The Role of CBD in Pain Relief by Dr Lacey (Doctor of Chiropractic)

In recent years, CBD (cannabidiol) has gained significant attention as a natural alternative for pain relief. Derived from the hemp plant, CBD is often praised for its ability to alleviate pain without the psychoactive effects of THC, another compound found in cannabis. While CBD may offer a safer profile compared to many pharmaceutical painkillers, it’s important to understand its limitations. Specifically, like any pain relief method, CBD addresses symptoms rather than the underlying causes of pain.

Understanding Pain and Its Causes

Pain is a complex, multifaceted experience, often signalling an underlying issue within the body. Common causes of pain include:

1. Musculoskeletal Problems: Issues like back pain, neck pain, ligament sprains, and joint dysfunctions can lead to chronic pain.
2. Inflammation: Conditions such as arthritis involve inflammation that causes significant discomfort.
3. Nerve Irritation: Compression or irritation of nerves, as seen in conditions like sciatica or carpal tunnel syndrome, can result in pain.

Addressing these root causes is essential for effective and long-term pain management.

CBD and Pain Relief

CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Many people report mild relief when using CBD for various types of pain, including:

1. Back Pain: Often caused by poor spinal alignment, tension, poor posture, or spinal issues. CBD may help reduce inflammation and provide temporary mild relief.
2. Neck Pain: Commonly results from muscle tension, poor ergonomics, or injuries like whiplash. CBD may alleviate some discomfort but is often less effective in severe cases.
3. Headaches: Most headaches are cervicogenic (originating from the cervical spine) and result from joint misalignment, tension, or inflammation. Other less common types include migraines and sinus headaches. CBD may offer mild and temporary relief by reducing the frequency and severity of headaches.

While CBD can help manage these symptoms, it’s crucial to recognise that it does not address the root cause of the pain. Instead, it acts as a temporary solution, offering relief without resolving the underlying issue.

The Problem with Masking Pain

Relying on CBD or any pain relief method without addressing the root cause can lead to prolonged suffering and potentially worsen the condition. Here’s why:

1. Delayed Diagnosis: Masking pain can delay the diagnosis and treatment of the underlying issue. Persistent back pain, for instance, might be due to a herniated disc or spinal misalignment requiring specific interventions.
2. Risk of Dependency: Even natural options like CBD can lead to dependency if used continuously without seeking proper treatment.
3. Progression of Condition: Without addressing the root cause, the condition may worsen over time, leading to more severe symptoms and possibly requiring more invasive treatments.

The Importance of a Proper Diagnosis

For effective and lasting pain relief, it is essential to seek the expertise of a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor. Chiropractors specialise in diagnosing and treating the root causes of pain. Here’s how a chiropractor can help:

1. Comprehensive Assessment: Chiropractors perform thorough evaluations, including physical exams and diagnostic imaging if necessary, to identify the underlying cause of pain.
2. Personalised Treatment Plans: Based on the diagnosis, chiropractors create individualised treatment plans, which may include spinal adjustments, stretches, neuromuscular re-education exercises, lifestyle modifications, and traction.
3. Long-term Solutions: By addressing the root cause, chiropractic care aims to provide lasting relief and improve overall function and quality of life. Patients often report additional benefits such as improved mood, increased energy, and better sleep.

Conclusion

While CBD offers a safer, less harmful alternative for pain relief compared to many pharmaceuticals, it’s important to use it judiciously. CBD can help manage symptoms and provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying causes of pain. For lasting relief, seek the expertise of a professional who can diagnose and treat the root issue.

Before turning to any form of pain relief, consider consulting with a chiropractor to develop a comprehensive plan that tackles the underlying problem and promotes long-term health and well-being. Your body deserves more than just temporary relief; it deserves a path to recovery and sustained wellness.