After surgery or any invasive procedure, there is a period of rehabilitation which is often associated with pain, anxiety, inflammation, and disturbed sleep. Currently, it is common practice to prescribe a variety of analgesics and psychotropic drugs to manage these disturbances, but some can find help in cannabidiol (CBD). Being a non-psychoactive compound from the cannabis plant, CBD is clinically proven to have pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and enchanting effects, which help in the healing process. Below, we provide steps on how to go about using CBD during and after a surgical procedure.
Why Consider CBD for Recovery?
The endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short, consists of interconnected cells in the body that play a role in the management of various functions such as pain, inflammation, mood, and sleep. ECS receptors can be modified by the cannabis component, most commonly known as CBD, allowing it to provide possible help against pain and inflammation and even aid sleep, which is crucial for healing.
Listed below are the primary reasons CBD can be useful for recuperation:
- Pain Management: Numerous studies estimate CBD can reduce pain, including acute and chronic pain, thus representing a natural substitute when compared to opioid and NSAID pain relief agents.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Inflammation is an integral aspect of the recovery process; however, too much inflammation can lengthen recovery time or cause discomfort during the process. CBD has been found to alleviate the amount of inflammation in patients.
- Anxiety Reduction: Post-operative anxiety is among the many causes of stress during recovery. Effects associated with CBD might have the ability to lessen stress and anxiety levels, allowing for a quicker recovery.
- Improved Sleep: Sleep aids in the regeneration of tissues and energy restoration, both important factors during the healing process. It’s been suggested that the intake of CBD leads to better sleep, per the reports of those who suffer from either anxiety or pain.
Best CBD for Post Surgery Pain
There are different post-surgical recovery prospects that can be addressed using adequate types of CBD:
- CBD Oils/Tinctures —These can be dispensed through a syringe and taken underneath the tongue, allowing for very quick absorption. They are helpful in controlling pain/emotional anxiety during specific times as well as dosage throughout the day.
- Topical CBD, like balms and creams, can also help ease the pain since they can be applied directly to the itchy spots.
- CBD Gummies — These take approximately 30 to 60 minutes to work but are very beneficial in providing relief that lasts throughout the entire day.
CBD Gummies may assist with anxiety and sleep disorders, providing a good dose of convenience to those who don’t like the taste of the oil.
How to Choose an Ideal CBD Product
Selecting an ideal CBD product is useful in treating a myriad of ailments. However, cannabis might not be refined enough to be sold and used.
- Therefore, individuals should only buy reputable brands that only supply high-quality CBD.
- Organic hemp plants are also the best choices for products, as they contain lower odds of pesticides and heavy metal contaminants.
- Full spectrum CBD is often more beneficial than an isolated product, even though some users may like an isolated version that is free of THC.
How to Safely Use CBD When Recovering from Surgery
Patients who intend to use CBD oil during their recovery process should plan carefully as to how it will be administered without conflict with medication and other therapies. This guideline outlines the safe use of CBD Oil in a step-wise manner.
Discuss it with Your Doctor
Most importantly, speak with your doctor if you are prescribed any medications. In general, prescription medications that should not be mixed with CBD include blood thinners, some controlled substances, and immunosuppressant drugs. Your doctor should be able to advise you on the safety of CBD.
Do Not Jump the Gun on the Dosage
Dosing of any cannabinoid including CBD can vary with individual bodyweight, the sensitivity of the user, and even the underlying symptoms needing CBD treatment.
- New users are generally advised, to begin with, a low dose of 5-10 mg and increase it as required.
Everyone’s body is different. Therefore, after two or three days, check how your body reacts to the CBD and titrate the dose accordingly to achieve the desired effect with the minimal effective dose.
Dosing Schedule – When to Take CBD
- For Pain and Inflammation: You may take CBD in the morning in order to prevent any pain and suffice throughout the day. If you experience pain after going for physical therapy, you might want to take another dose during the night.
- For Anxiety: Taking CBD around thirty minutes before anticipated events that trigger anxiety will be helpful for things like follow-ups or physical therapy sessions.
- For Sleep: In order to be able to sleep well at night, one should take CBD about thirty to sixty minutes before sleeping. This will give the CBD time to act.
Utilize CBD in Conjunction with Other Recovery Techniques
A more holistic approach to CBD usage would be to take it in conjunction with other techniques like moderate exercise, proper diet, good hydration and sleep. Doing so with the combination of CBD may help in maximizing on the recovery process.
Monitor Your Recovery
Recording your CBD levels, when you take it, and the resulting effects would be necessary for a health journal. It would also be important to focus on pain levels, sleep levels as well as any other side effects so that these questions can be answered: Is CBD actually working for this patient? Should any changes be made? Knowing when to reduce or completely stop the use of CBD is essential, especially during the healing process.
Are There Risks or Side Effects?
In most circumstances, CBD can be said to have a high tolerance; nonetheless, caution should be exercised since there are side effects which include somnolence, cottonmouth or upset stomach. Moreover, CBD has the potential to interact with medications, as stated above. Commence treatment with tolerance doses, and do not forget to notify your doctor if you develop new symptoms.
Conclusion: Integrating CBD in the Post-Surgery Treatment Plan
CBD’s potential ability to manage discomfort, anxiety and inflammation makes it a good fit in the post surgical recovery. It is important to use the product with medical supervision. Doing so helps in managing pain and more peace of mind during the recovery process. CBD oil is perfect for post surgery protocols where it is typically used with other health recovery practices to maximize its benefits.