Arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that is reasonably common yet often misunderstood. It refers to joint inflammation and is known as a rheumatic condition. Arthritis, which has over 100 varieties, is a primary cause of disability worldwide, mainly affecting women and the elderly.
The symptoms of arthritis are numerous, ranging from joint pain to stiffness and limited range of motion. Osteoarthritis is the most frequent kind of arthritis, but gout, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are also prevalent.
According to the Global RA Network, rheumatic disorders are characterized by pain, discomfort, stiffness, and inflammation, and they impact more than 350 million people worldwide. Because there is no cure for arthritis, finding ways to minimize symptoms and enhance a person’s quality of life is critical.
Many patients use medical marijuana to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and other muscular aches and pains.
The Arthritis and Medical Cannabis Connection
Medical cannabis might effectively treat the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, one of its primary health benefits. There’s evidence that medicinal marijuana can assist with long-term discomfort, a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. According to anecdotal evidence, several strains can help with arthritis pain, you can get more information on nuken strain here.
THC and CBD are the two most researched components among the hundreds of chemicals discovered inside the Cannabis Sativa plant. THC and CBD have been shown to help persons with rheumatic disorders like osteoarthritis.
Cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are found in the body’s endocannabinoid system. The bulk of our CB1 receptors is linked to cognitive functions such as memory, emotion, hunger, and thinking. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are found in the immune system and are in charge of how your body reacts to inflammation and pain.
THC binds to CB1 receptors, whereas CBD only affects CB2 receptors but does not bind to them. Instead, it stimulates the body to generate more cannabinoids, which positively impacts the body’s pain and inflammatory responses.
CBD or THC for Arthritis Pain Relief?
Pain is a common symptom of arthritic disorders, and its influence on pain scores across several ailments is a crucial part of the appeal of cannabis for arthritis. The effectiveness of THC and CBD (together and individually) in treating pain has been studied.
More human research and dose trials are needed to understand better which cannabis formulations will best relieve arthritic pain.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are commonly used for pain. Because CBD oil is known to block pain via the same pathways as these mainstream pharmaceuticals, it makes CBD oil an effective comparison therapy.
THC’s effects on pain, unlike CBD, are due to its involvement with the endocannabinoid system. And this is another possible therapy for arthritis.
The Endocannabinoid System’s Role in Arthritis Treatment
The relevance of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in human health has been well documented throughout the last 20 years. Cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids (cannabis-like compounds produced naturally by the body) are part of this system, which control our circadian rhythm, hunger, mood, pain signaling, etc.
Cannabinoid receptors are abundant throughout the central nervous system and immunological cells and organs. The positions of these receptors correspond to significant characteristics of arthritis pathogenesis and presentation.
The ECS’s interactions with the immune system (which influences inflammation) and the neurological system (which controls pain processes) strongly suggest that it might be used to treat arthritis.
Animal tests are far ahead of human clinical trials and have provided a solid foundation for further research into the ECS as a therapy option. In severe osteoarthritis models, CBD reduced inflammation, pain neuron activity, and pain-related behaviors in rats when used early in osteoarthritis therapy.
While rat studies may appear uninteresting, these are some early examples of CBD’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving abilities in a particular osteoarthritis scenario.
How Can Medical Cannabis Aid in the Treatment of Arthritis?
Various medicinal cannabis products can help with arthritic pain. For example, patients with arthritis can benefit from CBD oil or cannabis cream. The journal Pain reported that cannabis effectively prevents joint neuropathy, reduces joint inflammation, and protects the nerves from harm.
Another study released in the Therapeutic and Clinical Risk Management report suggested that marijuana might assist persons with multiple sclerosis and cancer manage their pain. Medical cannabis for arthritis can be prescribed in several forms, including pills, oils, topical treatments, sweets, etc.
The products available on the market can help you manage the pain and inflammation associated with your condition, regardless of whether you have arthritis or osteoarthritis.
How Does Cannabis Compare To Other Arthritis Therapies?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and paracetamol are currently used to treat arthritis, and if these over-the-counter medications are ineffective, opioids are frequently administered.
Considering marijuana’s recent popularity because of its opioid-sparing effects and the actuality that up to 60% of arthritis patients are dissatisfied with the pain management they are currently getting, it appears clear that cannabis could provide an equivalent treatment option. Still, more research is needed to confirm this possibility.
Final Thoughts
Arthritis is among the most frequent diseases in the world. With that kind of high incidence in public, it’s no surprise that medicinal cannabis has sparked a surge of interest in treating this degenerative and painful ailment.
When first-line pain treatments have failed to provide appropriate symptom management, medicinal cannabis may be explored. Just be sure you speak with your doctor first.