Some people are using CBD these days to treat pain and inflammation instead of over the counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen.
Is CBD better than Ibuprofen?
CBD definitely has a leg up on Ibuprofen because it has fewer side effects and is less likely to react with certain other medications. You also can’t overdose on CBD.
CBD and CBD oil are also not addictive, so you won’t have to worry about developing a dependence on it.
That’s why Dr. Chad and many of his patients believe CBD may be better for treating pain.
Dr. Chad actually started Bradford Wellness Co. with this in mind.
However, whether CBD is a better solution than Ibuprofen is still a hot topic doctors and patients debate about.
Some studies show that CBD can be just as effective as Ibuprofen in reducing pain and inflammation, while others suggest that CBD may be more effective in certain types of pain such as nerve pain and arthritis.
Here’s what you can expect to learn about in the next few minutes:
- CBD vs Ibuprofen: How do they treat pain?
- What are the Benefits of CBD for Pain and Inflammation?
- No More Advil? CBD as an Alternative to Traditional Pain Relievers
- CBD and Ibuprofen Together: A Synergistic Approach?
- How do I Choose the Best CBD for Anti-Inflammatory Benefits?
- Can CBD be an Alternative to Opioids as Well?
- What About Other Cannabis Products for Pain?
- Icing on the Cake: What You Can Get Besides Pain Relief
CBD vs Ibuprofen: How do they treat pain?
We live in a culture where about 66% of people use prescription drugs.
55% of people take Ibuprofen at least three days per week.
But we need to look at what we’re putting in our bodies and compare these drugs that have become commonplace with the features of other remedies like CBD.
So what is CBD?
If you’re new to CBD, it’s short for cannabidiol.
Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant.
CBD and other cannabis products are becoming popular among people looking for natural remedies to treat symptoms like sleep disorders, anxiety, and pain.
CBD users claim that CBD works better and is healthier than over the counter drugs like Ibuprofen.
But how does it work?
And how does Ibuprofen work?
Let’s take a look.
How Cannabidiol Reduces Pain
Cannabidiol works by interacting with something called the endocannabinoid system in our bodies, which helps control how we feel pain.
CBD activates certain receptors in our body that can make pain feel less intense.
CBD oil can also help to reduce inflammation, which is often associated with pain.
CBD can also interact with other parts of our body involved in pain, like serotonin receptors and a neurotransmitter called adenosine.
By doing this, CBD can help manage pain in different ways. It’s like having different tools to fight against pain.
That’s why CBD is considered a helpful option for people who are looking for natural ways to relieve pain.
How Ibuprofen and other (NSAIDS) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs treat pain
Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work by blocking the production of certain chemicals in our bodies called prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are responsible for triggering pain, inflammation, and swelling in response to injury or illness.
By inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, NSAIDs help to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, making us feel better.
They basically “take the bad” and block it from reaching the brain, so we don’t feel pain.
However, NSAIDs can also have side effects such as stomach irritation, heartburn, or even ulcers.
NSAIDs also help to lower fever by acting on the hypothalamus, which is the part of our brain that regulates body temperature.
When we have a fever, our body’s internal thermostat is set higher than normal.
NSAIDs can interfere with this process and bring down our body temperature, thus helping us feel more comfortable.
While NSAIDs can be effective in relieving pain and reducing fever, they should be used according to the instructions provided by healthcare professionals and should not be used for prolonged periods without medical supervision.
What are the Benefits of CBD for Pain and Inflammation?
Numerous studies have highlighted the potential of CBD as an effective alternative for managing pain and inflammation.
The way CBD works in the body affects various physiological processes, including pain perception and immune responses.
In a study published in the European Journal of Pain, researchers found that CBD oil and CBD rubs, when applied topically, reduced pain and inflammation in animal models with arthritis.
Another study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine demonstrated that CBD significantly reduced pain and inflammation in a rodent model of multiple sclerosis.
No More Advil? CBD as an Alternative to Traditional Pain Relievers
One significant advantage of CBD over ibuprofen and other NSAIDs is its potential to provide pain relief without the side effects commonly associated with NSAID use.
Ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal issues, including stomach ulcers and bleeding, while CBD is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
That’s why we believe that CBD is objectively safer than Ibuprofen.
Additionally, CBD does not pose a risk of dependency or addiction, making it a safer option for long-term use compared to more intense pain drugs like opioids.
CBD is more effective against pain and offers greater versatility in terms of dosage and delivery methods.
Unlike ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, which primarily mask pain symptoms, CBD oil also has anti-inflammatory properties.
CBD addresses the root cause of pain by targeting the inflammation that causes it.
This targeted approach not only provides relief but also promotes faster recovery.
That’s why recreational and professional athletes are increasingly recognizing the potential of CBD as a natural alternative to traditional pain relievers.
CBD can be applied topically, taken orally, or even inhaled, providing various options for pain management.
Furthermore, CBD may also have additional benefits beyond pain relief, such as reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
This makes it an appealing option for those looking to avoid the potential side effects of traditional pain relievers.
More on CBD for Athletes
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD has shown promising results in managing exercise-induced inflammation.
A study published in the European Journal of Pain found that athletes with chronic pain conditions experienced reduced pain levels and improved sleep quality after using CBD.
By effectively managing inflammation, athletes can enhance their overall performance and minimize the risk of injury associated with continued physical stress.
