How CBD Can Help You Deal With Post-Surgery Pain

Introduction

Postoperative pain is an issue many people have to deal with. In a 2003 survey, approximately 80% of surveyed US adults have experienced pain after surgery. Of these patients, 86% suffered from moderate, severe, or extreme pain. This data shows how big of a role pain medications play in healthcare.

Nowadays, one of the trendy solutions to cope with pain is CBD. This non-psychoactive substance is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties and has won over numerous people with its pain-treating benefits. However, before you buy CBD roll-on for pain, you might want to learn more about this substance and how it can actually help you address your problem.

Besides reducing inflammation, CBD can interact with your endocannabinoid system to provide other benefits. These range from lower anxiety and stress to improved mood and immune-system responses. Read on to discover how CBD can help you manage your pain and what effects you can expect when using it.

What Is CBD?

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in both hemp and marijuana plants. In fact, it is one of the most abundant compounds in the hemp plant. While CBD is often confused with THC, the two compounds are entirely different. Unlike THC, it won’t make you feel high or alter your state of mind. CBD is thought to offer various benefits, including reducing anxiety and inflammation.

CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and then diluting it with a carrier oil, such as coconut or hemp seed oil. However, this substance also comes in other forms, such as CBD gels, oral sprays, tinctures, vapes, lotions, and many others.

CBD and the Endocannabinoid System

CBD is a cannabinoid, which is a class of active compounds found in the cannabis plant. These interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is made up of receptors that are located throughout our bodies. It regulates many processes, including:

• appetite,
• mood,
• memory,
• reproduction and fertility,
• pain perception,
• sleep,
• immune function,
• motor control,
• temperature regulation.

Taking CBD can significantly impact how you feel after your surgery. For example, it can block out the pain and improve your mood. Thanks to it, you can enjoy life to the fullest and forget about the pain.

Let’s take a look at what research has to say about CBD’s effectiveness.

Research on CBD and Pain

Postoperative pain is a complex problem that can have different causes. For example, some people may experience pain because of tissue damage during the surgery. Others may have preexisting conditions that cause chronic pain, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation may help treat pain associated with tissue damage. Its interaction with the ECS may also help relieve other types of pain.

Overall, research on CBD and pain management has been promising.

A 2017 study looked at the use of cannabis-based medicines (CBMs) for pain management. The study conducted a meta-analysis of the issue, looking at publications regarding cannabis-based medication for pain management. Researchers concluded that CBMs might be effective for chronic pain treatment. It means that CBD products, which are cannabis-based, can also help patients reduce chronic and postoperative pain. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Another study looked at the effects of CBD in rats with arthritis. Researchers applied CBD gel to rats for four days in a row. The rats receiving CBD had significantly reduced inflammation and pain in their joints.

Furthermore, a number of studies and surveys have looked at CBD’s effect on people with chronic pain. A 2012 survey of patients’ perspectives and attitudes towards using this substance for pain found that 62% have tried a CBD product, of which 59% concluded that it helped their pain. Several other studies have shown similar results.

Medical cannabis, which contains CBD, is also thought to offer benefits for other forms of chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that 367 people with fibromyalgia who took CBD reported significant improvements in pain and overall quality of life. For instance, pain intensity reduced from a median of nine to five (on a scale from one to ten).

CBD Side Effects

Before you decide to use CBD for postoperative pain treatment, it is necessary to learn more about its side effects. CBD is generally well tolerated and considered safe, but unfortunately, it may cause some reactions, such as dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue. Some people may also experience dizziness or changes in blood pressure.

If you’re using CBD oil, it’s essential to start with a low dose and gradually increase the amount you take over time. Doing this will help you avoid side effects and give your body time to adjust to the effects of CBD.

Conclusion

The list of CBD benefits is long, and we are sure you will find numerous ways to make use of it. Regardless of the reasons you are using CBD, you will surely appreciate the effects it provides.

When it comes down to it, you can use CBD for post-surgery pain in many ways:

• You can topically apply CBD oil to your skin and massage the area;
• You can consume CBD oil orally and get its benefits through your digestive system;
• You can also use CBD tinctures and e-liquid to get CBD in a liquid form.

Once you decide which method is best for you, remember that using CBD for postoperative pain may result in some unwanted side effects. Consequently, you should only start taking CBD after consulting with your doctor or therapist.