Pain Management and Movement
What is pain? It’s something we all experience but it can be somewhat of a mystery. Essentially, pain is a signal that specialized cells within the body transmit to communicate injury or damage to the brain. Without this information we would risk causing our bodies more damage. From an evolutionary standpoint this makes total sense, but once you’re aware of what’s gone wrong it’d be nice if the pain signals would call it quits!
We’re taking a closer look at pain, how to manage it, and how to reclaim movement. How CBD and CBDA can help to alleviate symptoms whether taken topically or internally and discuss preventative measures you can take to avoid pain.
Acute Pain and Chronic Pain
Medically speaking there are two types of pain, acute and chronic. Acute pain does not mean less intense but rather that the pain is caused by an immediate injury and dissipates after a short duration like touching something hot. The other form of pain, chronic pain, lasts for 3 months or longer. This is usually caused by ongoing medical conditions or ailments and the presence of chronic pain often leads to the development of poor mental health and limited mobility.
CBD and CBDA for Pain Management
The use of cannabis to alleviate pain is nothing new. There is a long history with earliest records found in Egyptian medical papyrus dating back as far as 1550 BC. The main way it does so is by reducing inflammation in the body. CBD binds to the endocannabinoid system and reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibits T cell proliferation, induces T cell apoptosis and reduces migration and adhesion of immune cells.
Studies have also found that CBD is an excellent alternative to an opioid for chronic pain because CBD is non-intoxicating in its pure form. The versatility of CBD also makes it a valuable tool to alleviate pain as it can be administered in a variety of ways including topicals, oils, capsules, gummies, inhalants, and even beverages! For those who do not get great relief from CBD or find they are taking larger doses, we recommend trying a CBDA product.
CBDA, or cannabidiolic acid, is the precursor to CBD still in its raw acidic form. What’s the advantage? Studies have shown CBDA to be more bioavailable than the more commonly found CBD. That means you absorb up to 11 times more of a CBDA formula than a CBD one. Because of this higher potency, a little bit can go a long way and you may find you get relief by taking fewer milligrams which
can save you money in the long run.
For best results our registered nurse on staff encourages people to take doses twice a day (morning and evening) to get a full 24 hours of coverage and keep inflammation and pain minimized. Stop in to Cape Ann Botainicals or call to find which CBD or CBDA product is best suited to your needs and we’ll give you recommendations on dosing.
CBD and CBDA Products That Offer Relief for Common Ailments
Arthritis- For arthritis, especially in the hands, the Charlotte’s Web Cream is our go-to. This lotion absorbs quickly and is far less greasy than a salve making it ideal for use on the hands or feet. To tackle arthritis internally we would recommend the Wave Keep Moving tincture. This full spectrum oil is highly potent at 2000mg and combines CBD, CBG, and CBDA plus naturally derived terpenes to specifically target pain and inflammation in the body.
Back Pain- Back pain can come in various forms but it’s always debilitating. To alleviate symptoms externally try the WildFlower Relief stick. This easy-to-use roll on combines CBD with wintergreen, arnica, and eucalyptus to quickly melt away discomfort. For more severe or longer lasting back pain it is worth considering adding the Upstate Elevator 1:1:1 capsules. The combination of CBD, CBG, and CBDA works hard to reduce muscle and nerve inflammation.
Muscular Injury- For muscle or tendon injuries, the CannaTape Sport CBD + Kinesiology Tape works wonders! The infused CBD penetrates the skin to reduce inflammation while the structure of the tape provides support to prevent further injury. To relieve and relax muscles internally, Flora Sophia gummies are a great choice. These full spectrum 20 mg gummies help reduce tension and can alleviate muscular pain.
Headaches- A safe and natural alternative to Advil or Ibuprofen would be the Endoca Raw 10 mg capsules. The combination of CBD and CBDA provide exceptional anti-inflammatory properties in a 10 mg dose that can aid in general discomfort including headaches and migraines. While often overlooked, topicals can be a great tool to alleviate headaches too! The Wave Keep Living roll on is a wonderful option due to its strength (2000 mg) and added botanicals such as lavender, camphor, arnica, and menthol. Be sure to keep application away from the eyes as the menthol could cause mild irritation.
Menstrual Pain- A popular topical remedy for menstrual pain is the Period Patch. The patch provides a steady release of CBD and other natural ingredients for 8-12 hours to reduce pain and discomfort. Just place one patch on the abdomen and you’re good to go! To manage PMS symptoms internally try the Kind Lift capsules. This is a really unique formula combining CBD, saffron, rhodiola, and siberian which can help with energy, mood, and cognitive function.
Nerve Pain- To tackle nerve pain we recommend the highly concentrated Flora Sophia 1200mg Salve. Due to its potency, a little bit goes a long way. To apply, generously rub the salve into the afflicted area and wait 20-30 minutes to gauge relief. Because topicals do not cross the blood-brain barrier you can apply as many times as needed throughout the day. While topicals can provide much relief, the old inside-out method really ensures you deal with pain from all angles. For this we suggest Flora Sophia’s tinctures. The oil comes in a variety of strengths depending on your tolerance and pain levels and is made with the utmost quality and consistency.
While CBD can offer great pain relief taking measures to supplement CBD in the fight to manage pain could be massage, physical therapy, chiropractic, and the use of braces or kinesiology tape.
Links to Recommended Products
Charlotte’s Web Cream
Wave Keep Moving tincture
Wildflower Relief Stick-
Upstate Elevator 1:1:1 30/75mg capsules
CannaTape Sport CBD + Kinesiology Tape-
Flora Sophia Full Spectrum 20 mg gummies-
Endoca Raw 10 mg capsules
Wave Keep Living roll on
Period Patch
Kind Lab Lift capsules-
Flora Sophia Salve CBD 1200mg
Flora Sophia oils
Healer 700mg
Sources
1.https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/pain#:~:text=Pain%20is%20an%20unpleasant%20signal,%2C%20almost%20unnoticeable%2C%20or%20explosive.
2.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553030/#:~:text=Chronic%20pain%20leads%20to%20significantly,for%20suicide%20and%20suicidal%20ideation.
3.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7700528/
4.https://blogs.iu.edu/sciu/2020/10/03/cannabinoids-pain-relief/
5.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9288157/
6.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/#:~:text=Therefore%2C%20it%20has%20been%20suggested,of%20immune%20cells%20%5B66%5D.