Neuropathy is a condition where the nerves become damaged and stop sending messages properly between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. This can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of feeling. While CBD does not repair damaged nerves, some evidence suggests it may help relieve certain symptoms such as pain, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety associated with chronic neuropathy.
Types of Neuropathy
1. Peripheral Neuropathy
The most common type, affecting nerves in the hands, feet, arms, and legs.
Common causes:
- Diabetes
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Chemotherapy
- Alcohol misuse
- Certain medications
- Infections
- Autoimmune diseases
Symptoms:
- Burning pain
- Tingling (“pins and needles”)
- Numbness
- Sharp, stabbing pains
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of balance
2. Autonomic Neuropathy
Affects nerves that control automatic body functions.
Symptoms:
- Dizziness when standing
- Digestive problems
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Excessive or reduced sweating
- Bladder problems
- Sexual dysfunction
- Changes in blood pressure or heart rate
3. Focal Neuropathy
Damage to a single nerve.
Examples:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Bell’s palsy
- Sciatica
Symptoms:
- Sudden pain
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of movement in one area
4. Proximal Neuropathy
Usually affects the hips, thighs, or buttocks.
Symptoms:
- Severe pain
- Difficulty standing
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty climbing stairs
Common Causes of Neuropathy
Neuropathy can result from many different conditions, including:
- Diabetes (the leading cause)
- Chronic inflammation
- Vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins)
- Lyme disease
- Viral infections such as shingles
- Autoimmune disorders
- Kidney or liver disease
- Poor circulation
- Exposure to toxins or heavy metals
- Chemotherapy
- Physical injury or nerve compression
- Alcohol misuse
Symptoms of Neuropathy
Symptoms vary depending on which nerves are affected.
Sensory symptoms
- Burning feet
- Tingling hands
- Electric shock sensations
- Numbness
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Pain from light contact
Motor symptoms
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty walking
- Poor coordination
- Muscle cramps
- Foot drop
Autonomic symptoms
- Digestive problems
- Dizziness
- Bladder issues
- Excessive sweating
- Heat intolerance
How CBD May Help
CBD works by interacting indirectly with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain signalling, inflammation, mood, and sleep.
Research suggests CBD may help with several aspects of neuropathy, although evidence is stronger for symptom relief than for reversing nerve damage.
1. May Reduce Nerve Pain
CBD may reduce the sensitivity of pain pathways, helping lessen:
- Burning pain
- Shooting pain
- Electric shock sensations
- Ongoing aching discomfort
2. May Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation around damaged nerves can worsen symptoms. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce this inflammatory response.
3. May Improve Sleep
Many people with neuropathy struggle to sleep because of pain. CBD may help improve sleep quality by reducing discomfort and promoting relaxation.
4. May Reduce Anxiety and Stress
Living with chronic nerve pain can increase anxiety and stress. CBD may help promote calmness, making neuropathy symptoms easier to cope with.
5. May Relax Tight Muscles
Neuropathy can sometimes lead to muscle tension or cramping. CBD may help some people experience improved muscle relaxation.
CBD Products for Neuropathy
Different forms may be helpful depending on symptoms:
- CBD oil: May provide whole-body support and can be adjusted to individual needs.
- CBD capsules: Convenient for consistent daily use.
- CBD topical creams or balms: May provide temporary relief when applied to painful hands, feet, or other affected areas, although they generally act locally rather than throughout the body.
Some people use both an oral CBD product and a topical product together
Product recommendations:
LMVP Pain Nurse – drops may be slightly better to dose for individual needs and at different times than capsules
Green Health Joint and Muscle Relief or Green Health Cooling Balm for topical application
Oil For Health Platinum Healing Oil, easy to carry around roller bottle.
