pathways that promote the mind-altering effects associated with traditional mari- juana. The second receptor is called CB2 and when it is activated by a compound such as CBD, it not only helps to amelio- rate the actions of CB1, but helps the body manage pain.


CBD for Chronic Pain Management Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD


have been studied extensively for their use in various chronic pain conditions, but are especially helpful agents for control- ling neuropathic pain. This is chronic pain of the nerves that waxes and wanes, and may even lead to tingling or numbness, such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), formerly called reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). It often arises as a result of peripheral nerve injury, but can be medi- ated by other factors.


Research has shown that activating the CB2 receptor seems to be beneficial in managing chronic pain, which doesn’t often respond well to other therapies. Since CBD attaches to this specific receptor, it may be helpful in activating the pathways that ease the chronic pain, often associated with long-term or degenerative conditions such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes.


Cannabinoids like CBD may also help alleviate pain by targeting and activating glycine receptors in the cen- tral nervous system. These receptors are located in various regions of the brain and spinal cord and play an important role in reducing chronic inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain. When inflammatory factors such as prostaglandins are pres- ent, they often shut down these receptors, which increases the sensation of pain, but CBD can reactivate these receptors and decrease pain hypersensitivity.


CBD for Fibromyalgia Chronic, widespread pain originating


from a dysfunction in the central nervous system is characteristic of fibromyalgia. Some researchers have suggested that a deficiency in the endocannabinoid system, which governs pain sensitivity in the central nervous system, may be involved in the lowered pain threshold, and mood and sleep challenges that accompany fibromy- algia. In cases where heightened pain sen- sitivity was arising from a depression of the endocannabinoid system, treatment with cannabinoids reduced the pain sensitivity, as expected. In other studies, individuals with fibromyalgia experienced significant relief from pain, sleep disturbances, stiff-


ness, mood disorders and anxiety after using cannabinoids further supporting its possible use in this chronic pain condition.


As cannabinoids such as CBD be- come more widely accepted as an effec- tive therapy in pain management, their mysterious beginnings should not frighten individuals away from trying them as an alternative to toxic narcotics. Whether derived from hemp or medical marijuana, CBD has shown itself to be an effective tool for managing the debilitating pain that is a companion to so many individuals with chronic pain conditions.


Dr. David Brady, a foremost authority on properly diagnos- ing and treating fibromyalgia, has been featured in top popular media including ELLE and NPR; has published in


leading peer-reviewed medical journals including Open Journal of Rheumatology and Autoimmune Disease and Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal. In pri- vate practice at Whole Body Medicine in Fairfield, CT, Dr. Brady additionally is the Vice President of Health Sciences and the Director of the Human Nutrition Institute at the University of Bridgeport, as well as the Chief Medical Officer of Designs for Health, Inc. and of Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, LLC. Having witnessed his own mother suffer through the wringer of the medical system, Dr. Brady is uniquely pas- sionate not only as a doctor but also as a patient advocate, ensuring that patients re- ceive compassionate care and meaningful results. For more information, visit FibroFix. com and DrDavidBrady.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Brady please call Whole-Body Medicine at 203.371.8258 or visit wholebodymed.com to learn more. See ad on page 41.


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