CBD Oil for Facet Joint Pain - April 2024

CBD Oil for Facet Joint Pain

Facet joint syndrome is a kind of arthritis that affects the spine and may cause substantial back and neck discomfort. Degenerative alterations cause it in the joints that connect the spine’s vertebrae⁽⁵⁾. 

The cartilage may deteriorate within the facet joint and become inflammatory, eliciting pain signals in adjacent nerve terminals. Symptoms may be managed with medication, physical therapy, joint injections, nerve blocks, and nerve ablations⁽⁶⁾.

A survey the Arthritis Foundation conducted revealed that individuals with different arthritis have different CBD experiences⁽⁷⁾.

The survey results revealed that 87 % of respondents who take CBD believe it helps control their arthritis symptoms, and 67% noted improvement in their physical function.

Interesting results also stated that 94% of respondents used CBD products to alleviate their pain⁽⁸⁾.

Meanwhile, cannabidiol (CBD) oil, often known as hemp oil, is a form of oil extracted from cannabis plants. 

CBD is a cannabinoid from the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD in pain possesses several similar therapeutic characteristics⁽⁹⁾ as THC⁽¹⁰⁾ in managing the pain but with a different pharmacologic profile. CBD, on the other hand, is nonpsychoactive⁽¹¹⁾.

Clinical trials have been shown that CBD may help reduce arthritis pain⁽¹²⁾ and chronic pain⁽¹³⁾.

The research noted that CBD may help prevent arthritis and lower joint inflammation⁽¹⁴⁾ by altering how pain receptors respond to certain stimuli.

CBD’s Potential Benefits

Cannabidiol derivatives have been studied to decrease peripheral pain and inflammation⁽¹⁵⁾ upon binding to cannabinoid receptors⁽¹⁶⁾.

CBD binds to cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) in the endocannabinoid system of humans and animals (ECS). These receptors play a critical role in the pathophysiology of pain and inflammation⁽¹⁷⁾.

The ECS is present primarily in humans and animals. This system is in charge of maintaining the body’s homeostasis or balance⁽¹⁸⁾. 

CBD has been demonstrated in studies to reduce pain responses in mice with acute rheumatoid arthritis and promote fracture repair in rodents⁽¹⁹⁾.

Meanwhile, a survey conducted by the Arthritis Foundation revealed that around 79% of the respondents with different arthritis had used or were considering using cannabinoids. Most of those who used it reported improving their physical function and sleep quality⁽²⁰⁾.

However, insufficient evidence supports cannabidiol in managing human musculoskeletal diseases. Due to the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids, further studies are needed to evaluate these cannabinoids’ effectiveness in helping with different types of pain⁽²¹⁾.

Safety and Use of CBD

The World Health Organization stated that cannabidiol is a generally safe substance. It also noted that its effects do not indicate dependence or abuse⁽²²⁾.

Currently, the FDA only approves Epidiolex, which is a type of cannabidiol product that can be used as a medication for treating epilepsy⁽²³⁾. 

Note that moderate side effects from CBD include dry mouth, nausea, lethargy, and headache^(24).

Legality of CBD

CBD products containing greater than 0.3% THC are prohibited under federal law in the United States⁽²⁵⁾.

Meanwhile, the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp and hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC off the Drug Enforcement Administration’s list of banned narcotics⁽²⁶⁾.

Consumers need to check the legislation regarding CBD use as the restriction levels may vary depending on each state⁽²⁷⁾. 

What Is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant.

CBD is a chemical compound found in medicinal marijuana⁽²⁸⁾. Unlike THC, CBD does not provide users a ”high” feeling.

Additionally, CBD is believed to possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-anxiety, antipsychotic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, and neuroprotective effects⁽²⁹⁾.

Thus, CBD’s medicinal potential has made it a promising pharmacological and therapeutic medication target⁽³⁰⁾.

CBD is available in a variety of forms. The full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD isolates include all of the cannabis plant’s components. On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD oil is THC-free, and full-spectrum CBD oil has less than 0.3 % THC.

What Is Facet Joint Dysfunction?

Facet Joint Dysfunction is a condition caused by a change in the spine’s structure that shifts the body’s weight unevenly. Over time, this can cause the joint capsule to thin and eventually lead to the formation of bone spurs⁽³¹⁾. This condition causes the joint to become inflamed and irritated, making it difficult to move efficiently⁽³²⁾. 

Causes of Facet Joint Dysfunction

As individuals age, the cartilage in their joints deteriorates. Pain may be caused by an accident, repeated motions, obesity, poor posture, or other spinal disorders that alter the alignment and mobility of the facet joints⁽³³⁾.

In addition, the facet joints in the spine may change as the discs in the spine wear down. As the body’s weight adds pressure to the facet joint, the cartilage wears away, the joint space gets smaller, and the bones scrape against each other⁽³⁴⁾.

