Pain is a natural protective mechanism of the body. When pain persists for more than 3 weeks, we speak of chronic pain. Scientists discovered that the endocannabinoid system has an important influence on chronic nagging pains.
The cause of nerve pain
Nerve pain, chronic or neuropathic pain is caused by damaged nerves that prevent them from functioning properly. The cause of nerve pain can vary, e.g. due to a herniated disc, carpal tunnel syndrome, spinal cord injury, diabetes or after surgery. In chronic pain, there is a change in the nerve pathways that send pain impulses to the brain. Stimuli are increasingly transmitted and perceived in the brain as “pain. One has become more sensitive to pain stimuli, causing the pain signal to give a “false” alarm. Pain is felt earlier and more intensely than intended.
Symptoms
Nerve pain has varying degrees of severity, from mild nagging pain to severe and overwhelming pain. Nerve pain is generally chronic and can manifest itself in various symptoms, such as:
# tingling
# touch pain
# tingling
# burning
# cold or painful sensations
Traditional treatment
Doctors generally prescribe chemical or synthetic drugs that are analgesic or nerve-blocking (e.g., antidepressants). In many cases, these medications can have serious side effects. They may help well in the short term, but in the longer term, the effect diminishes and the side effects increase.
Biological system: ECS
Scientists discovered that the human body has an extensive endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system, remarkably, was discovered fairly recently. The ECS consists of a very extensive network of receptors present throughout the body and in the brain. These receptors are very important in the communication and transmission of pain. This ECS feeds on cannabinoids. Each person also produces these, in small amounts, on their own.
Cannabinoids
The hemp plant is one of the few plants that is high in cannabinoids. Hemp products are legally available and you can absolutely NOT get stoned from them! These cannabinoids are extracted from specially grown fiber hemp plants and this is a 100% plant-based natural product. Using a high dose of cannabinoids activates the receptors and has both anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
CBD: transdermal versus oral
Transdermal administration is many times more effective and safer. The body does not have to digest the active substances first (first-pass effect) (this can take 2-3 hours) before they enter the bloodstream. Moreover, the body breaks down most substances, resulting in a low absorption rate of only 6%!
Through the skin, ingredients enter the bloodstream immediately (within 5 minutes) and are released gradually over 24 hours. As a result, no spikes occur and the absorption rate increases to ±65%, which is 15 times more effective!
