CBD oil can improve life by relieving symptoms of muscular dystrophy that might be difficult to be treated by any other medicine.
CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant. Its compound is safe for use as it does not make you high. Sometimes, CBD oil may contain traces of THC, depending on the extraction method. CBD oil may deliberately contain THC as combining the two compounds makes CBD more effective in treating some diseases and conditions. CBD oil is mixed with other carrier oils such as coconut or hemp seed oil. De Briyne et al. (2021) claimed that such oils increase the effectiveness of CBD oil in treating some ailments. There are three types of CBD oil: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD oil isolate. Full-spectrum oil contains all the compounds from the cannabis plant, including THC. However, the amount of THC in CBD oil does not exceed 0.3%. This amount can neither be harmful to the body nor make you high. Broad-spectrum oil contains all the other compounds from the cannabis plant apart from THC. CBD oil isolates contain only CBD compounds. You can purchase CBD oil online or from the local market.
What is Muscular Dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder that affects the skeletal muscles making them weak. There are more than 30 disorders that fall under the name muscular dystrophy. It is more likely to affect boys than girls. Sometimes it may be present at birth or later in childhood or adulthood. The disorders differ by age and the muscle affected. It can be mild, moderate, or severe. This disorder might progress from one stage to another, affecting walking, thinking, cardiovascular functions, breathing, swallowing, balance, and motor control. People with this disorder might also experience pain caused by spasms, inflammation sores, and joint stiffness. In more serious cases, it might affect the lungs and heart.
Types of Muscular Dystrophy
There are over 30 types of muscular dystrophy. However, there are those which are common. The most common types of muscular dystrophy are:
Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
This is the most common type of muscular dystrophy. It can only affect the boys and not the girls. Mostly it affects boys between the ages of 2-5 years. You can notice the disorder in your child at tender ages as it makes it difficult for them to walk, jump or run. The disease might progress and affect the child’s lungs and heart.
Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMB)
The second most common type of muscular dystrophy. The signs of this disorder mostly appear during the teenage. However, it can also appear between the ages of 5-60 years. It can affect both boys and girls but mostly affects the boys. It affects the shoulders, thighs, and hip muscles.
Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD)
This type is present at birth. It is characterized by very stiff or loose joints, a curved spine, and weak muscles. The condition also affects learning abilities. You may also have seizures and vision problems.
Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD)
It affects muscles in the shoulders, face, and upper arms. Its symptoms may appear before the age of 20. It affects both boys and girls.
Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (OPMD)
It is a very rare type that affects about one person in 100,000 people. It appears between the ages of 40-60. It attacks the muscles in the eyelids and throat making them weak. The eyelids become droopy, and you experience difficulties in swallowing.
Who is at risk of getting this Disorder?
Muscular dystrophy is not a very common disorder. However, this condition runs through families. You might inherit genes from your parent who had the same disorder. Sometimes, a parent might have the gene that causes the disorder but doesn’t have muscular dystrophy. Such parents might give birth to a child with muscular dystrophy in such cases. In rare cases, one might develop this condition spontaneously, with no known reason.
Can CBD oil Treat Muscular Dystrophy?
Bajanca & Vandel (2017) stated that CBD oil could help manage this condition. It might not heal the disorder but treat the main symptoms, but Salem et al. (2006) suggested that it can help eliminate chronic pain caused by spasms and stiff joints. Once cannabinoids get into the body, they go through the endocannabinoid system. The receptors in the endocannabinoid system are manipulated hence reducing pain and inflammation. According to Manning et al. (2014), patients with muscular dystrophy may also experience mood problems, anxiety, and depression. CBD acts on serotonin receptors improving moods and sleep. High blood pressure is also common with muscular dystrophy. CBD oil can treat this condition by lowering blood pressure and improving heart health.
How to use CBD Oil for Muscular Dystrophy.
Bhaskar et al. (2021) confirmed that ingesting CBD oil has shown quick reactions to pain. You can ingest CBD oil in tinctures, pills, sprays, or capsules. Always start with a low dose increasing gradually until the effects are felt. Ensure consistency in the time of taking the oil. You can buy full-spectrum oil for entourage effects as it is more effective in dealing with chronic pains.
Precautions and Side Effects of CBD Oil
Ingesting CBD oil may cause side effects such as drowsiness, fatigue, and diarrhea. Ensure you do not take an overdose as it may cause severe effects. In very rare cases, CBD oil can cause liver damage. CBD oil can interact with some medications. Consult your doctor if you are under any medication. There is not enough information on CBD oil’s effects on infants and unborn babies. Therefore, pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid CBD oil unless prescribed by a doctor.
Conclusion
Muscular dystrophy is a condition that affects the muscles making them weak and painful. This disorder might not be healed, but it can be managed to improve quality of life. CBD oil can relieve chronic pain associated with this disorder as it contains anti-inflammatory properties. CBD can also improve moods and reduce anxiety as it interacts with serotonin. Stick to the recommended dosage. You can start with a lower dosage increasing gradually until the effects are felt. CBD oil may cause effects such as nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea.
References
Bajanca, F., & Vandel, L. (2017). Epigenetic Regulators Modulate Muscle Damage In Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Model. Plos Currents, 9.
Bhaskar, A., Bell, A., Boivin, M., Briques, W., Brown, M., Clarke, H., … & Moulin, D. E. (2021). Consensus Recommendations On Dosing And Administration Of Medical Cannabis To Treat Chronic Pain: Results Of A Modified Delphi Process. Journal Of Cannabis Research, 3(1), 1-12.
De Briyne, N., Holmes, D., Sandler, I., Stiles, E., Szymanski, D., Moody, S., … & Anadón, A. (2021). Cannabis, Cannabidiol Oils And Tetrahydrocannabinol—What Do Veterinarians Need To Know?. Animals, 11(3), 892.
Manning, J., Kulbida, R., Rai, P., Jensen, L., Bouma, J., Singh, S. P., … & Yilmazer‐Hanke, D. (2014). Amitriptyline Is Efficacious In Ameliorating Muscle Inflammation And Depressive Symptoms In The Mdx Mouse Model Of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Experimental Physiology, 99(10), 1370-1386.
Salem, M., Kenney, P. B., Rexroad, C. E., & Yao, J. (2006). Molecular Characterization Of Muscle Atrophy And Proteolysis Associated With Spawning In Rainbow Trout. Comparative Biochemistry And Physiology Part D: Genomics And Proteomics, 1(2), 227-237.
Ieva Kubiliute is a psychologist and a sex and relationships advisor and a freelance writer. She’s also a consultant to several health and wellness brands. While Ieva specialises in covering wellness topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to mental wellbeing, sex and relationships and health conditions, she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain and joining an £18k-a-year London gym. Someone’s got to do it!
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