In my practice, I have started looking for alternatives to traditional opioids and anti-inflammatories for arthritis pain, post-surgical pain after joint replacement, and ongoing severe chronic pain. There have been growing concerns about opioid dependency and side effects or medication interactions from anti-inflammatories which have led to an increased interest in finding safer options. I have found CBD to be an extremely effective alternative
Cannabidiol, or CBD, has gained immense popularity in recent years for its wide range of potential health benefits. Derived from the hemp plant, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce the "high" associated with THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Instead, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes such as pain, inflammation, mood, and sleep. For individuals dealing with chronic pain, recovering from joint replacement surgery, or seeking relief from anxiety and insomnia, CBD may offer a natural alternative to traditional treatments.
1. CBD for Arthritis Pain Relief
Arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, causing joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Many individuals with arthritis are turning to CBD as a complementary option to help manage their symptoms.
CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from arthritis. Inflammation is a key contributor to the pain and discomfort associated with conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. By targeting the inflammation pathways, CBD may help reduce swelling and ease the pain that affects mobility and quality of life.
2. Post-Joint Replacement Surgery Recovery
Recovering from a hip or knee replacement surgery often involves managing significant postoperative pain and inflammation. This is where CBD can potentially offer a natural alternative or an effective complement to decrease the use of prescription pain medications. Opioids, commonly prescribed after surgery, can be effective but carry the risk of addiction and other side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, and addiction.
CBD helps manage pain by interacting with the body's pain receptors and inflammatory pathways. Its anti-inflammatory effects can assist in reducing swelling and promoting faster healing in the surgical area, allowing patients to start their rehabilitation journey sooner and with greater comfort. Moreover, since CBD lacks the addictive properties of opioids, it offers a safer option for individuals seeking pain relief during the post-surgery recovery period. And, it doesn’t carry the risk of side effects to the stomach and kidneys that anti-inflammatories have.
3. Improved Sleep Quality
Adequate rest is crucial for the healing process, especially for those recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions like arthritis. However, pain and discomfort often disrupt sleep, creating a vicious cycle where poor sleep worsens pain and slows recovery.
CBD may help address sleep disturbances by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, both of which are common reasons people struggle to sleep. CBD interacts with the brain’s serotonin receptors, which can influence mood and stress levels. By promoting a sense of calm, CBD may help individuals fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restful sleep.
4. Anxiety and Stress Reduction
In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety and stress are common issues that can negatively impact overall health. CBD’s calming properties have been widely recognized, with many users reporting relief from anxiety and stress after incorporating CBD into their wellness routine.
CBD works by interacting with receptors in the brain that regulate mood and stress responses. Research published in Neurotherapeutics highlighted the potential of CBD to reduce anxiety in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For those recovering from surgery or dealing with chronic pain conditions like arthritis, the added stress of managing these health challenges can be overwhelming. CBD offers a natural way to reduce anxiety and enhance emotional well-being, which can, in turn, promote better healing and recovery.
Key Benefits of CBD:
- Reduces inflammation: Post-surgical, arthritis, and chronic pain is often tied to swelling and inflammation, and CBD's anti-inflammatory properties can help mitigate these issues.
- Improves sleep and decreases anxiety: Many patients experience disturbed sleep and even anxiety during recovery due to pain. CBD can promote relaxation and improve the quality of sleep, aiding the healing process by allowing our patients to get well-needed rest.
- No addiction risk: Unlike opioids, CBD does not carry the risk of dependency or withdrawal symptoms.
- Versatile administration: CBD is available in many forms, including topical creams, tinctures, capsules, and edibles, allowing patients to choose a method that suits their needs and preferences.
- Doesn’t require a prescription: Because CBD is safe, it can be obtained over the counter and doesn’t require a trip to the doctor. Many patients stay on it long after surgery because of the benefits of improved sleep, mood, body aches, and overall better sense of well-being.
I strongly recommend buying CBD from reputable sources, as supplements are not regulated and can unfortunately not have the ingredients in them that are advertised.Corganics is the best one I have found, with peer-reviewed scientific articles to back up its effectiveness. It is only available through healthcare providers but doesn’t need a prescription.
Scan the QR code below or click Corganics for the ordering site and check out their educational resources for a more in-depth look at how CBD works. Type in the code EHMKE to access and get my pricing.
Author: Dr. Andrew Ehmke is a fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon specializing in minimally invasive robotic hip and knee replacement in Munster, Indiana.
