There are many different conditions that can appear throughout our lives. Some of them come naturally as we age, while there are others that can arise from a traumatic event (physically or emotionally). In this article, we will be discussing neuropathy: what it is, what it feels like, and how cbd can help you with your treatment plan.

What is Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves that are outside the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves) are damaged. This condition often causes weakness, numbness, and pain (usually in the hands and feet). It can also affect other areas and body functions, including digestion and urination. The peripheral nervous system sends info from the brain and spinal cord, also known as the central nervous system, to the rest of the body through motor nerves. The peripheral nerves also send sensory information to the central nervous system through sensory nerves. Peripheral neuropathy can happen when you go through traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes, and exposure to toxins. One of the most prevalent causes of neuropathy is diabetes. Most patients with this condition have described the pain as a stabbing, burning, or tingling feeling in the hands or feet. Symptoms can improve on their own, usually if the cause of the condition is treated. There are many medical treatments and medicines that can help reduce the pain from neuropathy. About 2.4% of people globally have a form of peripheral neuropathy. Among people 45 and older, that percentage rises to between 5% and 7%.

Symptoms of neuropathy

Tingling, prickling, or numbness in the hands or feet, the sensation that you’re wearing a glove or sock that’s too tight, sharp pain, a weak or heavy feelings in the arms and legs, increased sensitivity to touch, drop in blood pressure, constipation, digestive issues, sexual dysfunction (particularly in men).

CBD & how it can help

CBD comes from the cannabis or hemp plant; this plant being most commonly known for producing THC. The difference is that with how CBD is extracted from the plant, with that it doesn’t have the part of the plant that can cause a psychoactive effect like THC. CBD as a compound is used for medicinal purposes, generally used for insomnia, pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, stress, etc. It is legal in most states in the USA (most states require it to be used medicinally), which helps make sure it’s accessible to most people. The most common types of products that CBD is used in are gummies, creams/lotions, capsules, and tinctures (gummies being the most popular). CBD has been used to manage and reduce pain for centuries. CBD binds CB1 and CB2 neuropeptides and thus helps manage and relieve pain and inflammation.

With CBD’s ability to help reduce pain and inflammation in the skin, it’s usually seen as a really helpful alternative to regular pharmaceutical medications. The most recommended way to use CBD for neuropathy would be in a topical or cream form. When using a topical, it’s recommended to use a formula with CBD and CBG together or with Full Spectrum CBD/CBG. This is because CBG can be used for pain symptoms and to relax the body. When two cannabinoids are used together in a product, they help make each other more effective.

Regardless of how you would like to go about your treatment plan, we always recommend speaking to a health care specialist if you feel you have any serious/persistent symptoms.