Chronic pain is a complex and common condition that millions of Australians deal with every day.
The condition occurs when a person experiences persistent pain that lasts more than three months. Chronic pain can be caused by an injury or an underlying illness and is very different from acute pain or injury pain, as it usually persists even after the injury has healed.
There’s a lot that we don’t know about how to treat chronic pain, and there’s currently know the cure for it. So, when you treat chronic pain, you’re actually looking for different ways to manage and reduce the pain, not completely eliminate it.
Managing chronic pain looks different for every patient, and many people don’t benefit from common treatments like pain medicine and physical therapy. This is why more people are interested in using CBD oil for chronic pain.
But does it actually work?
In this article, we’ll look at how chronic pain is normally treated and whether CBD is a good alternative for people with chronic pain disorders.
Read on to learn more.
How Is Chronic Pain Normally Treated?
There’s no way to cure chronic pain. Instead, doctors recommend different pain management and relaxation techniques for people that suffer from the condition to reduce pain and the stress that it can cause.
Health professionals use unique approaches for everybody’s condition because people experience chronic pain differently. The best treatment for your needs largely depends on the severity of the pain, the way your body reacts to different pain relievers, and other factors.
That said, to give you a better idea of your chronic pain treatment options, here are the different approaches people use to relieve chronic pain.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
A popular option for people with chronic pain is NSAIDs, which are drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and nabumetone.
These medicines are fairly effective at reducing chronic pain and helping people manage their condition. However, it’s best to use these relievers sparingly and in small amounts due to their potential side effects.
The most common side effect of taking NSAIDs is stomach issues such as gas and bloating. Many people experience indigestion and stomach ulcers from taking NSAIDs too frequently, which is why a lot of people look for alternatives to NSAIDs.
Antidepressants
Sometimes, the medicines used to treat depression are also used to relieve pain for patients. One of the most common antidepressants used for chronic pain management is amitriptyline, and many people report that these medicines are great for the management of chronic pain, especially chronic nerve pain.
On top of that, antidepressants can also take some of the mental weight off your shoulders when dealing with chronic pain. Chronic pain can have a major effect on a person’s mental health, which is why antidepressants are a common treatment for the condition.
Opioids
For severe pain, many doctors recommend opioid treatment. Opioids are strong pain relievers that are very effective in providing nearly complete pain relief for those with chronic pain. That said, the body can build a tolerance to opioids, and the drugs can be very addictive, which can be dangerous for some patients.
Generally, these drugs aren’t effective for chronic non-cancer pain. And since there are many risks associated with taking opioids to help manage chronic pain, many patients look to other pain management methods.
Remember – chronic pain can be treated, but it can’t be cured. Most of the time, these medicines and treatments won’t eliminate the pain, but they make them more manageable and stop them from disrupting your daily life. And before taking any type of chronic pain treatment, it’s important to have realistic expectations.
Does CBD Work for Chronic Pain?
One of the merging treatment options for those with chronic pain is CBD or cannabidiol. This is a cannabinoid extracted from the cannabis plant that is now legal in Australia. These medicines are only available for patients that have a prescription, and chronic pain is one of the conditions that doctors normally prescribe CBD.
We’re a long way from determining if CBD is an ideal option for those with chronic pain. There haven’t been enough clinical trials and studies for us to come up with a conclusive list of the effects, benefits, and drawbacks of CBD. This is why CBD should never be a first option for those with chronic pain.
That said, there’s some anecdotal evidence and early studies that suggest that CBD reduce chronic pain. On top of that, CBD doesn’t pose the same risks as other medicines designed to control pain, such as NSAIDs and opioids.
Keep in mind that treating chronic pain requires a multi-faceted approach. For the best results, patients typically have to take chronic pain medication, make some lifestyle changes, and go through physical therapy.
How to Get CBD for Managing Chronic Pain in Australia
If you want to use CBD for pain reduction, you can easily get your hands on some in Australia. All you need to purchase CBD for chronic pain in Australia is a prescription from a doctor.
On top of that, any doctor in Australia can prescribe CBD oil for chronic pain. Once you have a prescription, you can purchase CBD oil.
Many pharmacies and dispensaries around the country can supply you with CBD if you have a prescription. And you can even order your CBD products online and have them delivered directly to your address. That way, you don’t need to leave your home to access medication for your chronic pain.
Conclusion: Does CBD Work for Chronic Pain Management?
There are many approaches to treating chronic pain in Australia, from over-the-counter pain medication to opioid analgesics. And as any professional will tell you, treating chronic pain looks very different for every patient.
While we don’t have clinical studies to say anything definitively, CBD shows some promise as a chronic pain treatment. And in Australia, all you need is a doctor’s prescription to get these products to help with chronic pain.
So, if traditional chronic pain treatments aren’t working for you, it might be time to ask your doctor if CBD is a viable option for treating pain.