There are near-countless reasons you may not want to use prescription medications to treat your chronic pain. There are side effects to consider, as well as the very real danger of addiction. The Drs. Jovanovic prefer a different approach for many patients.
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is enjoying a moment in the spotlight, and you’ve probably seen it advertised for everything from epilepsy to anxiety. It comes in drops, lotions, creams, and tablets, among other forms.
Knowing whether or not CBD is effective and safe, what form is most appropriate, and how much and how often you should use it can be confusing -- not to mention whether one brand is superior to another. How do you know what information and supplier to trust?
What is CBD oil anyway?
CBD is a cannabinoid, which is a compound that occurs naturally in cannabis plants. You may automatically think “marijuana” when you see the word cannabis, and that might lead you to think about people who get high using marijuana. However, the cannabinoid that causes people to get high is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
According to the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential ...” In other words, you don’t need to worry about addiction when you use CBD oil.
The most convincing results of studies involving CBD have related to its use in treating childhood epilepsy syndromes. It’s also used to reduce anxiety, insomnia, and with increasing frequency, to address chronic pain.
Preliminary research has shown that CBD can reduce pain and inflammation, as well as decrease neuropathic pain. Although the results are early, there are a couple of reasons you may want to try using CBD oil for your chronic pain.
The first is that even though research hasn’t proven it yet, many chronic pain patients have gotten positive results using CBD oil. Dr. Jovanovic has suggested it as a treatment approach to his own patients and observed improvement in their symptoms. Anecdotal evidence is certainly not the same as rigorous scientific evidence, but it’s worth considering, particularly under the guidance of a trusted physician.
The second reason you may want to try alleviating your pain with CBD oil is that it’s safe. The only potential side effects that have been documented are nausea, fatigue, and irritability -- and those don’t affect everyone. Compared to the list of side effects you may experience from opioids, CBD is relatively harmless.
Before beginning to use CBD oil, you should discuss your situation with Dr. Jovanovic. While CBD oil is considered safe, it can interact with other medications, so discuss your medical history and any current medications you take with Dr. Jovanovic. He’s also happy to recommend an appropriate brand and form of the medication based on your particular needs.
You’re welcome to book an appointment online, or give our office in New York City a call to schedule.
