Arthritis and cannabis

In France, almost 10% of the population is affected by some form of arthritis. This inflammation causes discomfort, reduces range of movement and stiffens the joints of arthritis sufferers. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which mainly affects adults aged 65 and over.

CBD can provide relief for arthritis sufferers, including the elderly who are most often diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a generic term used to describe 200 rheumatic diseases affecting the joints and their surrounding tissues. It causes inflammation and stiffness to develop suddenly or progressively around one or more joints.

Causes and forms of arthritis

Although more common in the elderly, arthritis can severely impair a person of any age, leaving them unable to work or perform daily tasks. In the United States, arthritis is the most common cause of disability, and high levels of stress and depression are often associated with it.

Genetic causes can be at the root of arthritis, as can obesity, joint damage, infections and occupations requiring repetitive bending or squatting. Immune system dysfunction and abnormal metabolism can also lead to various forms of arthritis, although many rheumatoid diseases are caused by a combination of factors.

Forms of arthritis are divided into seven main categories:

1. Inflammatory arthritis: joints become inflamed for no apparent reason
2. Degenerative or mechanical arthritis: the body tries to remodel the bone to restore stability. Osteoarthritis is one example
3. Soft-tissue musculoskeletal pain: pain felt in tissues rather than joints or bones, affecting overused parts of the body. For example, tennis elbow«
4. Back pain: unspecified pain associated with the muscles, discs, nerves, ligaments, bones or joints of the back, such as osteoporosis.
5. Connective tissue disease: pain in tendons, ligaments and cartilage characterized by inflammation of the skin, muscles, lungs and kidneys.
6. Infectious arthritis: inflammation of a joint caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi (examples of causes include food poisoning, STDs and hepatitis C). Antibiotics can usually treat it
7. Metabolic arthritis: too much uric acid can form sharp crystals in a joint, causing sudden, excruciating pain. Gout is one example

Treatment methods for arthritis

Although they do not cure joint inflammation, analgesics can be prescribed to reduce pain. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be taken to reduce pain and inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to prevent the immune system from attacking inflamed joints. Corticosteroids such as prednisone and cortisone may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.

Exercise can relieve pain and stress for people with arthritis, but nearly a quarter of adults with arthritis report being physically inactive. Dietary changes can manage arthritis, as meats and sugar-rich foods can exacerbate inflammation.

CBD and arthritis

Several recent studies have shown that CBD can be beneficial in the treatment of joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

A 2015 study published in the European Journal of Pain revealed that CBD reduced inflammation and pain in rodents. Notably, CBD's route of administration was topical, which may give hope to arthritis patients looking for a balm to massage painful joints.

Although the results of animal tests do not always reflect human experience, a 2018 study published in the Journal of Headache Pain reported positive results from a cohort of cannabis-using patients. The researchers found that cannabis strains rich in the terpenes caryophyllene and myrcene (the most dominant chemovars on the market at the time of the study) had the best success in treating headaches, high blood pressure and other symptoms. migraines and other pain disorders, including arthritis.

What type of CBD product should I consider for arthritis relief?

CBD products can be taken orally, applied to the skin or inhaled. There are advantages and disadvantages to each.

CBD ingestion

CBD that is swallowed, whether in the form of capsules, food or liquids, is absorbed by the digestive tract. Absorption is slow, and dosing is tricky due to the delayed onset of effect (one to two hours), the unknown effects of stomach acids, recent meals and other factors.

Capsules can work for daily use after a safe and effective capsule dose has been established. Experts discourage taking CBD via edible products, such as jelly beans and cookies, because the dosage is unreliable, and they are attractive to children but don't come in childproof containers. Like all medicines, edible products should be kept out of sight and reach of children.

CBD can also be absorbed directly into the bloodstream by holding the liquid from a spray or tincture (a liquid dosed by a dropper) under the tongue (sublingual) for 60 to 120 seconds. The taste may not be pleasant. Effects can be felt within 15 to 45 minutes.

Topical application of CBD

Topical products, such as lotions and balms, are applied to the skin over a painful joint. It is not known whether these products deliver CBD under the skin. Topical products may also include common over-the-counter ingredients such as menthol, capsaicin or camphor, making it difficult to determine whether a positive effect is due to CBD or another ingredient.

CBD inhalation

CBD can be inhaled via a vape pen or a spray bottle.

What dosage for CBD and arthritis?

Although there are no established clinical guidelines, medical experts recommend the following for adults:

• When preparing to take a liquid form, be aware that the CBD extract is mixed with a carrier oil, so there are two measurements to know: the amount of liquid product to take (the dose) and the amount of CBD in each dose.
• Start with small doses and build up slowly. Start with just a few milligrams of CBD in sublingual form twice a day. If relief is insufficient after two or three days, increase the dose by the same amount. If necessary, increase in small increments over several weeks. If you find relief, continue to take this dose twice a day to maintain a stable level of CBD in the blood.
• After several weeks, if you don't find relief with CBD alone, CBD may not be right for you
• If you experience any undesirable side effects when using a CBD product, discontinue use immediately and inform your doctor.