Symptoms of Facet Joint Dysfunction

One of the signs and symptoms may arise depending on the number of facets of the joint affected, the severity of the illness, and the possibility of a neighboring nerve root involvement. Here are the common symptoms of facet joint dysfunction⁽³⁵⁾:

• Stiffness
• Grinding or grating in the joints upon movement
• Sharp, shooting pain that may radiate into the thigh, buttock, thigh, foot, and leg
• Pain that is usually worse in the morning, after long periods of inactivity

Diagnosing Facet Joint Arthritis

A facet joint arthritis can cause discomfort. The patient with facet joint arthritis must be diagnosed and treated correctly. A doctor will then look into the patient’s medical history to identify the cause of the joint pain⁽³⁶⁾.

A healthcare specialist can tell whether the patient has a significant back injury by how they stand or move. An MRI or X-ray may rule out other sources of pain than a pinched nerve⁽³⁷⁾.

In addition, a facet joint injection is used to diagnose the source of the problem. An X-ray machine inserts a needle into the joint. The injection is then observed for a few days⁽³⁸⁾.

1. Facet Joint Syndrome / Arthritis
   https://www.mayfieldclinic.com/pe-facet.htm#:~:text=Facet%20joint%20syndrome%20is%20an,signals%20in%20nearby%20nerve%20endings.
2. Patients Tell Us About CBD Use
   http://blog.arthritis.org/news/patients-tell-us-cbd-use/
3. Cannabidiol: A Brief Review of Its Therapeutic and Pharmacologic Efficacy in the Management of Joint Disease
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7176325/
4. Role of the Cannabinoid System in Pain Control and Therapeutic Implications for the Management of Acute and Chronic Pain Episodes
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2430692/
5. Facet Joint Syndrome / Arthritis
   https://www.mayfieldclinic.com/pe-facet.htm#:~:text=Facet%20joint%20syndrome%20is%20an,signals%20in%20nearby%20nerve%20endings.
6. Facet Joint Syndrome / Arthritis
   https://www.mayfieldclinic.com/pe-facet.htm#:~:text=Facet%20joint%20syndrome%20is%20an,signals%20in%20nearby%20nerve%20endings.
7. Patients Tell Us About CBD Use
   http://blog.arthritis.org/news/patients-tell-us-cbd-use/
8. Ibid.
9. Cannabidiol: A Brief Review of Its Therapeutic and Pharmacologic Efficacy in the Management of Joint Disease
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7176325/
10. Cannabis and Pain Treatment—A Review of the Clinical Utility and a Practical Approach in Light of Uncertainty
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7000155/
11. Cannabidiol and Other Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids for Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders: Useful Nutraceuticals?
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7246936/
12. Cannabidiol: A Brief Review of Its Therapeutic and Pharmacologic Efficacy in the Management of Joint Disease
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7176325/
13. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
14. Cannabidiol: A Brief Review of Its Therapeutic and Pharmacologic Efficacy in the Management of Joint Disease
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7176325/
15. Cannabidiol: A Brief Review of Its Therapeutic and Pharmacologic Efficacy in the Management of Joint Disease
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7176325/
16. Role of the Cannabinoid System in Pain Control and Therapeutic Implications for the Management of Acute and Chronic Pain Episodes
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2430692/
17. The Endocannabinoid System as an Emerging Target of Pharmacotherapy
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2241751/
18. Ibid.
19. Cannabidiol: A Brief Review of Its Therapeutic and Pharmacologic Efficacy in the Management of Joint Disease
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7176325/
20. Patients Tell Us About CBD Use
    http://blog.arthritis.org/news/patients-tell-us-cbd-use/
21. Role of the Cannabinoid System in Pain Control and Therapeutic Implications for the Management of Acute and Chronic Pain Episodes
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2430692/
22. Cannabidiol (CBD)-What We Know and What We Don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
23. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
24. A Cross-Sectional Study of Cannabidiol Users
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043845/
25. Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019
26. Ibid.
27. State Medical Cannabis Laws
    https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx
28. Cannabidiol (CBD)-What We Know and What We Don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
29. Cannabidiol
    https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cannabidiol
30. Ibid.
31. Facet Joint Syndrome / Arthritis
    https://www.mayfieldclinic.com/pe-facet.htm#:~:text=Facet%20joint%20syndrome%20is%20an,signals%20in%20nearby%20nerve%20endings.
32. Ibid.
33. Ibid.
34. Ibid.
35. Symptoms and Diagnosis of Facet Joint Disorders
    https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/arthritis/symptoms-and-diagnosis-facet-joint-disorders
36. Facet Joint Syndrome / Arthritis
    https://www.mayfieldclinic.com/pe-facet.htm#:~:text=Facet%20joint%20syndrome%20is%20an,signals%20in%20nearby%20nerve%20endings.
37. Ibid.
38. Ibid.