoid receptors located throughout our bodies that interact with compounds found in both cannabis and our own bodies called endocannabinoids to regulate various physiological processes including appetite, sleep, mood, memory, inflammation and even pain perception. The ECS works by receiving signals from outside sources such as when we consume marijuana or hemp derivatives like cannabidiol (CBD). When this happens, the ECS helps create balance within the body by regulating various physiological functions such as appetite and relaxation.

How Does CBD Oil Help Manage Pain?

CBD oil interacts with the ECS receptors located throughout our bodies which help regulate pain perception. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce inflammation which plays a major role in chronic conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia which can cause intense levels of discomfort and joint stiffness resulting in limited mobility over time. Additionally, research suggests that CBD may also assist individuals suffering from neuropathic pain created by nerve damage by working on both peripheral nerves as well as spinal cord neurons associated with this type of discomfort. 

Can Cannabis Treat Chronic Pain Conditions? 

While more research needs to be conducted on how effective cannabis could potentially be at treating chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis but preliminary evidence suggests it could offer some relief from symptoms associated with these illnesses such as joint stiffness or difficulty sleeping due to extreme levels of discomfort while lying down or trying out new positions during rest periods.