CAN CBD HELP IN SHOULDER PAIN?

CBD is a component of marijuana. It does not trigger the drug's intoxication effects. You won't get high on this product since it doesn't contain THC, the chemical that causes marijuana users to feel euphoric. Because of this, researchers have tried utilizing marijuana extracts for medicinal reasons, such as alleviating anxiety symptoms and pain, but the results have been mixed. Anyone who has ever suffered from shoulder discomfort knows how disruptive it can be to their day-to-day activities. These two locations are particularly vulnerable to damage due to their high degree of motion. Again, the shoulder is vulnerable to injury because of its ball-and-socket joint configuration and wide range of motion. In certain cases, traditional methods of treating shoulder discomfort don't give the relief patients need, or they involve the use of potentially harmful narcotic medicines. Fortunately, cannabis has shown anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving characteristics that may benefit those suffering from shoulder discomfort.

Frozen Shoulder

Pandey & Madi (2021) explained that a frozen shoulder is the medical term for a condition in which you cannot move your shoulder due to stiffness and dull or aching discomfort. Shoulder discomfort may also radiate up your arm to the muscles surrounding your shoulder. One may also feel this feeling in the upper arm. Becoming a good night's sleep might be tough if your discomfort worsens at night. Women are more likely to suffer from frozen shoulder than males, and there's a 20% to 30% possibility that the condition may spread to the opposite shoulder.

Stages Of Frozen Shoulder

Freezing Stage

This stage is marked by discomfort in your shoulder whenever it's moved and a degree of limitation in your range of movement. It may extend from six to nine months, depending on the circumstances. The discomfort is generally stronger at night, making it difficult to get a good night's rest.

Frozen period

The stiffness and immobility continue to worsen throughout the frozen period. It may last anywhere from four to twelve months. It is the most difficult time since one of the arms cannot function.

Thawing or Recovery

It is the last step when your range of motion starts to return. It might take anything from six months to two years.

Causes for Shoulder pain

They include;

• Strains caused by excessive effort
• Overuse of tendons results in tendonitis.
• Instability of the shoulder joint.
• Dislocation
• Bone fractures in the upper arm or collar
• Shivering in the cold
• Radiculopathy is another term for pinched nerves.

If you have a certain form of pain, there is a standard course of therapy. You may treat soft tissue injury with ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or naproxen (Aleve or Naprosyn). However, your doctor may also prescribe acetaminophen, other muscle relaxants, and pain medicines. Less intrusive treatments may include heat or cold applications and exercises to improve mobility. A corticosteroid injection may be used to treat shoulder arthritis. Surgical intervention may also be necessary for spinal cord or nerve roots situations.

How Beneficial Is CBD In Joint Pain?

The endocannabinoid system is a cell signaling mechanism found in everyone (ECS). It is thought that CBD affects the ECS receptors in your body, particularly your immune system. ECS receptors activate your cells in response to chemical signals, providing an anti-inflammatory impact that lowers pain and swelling. Miller & Miller (2017) explained that using products containing cannabidiol, such as CBD, may help alleviate joint discomfort, whether acute or chronic. Because everyone's experience of pain is unique, finding the optimal ratio of THC to CBD may need some testing on your part. THC-rich strains provide body-melting highs that some individuals prefer for pain relief. Because it's calming but not intoxicating,Leszko & Meenrajan (2021) explained that CBD is a popular treatment for pain for certain individuals.

Science And CBD

Tick et al. (2018) explained that people increasingly turn to medicinal marijuana to relieve minor and major pain in their necks and shoulders. Traditional medication might create adverse responses in some individuals, and others may choose to steer clear of opioids altogether due to the escalating opioid crisis. Additionally, many scientific studies support the many anecdotal accounts of people who have found relief from pain while using cannabis.

Do You Know How To Take Your Medication Properly?

Various CBD products may be used internally (in the form of tinctures or capsules) and externally (as a lotion or balm). It's possible that combining the two methods may hasten recuperation time. Three times a day, 10 milligrams of a THC/CBD cannabis blend (or even 50 milligrams of pure CBD isolate) and a topical cream applied to the shoulder three times a day are usual regimens. Other cannabinoids in the acid form include cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid). Raw, unheated cannabis contains these forms, which are not psychotropic. Combining all three cannabinoids, which bind to receptors other than the neutral CBD and THC, increases the likelihood of alleviation. When utilizing a topical, applying it before beginning any physical therapy exercises is advisable to lessen the risk of inflammation and discomfort. Tendons that have been paralyzed may be loosened by tearing apart "frozen" tissues. As a result of cannabis and CBD's muscle-relaxing qualities, frozen tissues may be released, one can extend tendons, and one can improve shoulder mobility. Curry et al. (2021) stated that a cannabis sleep aid might be beneficial if your sleep is being disrupted by frozen shoulder discomfort. The most common method is to provide a THC-rich Indica cannabis strain dosage. Unfortunately, CBD seldom induces sleep; thus, insomnia will improve if inflammation and discomfort are reduced. If your frozen shoulder is serious, you may need to continue taking this low-dose cannabis program for months or even years. Your healing period is likely less time-consuming if you begin early in the process. Once the inflammation in the shoulder has subsided, a daily maintenance dosage of 10 mg may help prevent recurrent flare-ups.

Conclusion

If you're suffering from chronic pain, you'll need to discover a method of pain relief that works for you, whether that's via standard therapy or medicinal marijuana. To begin with, make an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss your symptoms and potential therapy choices.

References

Curry, L., Pike, M., Lynch, M., Marcon, D., & Sawynok, J. (2021). Observational Study of Qigong as a Complementary Self-Care Practice at a Tertiary-Care Pain Management Unit. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021.

Leszko, M., & Meenrajan, S. (2021). Attitudes, beliefs, and changing cannabidiol (CBD) oil use trends among caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 57, 102660.

Miller, R. J., & Miller, R. E. (2017). Is cannabis an effective treatment for joint pain? Clin Exp Rheumatol, 35(5), 59-67.

Pandey, V., & Madi, S. (2021). Clinical Guidelines in the Management of Frozen Shoulder: An Update!. Indian Journal of Orthopaedics, 55(2), 299-309.

Tick, H., Nielsen, A., Pelletier, K. R., Bonakdar, R., Simmons, S., Glick, R., ... & Zador, V. (2018). Evidence-based nonpharmacologic strategies for comprehensive pain care: the consortium pain task force white paper. Explore, 14(3), 177-211.