If your current treatment for multiple sclerosis does not provide you with the help you need, or you have just been diagnosed with it, you may be interested in how CBD can help with your condition.
Surveys show that many people with MS already use cannabis, either for THC content or CBD, and half or more believe it should be legal or that it has proven benefits for them.
Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease that currently affects nearly one million Americans and more than 2 million people worldwide. Multiple sclerosis, or MS, as it is often called, is usually diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 50. More women than men are affected.
In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know regarding CBD's effect on Multiple Sclerosis symptoms, so please keep reading to learn more...
The Disease progression has three forms: multiple sclerosis relapse, primary progressive MS, and secondary progressive MS. We will discuss them all within this article, so be sure to keep reading!
Multiple Sclerosis Briefly Described
To characterize how MS works, we must identify the associated cycles of symptoms and progression, then describe how it is followed by symptom relief and apparent remission of the disorder. It is very difficult to explain unless we have this context to begin.
Anyway, the disease then regresses until it eventually becomes secondary to progressive MS. Primary progressive MS occurs after the onset of symptoms, and is not associated with periods of remission, but instead worsens as the disease progresses.
According to the National MS Society, nearly 85% of MS cases begin with a relapsing-remitting, 15% with progressive primary disease. Ninety percent of all relapsing-remitting transmission cases will continue into secondary progressive within 25 years of diagnosis.
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological condition that affects many parts of life. It causes symptoms that can interfere with healthy function, such as difficulty walking, fatigue, numbness and tingling, muscle spasticity, and vision problems.
Cannabis and CBD oil has been studied extensively for multiple sclerosis, with promising results.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling brain and spinal cord disease (central nervous system).
It attacks the immune system via a protective sheath that covers nerve fibers which causes miscommunication between your brain and your body. Ultimately, the disease can cause permanent nerve damage.
The signs and symptoms of MS vary significantly and depend on the degree of nerve damage and the affected nerves. People suffering from severe MS may lose the ability to walk independently, while others may experience long periods of remission without new symptoms.
There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, treatments can help with recovery, change disease progression, and control symptoms.
What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?
The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown, and because of this, it is considered an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system believes its own tissues to be a threat. In the case of MS, this immune system dysfunction destroys the fat that covers and protects the nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord.
Myelin can be compared to insulating electrical wires. When the protective myelin is damaged and exposed to nerve fibers, messages that pass through that nerve can slow down or become blocked. It can also damage the nerve.
The reason MS develops in some people but not in others is unclear. The combination of genetic and environmental factors seems to be responsible.
Treatment Options for MS
To get a better treatment for your Multiple Sclerosis pain, consulting a doctor for a checkup and recommendation of a better treatment option is ideal.
While CBD is not a cure for any disease, it has been shown to help with symptoms you may be experiencing. If you want relief and think CBD may be a solution for you, be sure to check out Mana Artisan Botanics™
Medical Treatment
Corticosteroids, such as intravenous methylprednisolone and oral prednisone, have been prescribed to reduce nerve inflammation. Side effects can include insomnia, high blood pressure, mood swings, and fluid retention.
Plasma exchange. The liquid portion of your blood (plasma) is separated and removed from your blood cells. The blood cells are then mixed with a solution of protein (albumin) and reintroduced into your body. Plasma exchange can be used if your symptoms are new, severe, and have not responded to steroids.
Alternative Treatment
Diet
A well-balanced diet, low in calories and rich in nutrients and fiber will help you control your overall health.
EXERCISE
Regular exercise is essential for your physical and mental health, even if you have a disability. If physical movement is strenuous, swimming or exercising in the pool can help. Some yoga classes are only for people with MS.
CBD Treatment
CBD oil can be therapeutic for three critical aspects of multiple sclerosis: pain, health, and depression. In general, CBD oil can have a therapeutic effect on patients with MS and help improve the quality of life.
Many studies show how CBD can relieve multiple sclerosis pain by combining CBD oil with THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. It is challenging to use CBD oil alone as a useful supplement against MS pain, given how active THC and CBD are together. However, studies focused on CBD-only treatments show that it can relieve pain.
CBD is effective in reducing pain-related MS symptoms, including fatigue, muscle spasticity, and decreased mobility.
How CBD Can Treat Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Fatigue and difficulty walking are two of the most common symptoms. Others include tremors, acute or chronic pain and cognitive issues involving concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills.
The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors and organs throughout the body, including the brain, tissues, and other organs. Cannabinoid receptors are present throughout the body and are responsible for many physiological reactions such as muscle movement, nervous system function, immunity, etc.
The endocannabinoid system contains two types of receptors which are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are located mainly in the central nervous system, CB2 receptors in peripheral tissues. Cannabis and THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, act directly on CB1 receptors and therefore have a significant effect on central nervous function, including the psychoactive brain response.
You can learn more about the endocannabinoid system here.
However, CBD oil does not bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors but can modulate the work of both. For example, CBD oil can have a therapeutic effect on neurological disorders such as convulsions and epilepsy as it modulates or balances receptors that are over- or under-stimulated. It is thought to be the same for multiple sclerosis and a neurological component that includes increased pain and symptoms of depression associated with neurotransmitters.
Because the endocannabinoid system is highly sensitive to stress stimulants, CB1, and CB2 receptors may behave differently in cases of excessive stress, such as multiple sclerosis.
Some brands like Mana Artisan Botanics™ offer CBD tinctures that are actually palatable.
It's hard to feel good when your CBD tastes bad.
That's why we are proud to endorse a product designed specifically with that in mind.
What's more, Mana Artisan Botanics™ has offered 10% off your first order!
So be sure to check them out.
coupon code: naturalvibe10
What's The CBD Dosage For Multiple Sclerosis?
Based on widespread anecdotal evidence only, the standard CBD dosage recommendation may depend on your body weight. Start with 1 to 6 mg for every 10 pounds of body weight.
We've built a calculator for you so that you can find the lowest starting dose for your body weight below:
The above dosage recommendation is general and merely a suggestion. Your case may differ in that you may need a lot more, while others may need a lot less. Please consult with your physician before supplementing your treatment with CBD.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Although CBD oil is very promising for the treatment of several critical aspects of multiple sclerosis symptoms, additional research using cannabidiol alone is needed. Cannabis and THC are also encouraging, but many believe that psychoactive effects are undesirable and would benefit from a better understanding of how CBD oil can work.
We are currently in the CBD era where research is expected to develop for both therapeutic purposes related to autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, but also for many other chronic diseases and health conditions.