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Does CBD Help After Surgery?
As you likely already know, the United States is in the midst of an opioid crisis. Millions of people across the US undergo orthopaedic surgeries each year, with opioids prescribed as part of their recovery process. Unfortunately, nearly 30% of these individuals have been shown to misuse or abuse their medication.
As a result of this epidemic, medical professionals have been searching for safer, alternative forms of pain alleviation. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recently published an article highlighting one of the most promising alternatives – cannabinoids. Written by Caleb M. Yeung, MD and Harold A. Fogel, MD, this article highlights some of the key areas in which cannabinoids like CBD can help our patients.
The following are some of the key takeaways from the AAOS Now article:
The opioid epidemic has spurred a need for alternatives for the treatment of pain. The expanding legalization and availability of marijuana products have placed widespread attention on the drug as an alternative form of analgesia or form of treatment for other medical conditions.
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in marijuana, with the most well-known being THC and CBD, which target naturally existing receptors in the body to modulate their downstream effects on serotonin, dopamine, and opioid receptors.
CBD does not produce a “high,” does not appear to be addictive, and does not stimulate appetite or lead to withdrawal.
Current research concerning cannabinoids in orthopaedic surgery has demonstrated promising results in the areas of pain alleviation, bone metabolism, and other orthopaedic outcomes. The effects of cannabinoids in reducing opioid consumption are actively being studied.
If you think CBD is the right product for you, we encourage you to call us at 703.444.5000 or click here to request an appointment with one of the physicians at Arthritis & Sports. To stay up-to-date on the latest news and tips from us, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for our monthly newsletter for even more information sent straight to your inbox!
Reference:
Yeung, Caleb M; Fogel, Harold A. 2021 Feb. Cannabinoids After Orthopaedic Surgery? AAOS Now. https://qa.aaos.org/aaosnow/2021/feb/research/research04
