Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with CBD – Benefits & Effects

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful condition that affects the wrist area. This condition which is specifically caused by the pinching of the median nerve is a recurring one that tends to get worse over time. Thus, it is better to get diagnosed and begin treatment as early as possible. Some of the common symptoms of Carpal Tunnels Syndrome include numbness, weakness in the hand, tingling, pain and shocks running up the arm towards the shoulder, as well as shock-like sensations that run through the fingers. Research has proven that carpal tunnel is most common in elders, even though certain factors may increase a person’s risk of developing the condition. Some of such factors include genetics, repeated hand movement and flexion, and some medical conditions like arthritis.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is characterized by pain and inflammations and to reduce these symptoms, doctors usually prescribe anti-inflammatories as well as pain relievers, which are the two things CBD is known for. As a matter of fact, CBD works with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to relieve the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The body’s endocannabinoid system is the network of receptors, which interact with cannabis and even though it can reduce inflammation as part of its normal function, it often fails to achieve this when it’s unbalanced. However, upon consuming a CBD-rich strain of medical marijuana, it’s possible to balance the endocannabinoid system, thereby triggering its anti-inflammatory effects.

There is mounting evidence that CBD provides relief for insomnia, which is one of the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This assertion can be explained by the fact that when the endocannabinoid system is stimulated by cannabinoids like CBD, it can activate the body’s natural mechanism for rest. It is worthy to note that it has been scientifically proven through studies that many patients fall asleep a lot easier and quicker after consuming CBD or CBD-rich strains of medical marijuana.

Several studies have been conducted on the benefits of CBD in treating the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The findings from a 2013 study that took place at the Tongji University School of Medicine indicated that CBD significantly reduced inflammation. Although this study was done on animals, the researchers asserted that it could as well be applicable in humans, even though there was a need for further investigations.

A 2012 study that was published in the European Journal of Pharmacology also buttressed the claims that CBD was effective in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The findings from this study indicated that CBD was helpful in decreasing inflammation in rats which had acute lung injury. In the same vein, a 2011 study had revealed that CBD was effective in reducing inflammation caused by arthritis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other medical conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Aside inflammation, CBD also helps in reducing pains associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Although cannabinoid receptors are located all over the body, those at the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) part of the brain play the most critical role when it comes to alleviating neuropathic pain. A team of scientists in Italy were, however, able to confirm that two non-psychoactive cannabinoids (CBD and cannabichromene) in marijuana have successfully targeted the RVM in rat models. This finding therefore confirms the potential of CBD in treating neuropathic pain induced by HIV, cancer, diabetes and even carpal tunnel syndrome.