The CBD Craze: Can it Help Your Pain Management Strategy?

As attitudes toward cannabis consumption and laws surrounding marijuana and hemp continue to shift around the nation, one active cannabinoid found in both marijuana and hemp plants is making a mark on the health and wellness industry: Cannabidiol (CBD).

CBD, a non-psychoactive substance extracted from both marijuana and hemp plants, is being used by people for everything from pain management, to epilepsy treatment, to a sleep aid. While the substance does possess demonstrable benefits for some patients, it’s important to learn how to separate the fact from the hype when it comes to CBD.

At Ideal Spine, we believe in the exploration of natural health supplements. The recent spotlight on CBD and flood of accessible CBD extracts is something we’re excited to see take shape.

What, exactly, is CBD?

CBD is consumed in a variety of ways, both by itself and combined with the main psychoactive component of marijuana, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The most common medical applications of CBD, however, are consumed alone and with no added THC or terpenes. This means CBD will not give users the “high” of marijuana.

Many chiropractors and holistic healthcare practitioners across the nation are looking for ways to incorporate this increasingly popular substance into their pain management strategies. It’s important to realize, however, that while CBD may be a worthwhile treatment for some patients, the jury is still out on many of its benefits.

Additionally, selling, prescribing or promoting CBD products may cause healthcare providers to run afoul of local, state, or federal laws.

Drawbacks of CBD as pain management

The most important thing to understand when it comes to CBD’s reputation as a pain management solution is that much of the evidence of its ability to treat pain or other ailments is purely anecdotal.

Due to cannabis’ status as a highly controlled Schedule I drug in the United States, medical research using cannabis is tightly regulated and restricted. Because of this, few scientific studies demonstrating the benefits or drawbacks of CBD are available.

Additionally, CBD production and sales operate in a legal grey area, both federally and in many states. While the use of cannabis for both medical or recreational use is explicitly allowed in some states, other states disallow the sale or possession of any cannabis-based substance, including CBD. This means that all CBD production occurs without oversight by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or other oversight bodies. Some states, however, have implemented regulatory infrastructure controlling the quality of legal cannabis.

Very few CBD patients experience any side effects; those that do, however, report nausea, irritability and trouble sleeping.

Understanding the potential for CBD

Despite the uncertainties, CBD is becoming an increasingly popular way to treat pain for many patients and holistic healthcare professionals.

Part of this popularity is due to the fact that the soothing benefits of CBD oil are enjoyed both when taken orally or when it’s applied topically. Anecdotal evidence suggests a massage using CBD oil, for instance, can go a long way toward relaxing muscles. When taken orally, CBD can reduce anxiety, swelling and chronic pain.

There’s so much about CBD we still don’t know, but early signs are promising that it could one day become a commonplace ingredient in a new wave of non-opioid pain management products.

To learn more about incorporating CBD into your pain management strategy and other ways to innovate patient care at your practice, visit the next Chiropractic BioPhysics seminar near you.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.