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CBD & Neuropathy

By Dr. Frank Michalski

Neuropathy, in short, is described as nerve pain. Those suffering from neuropathy know it's no joke, chronic or acute, neuropathy hurts! Neuropathy is a disease or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, typically causing numbness or weakness. Peripheral neuropathy often occurs in the areas of the hands and the feet. 

People often describe this nerve pain as a stabbing, burning, or tingling. If you have ever had sciatica pain, that is an example of neuropathic pain. Other symptoms of neuropathy can include: 

  • Issues with digestion 
  • Sweating 
  • Sexual Dysfunction 
  • Heaviness in feet/ hands. 
  • Muscle Weakness and wasting 
  • Decreased Reflexes
  • Nocturnal Pain
  • Bowel and bladder dysfunction (may require immediate attention) 

Neuropathy can be the result of many different reasons: 

  • Trauma is a common cause of neuropathy. Injuries to the back or spinal cord may result in numbness, tingling, and pain into the hands and feet. These feelings accompany a "pinched nerve." Of course, it is essential to work with a medical professional to determine the cause of the pinched nerve (arthritis, stenosis, disc herniation/ bulge, tumor, or autoimmune disease).
  • Repeated stress is a common cause of nerve pain.  A prime example of this type of nerve pain is carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel is often the result of repetitive movements involving the hands and wrist.
  • Metabolic disorders, such as type two diabetes. Numbness and tingling in the feet may eventually progress, creating a heavy feeling in the feet.
  • Vasculitis or inflammation of blood vessels in the body.
  • Autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s disease are all common causes of neuropathy.
  • Tumor or bone marrow disorders.
  • Kidney disease, liver disease, hypothyroidism.
  • Alcoholism
  • Medication side effects
  • Vitamin decencies, such as vitamin B.
  • Virus infections such as Epstein-Barr, West Nile, shingles, and herpes simplex virus can all result in neuropathy.
  • Anxiety can also result in neuropathy.  

    It is always important to work with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the root cause of the neuropathy. Neuropathy is often the symptom of a more significant issue.


    Traditional Neuropathy Treatments

    Conventional treatments for neuropathy are dependent upon the cause of the condition. For example, if someone is suffering from nerve pain in their leg due to a back injury, the neuropathy may be treated with chiropractic care, physical therapy, over the counter NSAID, steroid injections, pain killers, exercise, cold laser therapy, or surgery.   

    If a person is suffering from an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or MS, they will most likely receive a course of steroids, immunotherapy, and gabapentin to help with the nerve pain. If an individual is suffering from an endocrine disease such as diabetes, decreasing blood sugar levels may improve the neuropathy symptoms. If the person is suffering from a virus infection, the neuropathy may improve with time.  

    There is no cure for those suffering from chronic neuropathy. 

    CBD & Neuropathy

    For those suffering from chronic neuropathy, topical application of CBD may be beneficial. The skin has a very high concentration of CB2 receptors. This makes topical application of CBD beneficial in many cases.

    When consumed orally, CBD works by reducing the perception of pain. CBD "quiets" the pain signal sent from the injured nerve to the brain. 

    According to CBD A Patients Guide to Medical Cannabis, “at least ten randomized, controlled trials on over one thousand patients have demonstrated the efficacy of cannabinoids for neuropathic pain. Other studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids can reduce the amount of opioid medication needed, lessen the buildup of tolerance, and reduce the severity of withdrawals.” 


    CBD has also been shown to be a potent anti-inflammatory. Pain often results from inflammation. Decreased inflammation may result in decreased pain.

    CBD May Indirectly Improve Neuropathy

    As stated above, there are many causes of neuropathic pain. CBD may indirectly benefit some of the above causes of pain. For example, if one is suffering neuropathy due to a vial/ immune system dysfunction. CBD has been shown to help support a healthy immune response. A well-regulated immune system may, in turn, decrease neuropathic symptoms.

    Diabetes is a disease of inflammation. Diabetes is also a common cause of neuropathy. By supporting a healthy inflammatory response, could CBD improve neuropathy? It's not that far-fetched of an idea! CBD has been shown to help improve sleep. Your body recovers from injuries during periods of rest. Many people who suffer from neuropathic pain also have insomnia. Improved sleep may result in decreased pain. 

    CBD DOSAGE

    CBD dosage will depend on the individual. Most people should respond to a serving of 10mg-100mg daily. It is recommended splitting the serving into two or three separate dosages consumed morning, afternoon, and evening. It is best to start slow and increase until the desired effect is achieved.

    Most of those suffering from chronic pain choose to purchase the 3500mg CBD option as well as the topical 500mg pain balm. The 3500mg CBD oil allows for the ability to increase dosage as necessary. Please view the video on dosage.

    THC, in addition to CBD, may be necessary for some people hoping to achieve pain relief. Please discuss the use of medical marijuana with a qualified health care professional.

     

    *This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Frank Michalski and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Frank Michalski nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program.


    Sincerely, 

    Dr. Frank Michalski



    Sources:


    1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061 
    2. CBD A Patients Guide To Medical Cannabis 
    3. CBD What You Need To Know