The growing popularity of CBD among athletes highlights the desire for natural solutions that address pain and inflammation but likely has less side effects than traditional pain relievers.
As more research is conducted on CBD’s effectiveness and safety, it is likely that its role in athlete recovery and performance optimization will continue to expand.
CBD and Ibuprofen Together: A Synergistic Approach?
Many people wonder if it is safe to take CBD and ibuprofen together.
Some people combine CBD with alcohol or other products like Ibuprofen.
And you can.
But just because you can doesn’t necessarily mean you should.
While there is no evidence to suggest that taking CBD and ibuprofen together is harmful, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before combining the two.
Additionally, as both substances have similar effects on pain and inflammation, taking them together may not provide any added benefits.
In fact, it may increase the risk of side effects such as stomach irritation.
What may really help, though, is transitioning to CBD and stop taking Ibuprofen.
Or stick to Ibuprofen, if you believe that it’s the best option for you.
How do I Choose the Best CBD for Anti-Inflammatory Benefits?
When considering CBD as an alternative to ibuprofen, it is important to choose a high-quality product from a reputable source.
Look for CBD products that are derived from organically grown hemp cannabis, third-party tested for purity and potency, and free from contaminants.
CBD oil
CBD oil is a popular choice for managing pain and inflammation due to its versatility and rapid onset of effects.
However, other forms such as topicals, capsules, and gummies may also be effective depending on the individual’s needs.
Ultimately, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD oil into your pain management regimen.
They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific condition and medical history.
CBD balm for localized pain relief
When applied topically, CBD balm can also provide targeted relief to specific areas of discomfort.
The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD help soothe inflammation and reduce swelling, providing relief from conditions such as arthritis, muscle soreness, and joint pain.
The soothing and moisturizing ingredients in CBD balms also contribute to overall skin health, promoting faster healing and recovery.
With its ability to target pain directly at the source, CBD balm offers a natural and effective solution for localized pain relief.
Can CBD be an Alternative to Opioids as Well?
Yes, CBD oil and other products can be considered as an option, for sure.
This was a big reason Bradford Wellness Co. was founded.
Dr. Chad, recognizing the significant problems associated with opioid addiction among his patients, made the decision to start selling CBD oil and similar products.
Unlike opioids, CBD does not produce the same level of dependence or addiction potential.
That’s why CBD oil has become an attractive option for individuals seeking natural pain relief without the risk of harmful side effects.
Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that patients with chronic pain conditions who used medical cannabis (which includes CBD) experienced reduced opioid use and improved quality of life.
With the ongoing opioid crisis, exploring alternative options like CBD is really important for both individuals and society as a whole.
As more research is conducted, it is likely that CBD will continue to gain recognition as a safer and more effective alternative to opioids.
Moreover, CBD is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects compared to opioids.
Opioids can cause drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and even respiratory depression.
In contrast, CBD has shown to have a good safety profile with few side effects.
This makes it a more favorable choice for those looking to manage their pain without the risk of addiction or other adverse reactions.
Dr. Chad’s decision to offer CBD products to his patients reflects his commitment to finding safer alternatives to opioids and providing his patients with a natural, effective means of pain relief.
What About Other Cannabis Products for Pain?
Using cannabis products like Delta-9, Delta-8, and medical marijuana has shown promise in treating severe or chronic pain.
Research is currently underway to determine if Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, to see if it can really treat central neuropathic pain.
So, far, research finding suggest that Delta 9-THC may provide pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a viable option for those suffering from chronic pain.
Researchers are looking at Delta-8 THC as well.
It’s a milder form of THC that can be used to treat anxiety as well as chronic pain.
Medical marijuana, which contains various compounds including delta 9-THC and CBD, has also been used to treat pain.
Marijuana is a different type of cannabis than hemp, which is the cannabis plant CBD that CBD is made from.
A combination of delta 9-THC and CBD has been found to be effective in treating muscle stiffness and spasms in multiple sclerosis.
However, medical marijuana and cannabis products with higher THC levels are not legal everywhere.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional and follow all laws and regulations when considering medical marijuana as a pain management option.
Icing on the Cake: What You May Get Besides Pain Relief
If you’re thinking about switching to CBD instead of popping Ibuprofen, you may be excited to hear that there are some additional benefits as well.
We’ve hinted at them throughout this post but we’ll explain them for you here.
Reduced anxiety and better sleep
CBD has been shown to have calming effects on the body, making it an option for those looking to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
This can be especially beneficial for athletes who may experience high levels of stress and disrupted sleep patterns due to training and competition.
No risk of drug dependence
Unlike traditional pain relievers such as ibuprofen, CBD does not pose a risk of drug dependence or addiction.
This makes it a safe and sustainable option for long-term pain management.
Improved overall wellness
In addition to reducing pain and inflammation, incorporating CBD into your routine may also contribute to improved mood, digestion, and immune function.
In a Nutshell
While research on the possible pain-relieving properties of CBD and CBD oil is still in its early stages, the current findings suggest that it may indeed serve as a more natural and safer alternative to conventional pain relievers like ibuprofen.
Not only does CBD oil offer pain relief, but it also comes with fewer side effects and additional wellness benefits.
However, the quality of CBD oil that you buy can significantly impact its effectiveness, so make sure you find a quality store with great reviews.
That’s the heart behind Bradford Wellness Co. Natural, quality CBD products with a commitment to your health and well-being.
We support you every step of the way.