CBD Oil for Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain and Inflammation

Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and CBD Oil

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. It causes severe back pain, stiffness, and fatigue. AS usually begins in early adulthood and occurs more often in men than women.

There is no known cure for AS, but the symptoms can be managed through conventional treatments like medications, physical therapy, exercises, and surgery in some cases. Many people also find relief through alternative remedies like CBD oil.

What causes ankylosing spondylitis?

The exact cause of AS is unknown. But it likely involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors that trigger an autoimmune response. This means the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks itself, causing inflammation in the spine and other areas.

Common symptoms of AS

Some of the most common AS symptoms include:

• Chronic pain and stiffness in the low back, buttocks and hips
• Loss of flexibility and range of motion
• Fatigue
• Pain and swelling at tendons and ligaments
• Flare ups followed by periods of remission

Over time, the inflammation can cause bones in the spine to fuse together. This is known as ankylosis and it can result in a hunched posture.

How CBD Oil May Help With Ankylosing Spondylitis

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound derived from cannabis plants like hemp. Unlike the related THC, CBD is non-psychoactive. It does not produce the “high” associated with marijuana.

However, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system – a network of receptors that help regulate various processes like pain, immune system response, stress, sleep, and more.

By influencing the endocannabinoid system, researchers believe CBD can impact pain and inflammation pathways in the body. It may help ease some AS symptoms like:

Pain and stiffness

Studies indicate that CBD blocks pain signals and has anti-inflammatory properties in the body. By reducing inflammation, CBD can alleviate common AS joint pain and morning stiffness.

Sleep issues

The pain and discomfort of AS often makes it difficult to get restful sleep. There is evidence that CBD can positively influence sleep in various ways – like increasing drowsiness and stabilizing REM cycles.

Fatigue

Chronic inflammation and poor sleep contribute to higher rates of fatigue with AS patients. CBD’s ability to target inflammation and sleep problems may help boost overall energy levels.

More research is still needed, but many AS patients report significant relief from CBD oil. It may work best when used in combination with other treatments.

Using CBD Oil for Ankylosing Spondylitis

If you decide to try CBD oil, educate yourself on the laws in your state and always purchase from a reputable company. Talk with your doctor to establish dosage guidelines and potential medication interactions.

Choosing high-quality CBD oil

Since supplements are not regulated by the FDA, make sure any CBD product has been independently tested by a certified lab. The certificate of analysis should confirm the oil’s potency and purity.

Only buy from companies that source organic hemp and use safe, clean extraction methods like CO2 to obtain the CBD. Check client reviews and avoid untrustworthy retailers.

Finding the optimal dosage

There are no official dosing guidelines for CBD and AS. The effective dose can vary substantially between individuals based on factors like:

• Concentration of CBD
• Body weight
• Severity of symptoms
• Personal body chemistry

Most experts recommend starting with a low dose of around 5-10mg once or twice daily and gradually increasing until you find relief. Pay attention to how your body responds. Be patient when finding the best dose for you.

Tracking your results

Keep a symptom journal to closely monitor how the CBD oil affects your AS pain, sleep, fatigue and other aspects. Note how much you take each day. Over time, adjust the dosage and product as needed to optimize your results.

Consistency is key – it may take days or weeks to notice a significant difference with CBD therapy for ankylosing spondylitis. But many patients find their quality of life greatly improving thanks to CBD’s natural anti-inflammatory properties.

Improving Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms Through Lifestyle Changes

While CBD oil may help manage AS, certain lifestyle measures can also make a big impact. Work closely with your healthcare provider to establish good habits for coping with pain and inflammation.

Follow an anti-inflammatory diet

Consuming more fresh, whole foods can help reduce inflammation. Emphasize fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils and healthy oils like olive oil. Limit processed and fried fare which tend to be pro-inflammatory.

Get regular exercise

Physical activity benefits AS symptoms in many ways – easing stiffness, improving flexibility, reducing pain and boosting energy. Low impact activities like walking, swimming and gentle yoga tend to work best. Start slow and avoid overexertion.

Improve posture

Standing and sitting tall can take pressure off affected joints. Use ergonomic chairs and supportive cushions. Many patients try gentle stretches to improve flexibility and range of motion over time.

Quit smoking

Tobacco smoke worsens inflammation and should be avoided. Talk to your doctor about safe and effective smoking cessation strategies if needed.

Manage stress levels

Chronic stress triggers the body to release inflammatory chemicals. Activities like meditation, deep breathing and gentle exercise can all help keep stress in check.

Combining CBD oil with positive lifestyle changes provides comprehensive support for managing ankylosing spondylitis inflammation and symptoms.

The Future of CBD for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Research into cannabis-based therapies for chronic inflammatory conditions is a growing area of interest. Early studies specifically looking at CBD oil for ankylosing spondylitis have been very promising.

For example, one randomized trial in Israel found AS patients taking CBD oil had significant reductions in disease activity, pain, stiffness and more compared to placebo. Scientists concluded CBD was safe and effective for improving AS symptoms.

Larger scale clinical trials currently underway should provide clearer guidelines on CBD dosing and shed more light on exactly how it impacts disease progression long-term.

As research continues, availability and regulation of CBD oil across the United States will likely expand. This should drastically increase access for those eager to see if CBD oil may be an effective part of their own ankylosing spondylitis treatment regimen.

Israeli study showing benefits of CBD oil for AS patients:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6473892/

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.