The reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that remains in our body after chickenpox infection causes shingles, which causes rashes, coupled with severe neuropathy, affecting the quality of life of individuals suffering from it. For some people, the pain remains even after the rashes are healed, and this condition is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN develops in 10 to 15 percent of individuals who have suffered from shingles, and they are usually prescribed pharmaceutical pain killers to manage the pain. But CBD pain relief products are a good natural alternative mainly due to their analgesic effect, read on to know more.
CBD Pain Relief For Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) causes severe pain due to nerve damage affecting the quality of life of individuals suffering from it. CBD derived from the hemp plant is effective for mitigating pain than traditional pain killers. The analgesic effect of cannabidiol is due to its positive effect on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a network of neurotransmitters and chemical messengers spread throughout the body. Furthermore, the ECS regulates homeostasis, and it includes pain perception.
Cannabidiol (CBD) influences the ECS by interacting with its receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the central and peripheral nervous systems, while CB2 receptors are associated with the immune system. The peripheral nervous system relays sensory inputs from the sense organs to the brain and spinal cord. Nerve damage, and thereby inflammation to the nerves of this system causes PHN. CBD is useful for managing pain in PHN because it reduces inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory effect.
Benefits Of Cannabidiol (CBD) For Postherpetic Neuralgia
CBD has multiple therapeutic effects due to its positive effect on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). You should also know that PHN causes weight loss, anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness due to neuropathy. Listed below are the major benefits of CBD that make it useful for treating this condition.
Pain: CBD pain relief for neuropathy is the primary reason it is used for treating postherpetic neuralgia. This is mainly due to its neuroprotective effect coupled with its positive effect on vanilloid receptors that are also responsible for pain perception.
Inflammation: CBD is also popular due to its anti-inflammatory effect which it achieves by lowering the activity of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines. Because of this, it is useful when ingested as well as applied on the skin in the form of topical products.
Headaches: CBD reduces headaches because it influences the CB1 receptors of the ECS.
Depression: CBD is useful for managing depression in PHN because it increases serotonin and anandamide levels in the brain.
These are some of the major ways in which cannabidiol (CBD) is useful for treating the symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).