Can CBD help with rheumatism?

Rheumatism (or rheumatoid arthritis) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects more than 200,000 Spaniards

Your physical symptoms of pain and fatigue often translate into emotional symptoms such as stress and anxiety. Treatments for this disease range from reducing the symptoms to trying to slow down the degenerative disease so that the patient can regain their quality of life. A combination of painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids is used to treat pain, which is very aggressive and has different side effects. There are now scientific studies that suggest that some of the properties of CBD could be beneficial in the fight against this disease, so in the following article we are going to tell you why you should try CBD as a natural complement to your rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

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What is rheumatism?

Joint pain is one of the most common symptoms of arthritis. The joint lining becomes inflamed, invades nearby tissues and releases chemicals that destroy the joint tissues. These gradually lose elasticity and gain rigidity. Although people of all ages can be affected, rheumatoid arthritis commonly begins in middle-aged adults. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the joints in the hands and feet, as well as the hips, knees, and elbows. Without proper treatment, rheumatoid arthritis can become a chronic, disabling condition.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is not an inherited disease. However, scientists hypothesize that some people have genes that make them susceptible to rheumatism. Being a carrier of this type of gene does not mean you will automatically develop rheumatoid arthritis. There is usually a «trigger», such as an infection or an environmental factor, that activates these genes. When the body is exposed to one of the triggers, the immune system fails to respond inappropriately. Instead of protecting the joint, the immune system begins to produce substances that attack the joint. This is how rheumatoid arthritis usually begins.

The symptoms of rheumatism

The most common symptoms of rheumatic disease are joint pain, stiffness in the morning or at rest, and swelling. Other symptoms that may also appear with the disease are

Hot or burning sensation in the joints
Contractures and deformities
Anemia and weakness due to lack of red blood cells
General malaise such as fever, anorexia, and fatigue.
Foot pains, bunions, and stiff toes
Nodules and lumps around the joints, especially in the elbows

People with rheumatoid arthritis often have several joints affected throughout their body from their hands, feet, arms and legs to the joints in their cervical spine.

How to treat rheumatism?

First of all, if you suspect you may have this disease, do not hesitate to go directly to a specialist. Rheumatoid arthritis is a degenerative disease that must be treated as soon as possible to avoid serious sequelae.

Traditional treatments to relieve the symptoms of rheumatism and slow its progression include:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and inflammation.
Steroids: corticosteroids also to eliminate pain and inflammation.
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)-This group of drugs focuses on slowing the progression of the disease and the deterioration of tissues.

This whole string of drugs has serious side effects if taken over the long term such as liver damage and degeneration of bone tissue. Therefore, in some cases of milder arthritis, these side effects are not considered to outweigh the improvement of the patient’s symptoms.

How can CBD work on rheumatism?

CBD could complement or replace some of the aforementioned drugs as a natural and harmless alternative for our body in the long term. Although it cannot be said at this time that CBD directly attacks rheumatic disease, many of the benefits of cannabidiol oil can help with some of the symptoms and consequences of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Here’s how you can supplement your treatment with small doses of CBD.

CBD as an anti-inflammatory for rheumatism

As already mentioned, one of the main causes of joint pain and stiffness in rheumatism. Nowadays, after a large amount of scientific studies that support it, there is no doubt that CBD is an exceptional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, so it could help to reduce inflammation in the tissues surrounding your joints, thus improving the symptoms of inflammation and stiffness of rheumatism.

CBD oil as an analgesic against rheumatic pains

CBD supports the generation of endocannabinoids in your endocannabinoid system and acts as an agonist by increasing the levels of anandamide running through your body. Anandamide has a soothing and analgesic effect that helps you feel less pain. This 2011 study in rats suggests that cannabidiol may attenuate inflammation, prevent pain and nerve damage in the early stages of osteoatritis.

CBD massage to relieve joint pain

In addition to your sublingual CBD drops, you can complement your treatment by massaging your affected areas. Dilute a few drops of CBD oil in your favorite massage oil or ointment and apply it to your joints gently until it is finally absorbed. You’ll notice relief and relaxation. This scientific article claims that topical application of concentrated CBD oils reduces inflammation and joint pain in rats.

CBD to get homeostasis

Sometimes the cause of the inflammation of the tissues around your joints derives from other problems in your body. CBD, by supporting the endocannabinoid system, is able to contribute to homeostasis, i.e. it helps all your systems to work properly.

Cannabidiol oil for better rest

One of the consequences of suffering from an illness as painful as rheumatism is insomnia. One of the most reiterated effects by CBD users (and one of the first they notice) is how a few drops of cannabidiol oil help them sleep better and even induce sleep.
Taking CBD could help with those sleepless nights.
caused by rheumatic pain.

CBD for depression caused by rheumatism

On the other hand, many rheumatism patients may become frustrated or depressed because of their situation. Fatigue and chronic pain prevent them from leading a normal active life and lead to stress and emotional illness. CBD may help to calm the symptoms of these psychological illnesses by functioning as a natural anxiolytic and antidepressant.

In any case, before starting any CBD treatment, go to your doctor and tell him/her about your intentions. Although CBD is a totally safe substance on its own, it may interfere with the other medications you are taking to cure your rheumatism.