Cannabidiol (CBD) derived from the hemp plant is gaining popularity due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. This is no wonder, the hemp plant, and its extracts have been used in many oriental medical practices for thousands of years to treat chronic pain. The therapeutic effects of cannabidiol are due to its positive effect on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) by influencing the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The purpose of this article is to give you a better understanding of how CBD is useful for treating spondylitis.
What Is Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that reduces the flexibility of the spinal column due to the vertebrae melding together. This causes weakening of the spinal cord resulting in physical impairments. Apart from this, people suffering from this condition also experience breathing problems, mobility issues, and back pain. Also, it manifests outwardly in the form of a hunched-over stance due to the unbendable spinal cord. Moreover, according to specialists, men are more at risk of developing this condition than women.
The CBD Benefits
CBD or cannabidiol imparts its therapeutic effects by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS. The CB1 receptors are mainly found in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and this is the reason for CBD’s analgesic effect, making it useful for treating both neuropathic and nociceptive pains. CB2 receptors are mainly associated with the nervous system, and this is the major reason for CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects. The ECS regulates many homeostatic functions like pain perception, body temperature, immune system response, endocrine system functioning, etc.
Highly effective CBD products are made from full-spectrum hemp extracts that contain all the cannabinoids naturally found in the plant, including THC. It has been shown from studies that a combination of CBD and THC in the ratio of 1:1 is highly effective for managing chronic pain. Besides, this combination is used in the drug Sativex that is used for treating pain in multiple sclerosis which is a type of neurodegenerative disease.
CBD For Ankylosing Spondylitis
The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of cannabidiol (CBD) make it useful for treating the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. The weakening joints and muscular tension due to this condition causes pain and inflammation. CBD helps to reduce these discomforts due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Also, CBD can be used for this condition in the form of topical products like creams and balms to get quick localized relief. It can also be consumed orally to get systemic relief from these discomforts.
More research is conducted to better understand the efficacy of CBD in treating the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. But it is obvious that CBD is a better option than most pharmaceutical painkillers.
