CBD Oil for Arthritis: Could CBD Help with Arthritis Pain?
Numerous studies have shown that CBD and CBD products may have positive effects on the body, including improved sleep quality, stress management and anxiety. But what about arthritis and the chronic pain that comes with it? Would CBD oil be a product to recommend to people with arthritis? We tell you all about it in this article.
CBD Oil for Arthritis and Joint Pain: What Do the Studies Say?
Studies have shown that CBD (cannabidiol) could have numerous benefits for our bodies: notably, it could help with sleep quality [1], stress management, anxiety [2] and even addictions [3]. As for the effects of CBD oil on pain and pain management, specifically on arthritis, recent studies have looked into the benefits of CBD for arthritis, and with surprising results. In fact, one specific study published in 2022 highlighted the relationship between CBD use and improved arthritis symptoms in patients, as well as a reduction in the use of other medications. 60.5% of participants in this study reported a reduction or cessation of other medications after CBD use: reduction of anti-inflammatory drugs (31.1%), reduction of acetaminophen (18.2%), reduction of opioids (8.6%), cessation of anti-inflammatory drugs (17.8%), cessation of acetaminophen (17.8%) and cessation of opioids (18.9%). The same study claims that CBD use is associated with a reduction in pain (83%), along with improved physical function (66%) and sleep quality (66%). This could suggest that CBD may indeed help arthritis sufferers and ease the pain this condition causes [4].
CBD Oil for Arthritis Pain: The Limitations of These Studies
It's important to point out that a large proportion of the participants in the above-mentioned study didn't know what type of CBD was contained in the CBD product they were using (CBD isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum CBD). Because of this, the authors were unable to establish a connection between patient-perceived CBD effects and product type. Different types of CBD products with different ways of administration (topical CBD use, oral consumption or vaping) could have varying effects, a point which could not be clearly established in this study [4].
So although these initial results are promising, they are merely the beginning and a lot more investigation needs to be done. If you are already undergoing treatment or wish to incorporate CBD into your treatment for arthritis, we recommend that you discuss this with your doctor first. When it comes to your health and your body, always ask your doctor's advice.
The Difference between Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
You might have noticed that there are different types of arthritis. Arthritis and osteoarthritis are two common conditions affecting the joints. They share common symptoms but have different causes and often different treatments.
Inflammatory Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that can be caused by injury, infection, autoimmune disease or the normal wear and tear of aging. Symptoms of this type of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, limited movement and a feeling of warmth in the affected joints. Rheumatoid arthritis also belongs in this group [5].
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease caused by wear and tear of the protective cartilage covering the bony ends of joints. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain and stiffness, as well as loss of flexibility and creaking or grinding during joint movement [6].
In summary, we can say that both conditions have a direct impact on the joint. If you suspect that you have any form of arthritis or osteoarthritis, it is advisable to seek the advice of a rheumatologist who specializes in joint pain.
How to Use CBD Oil for Arthritis Symptoms
If you're just starting out with CBD oil, stick to the general recommendation to find out which amount works best for you and your symptoms. Everyone's response to cannabinoids is different and finding the right dose might involve some trial and error. We recommend starting with a low dose of 10-20 mg to see how it makes you feel. From there, you can gradually increase the CBD oil dosage until you achieve the desired effects (note that the FSA currently recommends not exceeding 70 mg of CBD per day [7]). Be aware that it might take some time for the benefits of CBD use to show, so be patient.
Harmony CBD oils contain broad-spectrum CBD extract with several cannabinoids in different concentrations, ranging from 1% to 10%. The effects of the CBD oil depend on the CBD concentration of the oil you consume, the quantity you consume and your sensitivity to the effects of CBD. For this reason, it's impossible to make a general recommendation, and you'll need to do different trials to determine the dosage that's right for you.
Again, if you're thinking of starting to take CBD oil to address the symptoms of arthritis and relieve arthritis inflammation and pain, we recommend that you talk to your doctor first!
CBD, Terpenes and Inflammation
CBD is a compound belonging to the phytocannabinoid family. It is extracted from the aerial parts of hemp, a plant primarily grown for its seeds and fibre, native to Central Asia (also known as Cannabis Sativa in Latin). Unlike the well-known THC which can be found in high quantities in marijuana, CBD has no psychotropic effects.
Our CBD comes from ethically-sourced hemp to create a top-quality product. To flavour our premium CBD oils, we exclusively use organic essential oils high in terpenes: the molecules that give a plant its aroma. Terpenes have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and even today scientists continue to demonstrate their many benefits.
In fact, several clinical trials have shown that terpenes have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibiotic, analgesic and pain-relieving properties, among others [8]. When combined with cannabinoids, the analgesic and pain-relieving properties of these terpenes might further help relieve the pain caused by arthritis. It is assumed that terpenes and cannabinoids produce an additive effect when combined: the entourage effect, where they reinforce each others properties [9].
CBD for Arthritis Pain Relief: Conclusion
In conclusion, CBD could be beneficial as a complementary treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and could help the action of anti-rheumatic drugs that modify the course of the disease [10]. At Harmony, we offer several CBD products including CBD oils and topicals with different CBD concentrations. You can discover them on our website. If you have any questions about our products, please don't hesitate to contact us.
written by
anna falk - head of product
As the Head of Product at Harmony, Dr Anna Falk leads the development of our products and provides expert tips for your wellness. With over 10 years of experience in the research and development of natural products, her work is based on rigorous scientific studies.
Anna is an award-winning, internationally published researcher with a PhD in Organic Chemistry. She applies her expertise to develop Harmony's certified products that support your overall well-being. From research to development, she ensures that our products are of the highest quality and meet the highest standards.
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[6] "Osteoarthritis" - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases — link to source
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[9] LaVigne, Justin & Hecksel, Ryan & Keresztes, Attila & Streicher, John. (2021). Cannabis sativa terpenes are cannabimimetic and selectively enhance cannabinoid activity. Scientific Reports. 11. — link to source
[10] Lowin, T., Tingting, R., Zurmahr, J. et al. Cannabidiol (CBD): a killer for inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts. Cell Death Dis 11, 714 (2020). — link to source
