CBD for Nerve Pain Relief

Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, is tough to live with. It often feels like a sharp, burning, or tingling sensation, making even the simplest everyday tasks difficult. While medications are available to treat nerve pain, they don’t work for everyone and may come with unwanted side effects. 

If you’re experiencing any sharp, burning, or tingling sensations in your feet, legs, hands or arms, and traditional painkillers aren’t helping with your symptoms, read on to find out how CBD and other forms of medical cannabis may help improve your symptoms. 

Common Symptoms of Nerve Pain

In the UK, it’s estimated that around 7 in every 100 people live with chronic nerve pain (neuropathic pain). This type of pain can result from conditions like diabetes, shingles, multiple sclerosis, or even after an injury or surgery. 

Nerve pain can present differently in each person, but common symptoms include a burning, stabbing, or tingling sensation in your feet, legs, hands or arms. Some experience numbness or shooting pains, while others might find even light pressure painful.

Nerve pain can make simple activities like walking or sleeping difficult. Sitting still can also be uncomfortable, leading to chronic fatigue and stress. 

Can CBD and THC Help with Nerve Pain?

CBD is a cannabinoid extracted from the whole cannabis plant. Cannabinoids work at a receptor level to inhibit pain responses and there is some evidence that CBD oil may offer pain relief. 

Some studies suggest that CBD can help reduce nerve pain and inflammation by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain. The cannabinoids work at a receptor level to inhibit pain responses and there is some evidence that CBD oil may offer pain relief. Studies have also shown that CBD may have useful pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties in arthritis.

It's important to remember that CBD is just one of many compounds in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD cannot cause a “high” and can be bought without a prescription. But for people with chronic pain, THC or a combination of THC and CBD is often needed for better pain relief, as THC has strong pain-relieving effects and works with different receptors in the body.

What Type of CBD and THC Products Are Best for Nerve Pain?

The type of CBD product you choose can make a difference in how effective it is for nerve pain. Here are the main types:

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD contains a range of cannabinoids, including a small amount of THC (usually less than 0.3%). The combination of these cannabinoids, along with cannabis terpenes and other natural compounds, creates what’s known as the "entourage effect," where they work together to boost each other’s effectiveness. Full-spectrum products are often considered the best for nerve pain because the combination of CBD and THC can provide more comprehensive relief.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD contains most cannabinoids except THC. These oils are largely found as non-prescription items, as it is legal to sell them over the counter in the UK. However, for those seeking full-spectrum, we would advise looking into getting a prescription through a licensed clinic, like Alternaleaf. 

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is pure CBD without any other cannabinoids or compounds. While it may still help with nerve pain, many people find that full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD is more effective for managing severe pain because of the additional compounds working together.

Side Effects of Using CBD for Nerve Pain

While CBD is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects to be aware of, especially if used in higher doses:

• Fatigue: Some people may feel more tired or sleepy after using CBD, especially when starting out or using high doses. This could be helpful if your nerve pain makes it hard to sleep, but it’s something to keep in mind during daytime use.
• Diarrhoea: In rare cases, CBD may cause digestive issues, including diarrhoea, particularly when taken in larger amounts. Starting with a low dose can help minimise this risk.
• Changes in Appetite: CBD can sometimes increase or decrease appetite, depending on how your body reacts. This effect is usually mild but should be noted if you notice any changes in your eating habits.
• Changes in Weight: Because of its impact on appetite and metabolism, some people may experience slight weight changes when using CBD. This effect varies between individuals and is usually not significant.

As with any supplement or medication, it’s important to consult with our Alternaleaf doctors before starting CBD, especially if you are already taking other medications or have underlying health conditions. It is also worth noting that some patients find further relief through products containing THC or a balanced mixture of THC and CBD. 

Conclusion

CBD, and in some cases THC, may offer a promising alternative for managing nerve pain. With its potential to reduce inflammation and ease overactive nerves, CBD is becoming an increasingly popular option for those seeking relief from neuropathy. Full-spectrum CBD products seem to be the most effective, thanks to the entourage effect of combined cannabinoids, but broad-spectrum and isolate options are also available for those who prefer THC-free products. Though, for some, medications containing THC may be more beneficial than CBD. 

As always, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before trying CBD or THC for nerve pain, especially to ensure proper dosage and to monitor any side effects. Alternaleaf is here to help guide you through the process of finding the right treatment option for your specific needs.