Non-addictive and natural pain relief is an emerging concept in healthcare, and CBD oil is at the forefront. But what exactly is it, and how does it work?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the hemp plant, Cannabis Sativa. Unlike THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD does not produce a “high” and is not considered addictive. Instead, it is believed to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain, mood, appetite, and other bodily functions.
CBD oil, a concentrated form of CBD, is usually extracted from hemp plants using carbon dioxide or solvents. It can come in various forms, including topical products, edibles, and tinctures that you apply under your tongue.
Research shows that CBD oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, making it an attractive alternative to traditional painkillers. In fact, it has been proven to be effective for some people with chronic and cancer-related pain. CBD oil has also been shown to help alleviate anxiety, depression, and symptoms associated with epilepsy.
Can CBD Oil Help with Ureteral Stent-Related Pain?
Ureteral Stent-related pain can be a significant issue for many patients. After a procedure like ureteroscopy, patients often have a ureteral stent placed during recovery. A ureteral stent is a tube that is placed between the kidney and bladder to help urinary draininge during healing. However, it sometimes causes symptoms such as urgency, frequency, and flank pain. Narcotics are often used for pain relief, but due to addictive potential, we are always looking for non-narcotic alternatives.
Enter CBD oil. The cannabinoid receptors that respond to CBD are found in the bladder, kidney, testes, prostate, and vas deferens. Therefore, it may be possible to stimulate these receptors to alleviate pain and bladder dysfunction. To test the effects of CBD oil on stent-related pain, researchers conducted a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. The study involved 90 patients who had undergone ureteroscopy and had a stent placed afterward. Half of the patients received a placebo, while the other half received 20 milligrams of CBD oil.
All patients self-administered the oil for three days postoperatively, and their opioid use and side effects were monitored. The study was considered a gold standard type of research as all patients and physicians were blinded. While CBD oil was found to be safe and well-tolerated in the study on pain control, it did not significantly reduce pain scores, opioid use, or stent-related symptoms. There may be room to explore higher doses for pain control, as FDA-approved indications for CBD oil use involve significantly higher doses. It is important to note that the study had limitations, including a small number of patients and the use of the lowest dose available to minimize side effects.
Other Potential Benefits of CBD Oil
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD oil, there have been promising results for various other conditions and symptoms.
Here are a few examples:
- Acne: CBD oil has been shown to reduce sebum (oil) production and possess anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce acne.
- Heart Health: Some studies have shown that CBD may help improve heart health by reducing blood pressure.
- Multiple Sclerosis: CBD may help reduce muscle spasms and pain associated with multiple sclerosis.
- Anxiety and Depression: Anxiety and depression are common mental health conditions that can impact quality of life. CBD has shown promise as a treatment for both conditions, including reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
It is important to note that while CBD oil has been deemed safe by the World Health Organization and the FDA, there can be side effects, including dry mouth, dizziness, and changes in appetite. Additionally, CBD oil may interact with some medications, so it is important to talk with your doctor before use.
In conclusion, while CBD oil may not have been found to significantly reduce stent-related pain in the study mentioned, the potential benefits of CBD oil for various other conditions and symptoms cannot be ignored. As always, it is important to speak with your doctor before trying any new treatment, including CBD oil. With more research being conducted every day, we can expect to learn more in the coming years about the potential benefits and uses of CBD oil in healthcare.
