Joint Pain and CBD Oil: Relief from Chronic Inflammation and Flare-Ups

Written by Jason Brett — Edited by Cathy Rozyczko on September 24, 2021 — Reviewed by Dr. Rosie Carey, GP

If you are one of the millions of people that deal with joint pain on a daily basis, you’re likely on the hunt for something that can offer relief, ideally without causing significant side effects.

Researchers have been actively looking at CBD oil as an alternative form of treatment for joint pain caused by arthritis and other chronic pain conditions, and the results have been promising.

If you or someone you know suffers from joint pain, and are wondering whether CBD oil may be the right choice for you, here’s what you need to know.

Already know you're ready to try CBD oil for joint pain? Head over to the buyer's guide for our top product picks. 

Benefits of Using CBD Oil to Treat Joint Pain

If you’ve been fighting a losing battle against joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, or any other of the chronic conditions that can cause joint pain, it may be time to seek alternative treatment options.

Medications commonly used to combat joint pain, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), can be incredibly effective for some, but in others they may not provide effective relief. Long term use of NSAIDS also comes with the risk of side effects including peptic ulcers and kidney disease; DMARDs may cause stomach upset, liver problems, and lung disease.

Smaller studies have found CBD, in rare instances, to cause only a few side effects, and according to The World Health Organization (WHO), CBD shows minimal risk for abuse or dependence. If you’re taking NSAIDs or DMARDs and are experiencing negative side effects, consider talking to your doctor about working CBD oil into your joint pain treatment regimen.

For people relying on opioids for pain relief, CBD oil can offer a much safer relief option. Opioids carry a high risk for overdose and addiction. Thus far, there have been no reports of fatal overdoses caused by CBD. Additionally, CBD oil is not addictive, and in some instances may have the potential to counter addictive behaviors. And according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), because cannabinoid receptors are not located in the areas of the brainstem that control respiration, they do not present the same health risks of fatal overdose as opioids.

CBD oil may be the gentle—and highly effective—treatment option you’ve been looking for to get rid of inflammation and joint pain once and for all.

How to Use CBD Oil for Joint Pain

Before you try CBD oil, take the time to talk to your doctor. While generally safe, CBD oil can interact with a handful of common medications, and increase the chance you’ll feel side effects. By talking to your doctor, you can determine whether CBD is the best, and safest, option for you.

CBD oil is available in a variety of different preparations, from edibles and vaporizers, to oils and topical skin balms. Depending on the underlying condition that is causing your joint pain, some products may be more suitable than others.

For joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, or other inflammatory conditions, CBD oil tinctures and topicals are the most popular options for their strength and efficiency.

Opting for a CBD oil tincture is one of the most bioavailable ways to take CBD oil for joint pain. CBD tinctures are often highly concentrated and many come in a water-soluble form, making it easier for your body to absorb and use the cannabidiol (CBD). To use a CBD tincture, simply place a few drops of the liquid under your tongue, and shortly thereafter, it will be absorbed through the lining or mucosa of your mouth, offering potential relief in as little as 30 minutes. Using a tincture allows you to combat pain and inflammation systemically, with effects typically lasting 4 to 6 hours.

CBD topicals (lotions, creams, salves) are popular among joint pain patients because they provide targeted relief to specific problem areas. If you deal with joint pain in your hands due to osteoarthritis, for example, simply apply an appropriate amount to your hands for localized relief. When used in topical form, CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties go to work in about an hour, and usually keep inflammation at bay for 6 to 8 hours.

Depending on how severe your joint pain is, a combination of CBD products may be what’s best. CBD oil lotions, creams, gels, and salves will be highly effective in providing localized joint pain relief; CBD oil tinctures and capsules can fight and prevent pain-causing inflammation from the inside out. For sudden pain symptoms, a CBD vape will provide the fastest relief, delivering results instantly. Test out a few different CBD products and brands, keep track of how they affect you, and you’ll find what’s right for your personal needs.

CBD Oil for Joint Pain Dosage

Finding your ideal dosage will also take some patience and experimentation. Dosing is individual and dependent on various factors such as your age, weight, metabolism and genetics. This means there is no single or universal dose that will apply to all people.

Your CBD product should include a dosage recommendation, but if you are looking for a place to start, at CBD Oil Review, we have reviewed and tested many of the leading CBD products out there, and have come up with the following:

The CBD Oil Review Serving Standard is 25mg of CBD, taken twice daily.

If you’re not noticing a difference in your joint pain, try increasing your dose in increments of 25mg once every 3 to 4 weeks until you get the results you’ve been waiting for.

Effectiveness of CBD Oil for Joint Pain

Among CBD oil’s many potential uses, inflammation and pain relief are among the most heavily researched. There are numerous studies that have found CBD oil to offer promising results for those suffering from joint pain, specifically.

In a 2011 study, a synthetic version of CBD reduced inflammatory pain in rats with acute arthritis. It was believed that the “CBD analogue” could target and regulate the receptors that trigger arthritis pain and inflammation.

In another animal study, CBD showed promise as a treatment for osteoarthritis, a common cause of localised joint pain. When CBD was administered at the point of osteoarthritis, it reduced current pain and also blocked future inflammatory flares from causing disease progression.

In 2006, a human-based clinical study was performed on patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients were given the cannabis-based medicine (CBM) Sativex, which contains a 1:1 ratio of CBD:THC. By the end, the THC:CBD solution was found to offer potential relief from joint pain brought on by rheumatoid arthritis. The study even concludes, “In the first ever controlled trial of a CBM in RA, a significant analgesic effect was observed and disease activity was significantly suppressed following Sativex treatment.”

Finally, in a 2016 study in rats, researchers found that a topical preparation of CBD could potentially relieve inflammation and pain brought on by arthritis. The researchers applied a CBD gel to areas of inflammation and joint pain on rats with arthritis. The final results state the, “Transdermal CBD gel significantly reduced joint swelling, limb posture scores,” further bolstering CBD’s potential to act as a solution for targeted joint pain relief. There were no significant side effects associated with the topical application of CBD gel.

If you suffer from joint pain, the results of these studies are hard to ignore. While there’s no guarantee that CBD oil will work for you, with few side effects, it may be worth trying. Furthermore, a CBD topical is much less invasive than a CBD tincture or edible, for example. If you’re hesitant but curious about using CBD oil for your joint pain, a high-quality CBD salve, gel, or lotion is a perfect place to start.

Best CBD Oil for Joint Pain

Only you can determine which CBD oil is the best CBD oil for your joint pain. But as mentioned above, certain types and/or a combination of CBD oil products may be better suited to relieving joint pain and inflammation than others.

For the best results, it is important to buy from a high-quality CBD oil company. Here are some things to look for when choosing your CBD product/brand:

• Buy organic CBD oil.  CBD oil sourced from certified organic hemp will be free from pesticides and herbicides.
• Look for brand transparency.  Reputable CBD producers will have nothing to hide. They will third-party test their CBD extractions for purity and potency, and post up-to-date Certificates of Analysis so you can see exactly what is—and is not—in your CBD oil.
• Verify the label.  Read the Certificate of Analysis to be sure that the labeled amounts of CBD and THC are accurate.
• Know the law.  While CBD oil derived from hemp that contains 0.3% or less THC is legal at the federal level, state laws can vary. Be sure to check the CBD and cannabis laws in your state before making any purchase.

To help you narrow down your options, check out our guide with the best products for combating inflammation.

No matter the reason for your joint pain, current evidence suggests that CBD oil can be an effective anti-inflammatory, pain-reducing agent allowing sufferers to regain mobility and take back their life.

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