The Potential Benefits of CBD for Managing Post-Surgery Pain
Having surgery, no matter how minor, often leads to significant post-operative pain. While opioids have traditionally been prescribed to manage pain after surgery, these medications come with risks like addiction, overdose, and side effects. Recently, CBD has emerged as a potential alternative option for managing post-surgery pain. CBD is one of the main active compounds found in the cannabis plant and early research suggests it may help relieve pain and reduce reliance on opioids.
How CBD May Help With Post-Surgical Pain Management
The body's endocannabinoid system regulates functions like pain, mood, inflammation, and sleep. CBD interacts with endocannabinoid receptors throughout the body to influence these functions. Through its interactions with the endocannabinoid system, research indicates CBD may:
- Reduce localized pain and inflammation from tissue trauma
- Decrease neuropathic nerve pain often felt after surgery
- Improve sleep quality, which enables better recovery
- Soothe anxiety and boost mood, further reducing the pain experience
Essentially, evidence suggests CBD holds promise for managing the complex state of post-surgical pain, both through direct analgesic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms and by addressing secondary factors like sleep and mood disturbances.
Research Examining Cannabinoids for Post-Op Pain Management
A growing body of research is directly exploring the use of CBD and cannabinoids more broadly for managing pain after surgery. For example:
- A 2021 study found a special cannabinoid mouth spray improved pain relief and reduced opioid use after dental surgery.
- Multiple studies report cannabis use leading up to surgery does not significantly impact pain management, opioid use, or recovery time afterwards.
- A 2020 study demonstrated CBD combined with low-dose morphine leads to better pain relief than using morphine alone in rats recovering from surgery.
While still emerging, these findings provide encouraging evidence for the use of CBD and cannabinoids for post-operative pain relief.
Using CBD Safely and Effectively After Surgery
If you decide to use CBD to support post-surgical recovery, here are some tips for getting the most benefits from it safely:
Talk to Your Doctor First
Experts strongly recommend speaking with your healthcare provider before taking CBD after a medical procedure. Your doctor needs full insight into medications and supplements you take during the recovery process to prevent adverse interactions. They can also advise you on safe CBD dosing based on factors like:
- The type of surgery you had
- Medications prescribed for post-op pain management
- Your previous experience with and tolerance to CBD
Follow Post-Op Medication Instructions
While growing evidence supports CBD use for post-surgical recovery, it should complement any existing pain management protocols recommended by your care team. For best results, take any prescribed pain medications as directed while also incorporating CBD into your regimen for its synergistic analgesic and healing effects.
Start with Lower Doses
When adding a new supplement like CBD after surgery, experts recommend starting with relatively lower doses like 5-10mg twice per day. Give this low dose three to seven days while monitoring your response. Slowly increasing your dosage allows you to determine the optimal amount of CBD for managing your post-op pain.
Combine it With Lifestyle Strategies
While CBD holds promise for post-surgical recovery, research also highlights the importance of lifestyle approaches for pain relief after common operations. Make sure to combine cannabinoid use with self-care basics like:
- Getting lots of rest
- Staying hydrated
- Eating anti-inflammatory whole foods
- Avoiding activities that aggravate pain
Employing these supportive strategies alongside CBD can speed up healing and reduce post-operative discomfort.
The Risks and Limitations of Using CBD After Surgery
Despite increasing adoption, CBD use for post-operative pain management has some important risks and limitations to consider as well.
Potential CBD-Drug Interactions
CBD influences similar metabolic pathways as many common medications prescribed before and after surgery. Using CBD alongside these drugs can impact how your body processes and responds to them, either causing more intense effects or making them less effective. Potential high-risk drug interactions include:
- Blood thinners
- Benzodiazepines
- Steroids
- Immunosuppressants
- Beta blockers
- Anesthetics
- NSAIDs
That's why medical guidance is imperative if supplementing post-surgery protocols with CBD.
Legality Concerns
While hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% THC is legal federally, various state laws still prohibit its sale and use. Travelling or receiving treatment across state lines can create confusion and jeopardize access to CBD products.
Untested Unregulated Products
Lack of regulation in the CBD industry has led to problems with inaccurate labeling and contamination in some products sold commercially. Seeking out brands with third-party testing helps mitigate this risk when sourcing CBD formulas to support post-op recovery.
Dental Study Citation
Kleiman S, Lev-Ran S, Roitman S, et al. Nabiximols for the Management of Postoperative Pain: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Pain Res Manag. 2021;2021:6635219.Prior Cannabis Use Study Citation
Ware MA, Wang T, Shapiro S, et al. Cannabis for the Management of Pain: Assessment of Safety Study (COMPASS). J Pain. 2015;16(12):1233-1242.CBD Morphine Study Citation
Gracious ROSS, Finlay DB, McLean SL, et al. Orally administered delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol modulate postoperative pain in rats via peripheral mechanisms. Eur J Pain. 2020;24(8):1500-1514.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.
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