When you think of professions that are likely to leave people with chronic pain, professional athletes are probably at the top of the list. They demand so much of their bodies that they’re seen as over the hill by the time they hit their 40s, and it seems like there’s always some big star sitting out part of a season in order to have surgery or recover from an injury. Recently, former NFL star Larry Chester spoke out about his chronic pain and the surprising way he’s managed to cope with it. Fourteen years ago, he was a 300-pound linesman for the Miami Dolphins. Today, he’s a man who is always in pain, who admits to having consumed opioid painkillers like they were candy. He was also depressed, and the combination left him an angry, belligerent man who rarely left the house. So what is he doing to cope? Chester is a huge proponent of CBD, which he is prescribed by a doctor.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid that is found naturally in the marijuana plant. Cannabinoids are not psychoactive the way THC is. CBD oil is becoming increasingly popular as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory for people with arthritis and other painful chronic conditions. In Chester’s case, he has a lotion that contains CBD, which he rubs on his knees when he feels pain coming on. He says that a very small amount can begin relieving pain in as little as 15 minutes.
There is no conclusive evidence that CBD is effective for pain, but there are several studies suggesting that it might be the case. One study from 2011 found that CBD could ease inflammatory pain in rats. Another in 2016 determined that applying it topically had the potential to relieve pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. It was also tested on people with osteoarthritis, which is a joint disease that causes joint degeneration and intermittent inflammation.
No one is entirely sure why CBD might be effective in treating pain, but one possible explanation for the effectiveness in treating pain is that some of the active components of the cannabis plant are similar to chemicals that appear naturally in our bodies. These chemicals are responsible for keeping certain biological functions in balance, such as sleep, appetite, the immune system, and pain. CBD comes in both oil and powder form, and it can be used to make creams and gels that can be applied to affected areas. There are some side effects associated with the use of CBD, but they are generally mild and can include tiredness, trouble sleeping, irritability, and nausea.
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