What Is Musculoskeletal Inflammation
Musculoskeletal inflammation affects the bones, tendons, nerves, and ligaments. In other words, it is damaging inflammation of the connective and support tissues of the body. This type of inflammatory problem, often presenting as stiffness or pain, can be restricted to one area or it can spread throughout a large portion of the body. It can be a quick and sudden pain or it can be chronic long-lasting pain. Musculoskeletal inflammation comes in many forms and can often be debilitating.
Some familiar types of musculoskeletal connective tissue disorders include arthritis, gout, tendonitis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders, muscle fatigue and many more. Millions of people are affected by this category of inflammation. Even diabetes, which has many musculoskeletal manifestations, begins with chronic inflammation. The stiffness, aching and pain many associate with ‘age’, is actually just the end result of years of inflammation applied to the fascia. More and more people are reaching for CBD to help manage their musculoskeletal inflammation.
CBD Is Anti-Inflammatory
CBD or cannabidiol is a natural and highly anti-inflammatory compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD, unlike THC, does not make you high. Proper CBD is non-psychoactive. CBD acts on the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a regulatory system that plays an important role in the central nervous system, the immune system and throughout the body. It helps to regulate pain sensation and inflammation signaling.
The CBD molecules will search out CB1 and CB2 receptors in your ECS. CB1 receptors regulate appetite, mood, metabolism, pain perception, and more. CB1 receptors are mostly found in the brain and CBD has a weak, at best, effect on these receptors.
However, CBD has a strong effect on the CB2 receptors by upregulating the amount of our own endocannabinoid (anandamide) that acts as a ligand for that receptor and promotes the beneficial effects of it. CB2 receptors regulate inflammation signaling and have positive results when attaching to the receptors on white blood cells of the immune system.
Topical CBD creams and oral CBD Supplements can help manage inflammation and reduce the severity of musculoskeletal pain. Many studies have taken place over the years looking at CBD and its efficacy in pain and inflammation management related to different musculoskeletal inflammatory conditions. Results in these studies have continued to show promising results.
Schedule An Appointment With Dr. Warner
Dr. Meredith Warner is a huge advocate for natural medicine especially when it comes to avoiding highly addictive opioids. She has always believed opioids have been grossly overprescribed and other options should always be explored before prescribing harmful medications. The cannabidiols provide a more natural and plant-based mechanism of pain relief. These, along with many other phytochemicals, can provide very effective alternatives for some people.
Dr. Meredith Warner specializes in the treatment of orthopedic issues, providing operative and non-operative treatment plans for orthopedic problems, including musculoskeletal pain such as chronic back, neck, and foot pain, reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle, arthritis, diabetes, diabetic neuropathy and wounds, hammer toes, bunion, wound care, work injuries, fitness and nutrition, sports injuries, and osteoporosis issues.
