Can CBD Help With Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is very common in the United States. In fact, statistics claim that neuropathy affects 25% to 30% of Americans. Read on to find out more about neuropathy and how one can treat it using natural, holistic ways. Research has shown that CBD for neuropathy could be the next big thing.

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, is caused due to the damage of nerves in the peripheral nervous system. To explain, the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Moreover, it connects to and communicates with the central nervous system (CNS), which comprises nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Hence, when certain nerves/nerve cells are damaged or stop functioning, it disrupts communication with the brain.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Also, this sensation can spread into the arms and legs as well.
• Pain in the affected area
• Muscle weakness and twitching
• Loss of coordination
• Low blood pressure
• Weight loss

What are the risk factors that can lead to neuropathy?

There are many risk factors that can lead to neuropathy. Currently, the leading risk factor is diabetes and high cholesterol. Additionally, other factors that may cause the condition include aging, trauma, heavy alcohol use, and autoimmune disorders and infections.

What are some current treatments for neuropathy?

Many patients diagnosed with neuropathy are often prescribed pain medication. Although these do help to treat the symptoms, they can be dangerous over a long-term use as they can create a dependency and addiction. Additionally, other treatments that can help with the symptoms and are better alternatives to pain medications are physical and occupational therapy.

CBD for neuropathy

Emerging research has shown that CBD could be a safe and effective treatment to help with the symptoms associated with neuropathy. According to experts, evidence supports that cannabinoids are an efficient method for chronic pain management. 

In a research study carried out in 2020, 29 people with neuropathy were randomized to be treated with either CBD oil or a placebo. Accordingly, researchers assigned 15 patients to the CBD group and 14 patients to the placebo group. After four weeks, researchers found that there was a significant reduction on pain, cold and itchy sensations in the CBD group compared to the placebo group. Additionally, they did not find any negative effects of CBD in the study. Researchers concluded that CBD was tolerated well by the neuropathy patients and that it could be a safe and effective alternative for current treatments for neuropathy.

Furthermore, it is a known fact that diabetes and high cholesterol can trigger neuropathy. In one study, researchers tested CBD on mice that had high blood sugar and cholesterol.  Researched found that CBD lowered blood sugar and cholesterol, and increased insulin production. Hence, this could be vital for diabetic patients trying to prevent the onset of neuropathy.

To conclude, CBD combined with physical or occupational therapy can be an effective treatment plan for those looking to help their neuropathy symptoms without the hassle of relying on addictive pain medication.

Prevention

• Manage diabetes and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes proper nutrition and regular exercise.
• Maintain your feet health if you have diabetes. It is essential to monitor any sores, dryness, blisters or cracked skin on your feet. Additionally, keep them moisturized and in good health.
• Stop smoking and avoid alcohol.
• Check for any vitamin deficiencies.

Contact us

If you are considering using CBD products for neuropathy, we may be able to help you and provide for your needs. At Hempeutics Pharmacy, we specialize in custom compounding CBD products to cater to our patient’s individual needs. Contact us for a free consultation from our in-house licensed pharmacist, Dr. Peggy, to discuss what options are best for you.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14737-neuropathy

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2021.785176/full

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3371734/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31793418/

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/cbd-and-diabetes