Arthritis is one of the most widespread health conditions in the United States and affects one in four adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s more than 54 million men and women. Recent research by ArthroCBD, a subsidiary of Colorado-based oral and topical cannabinoid company Opticann, found that while only a small percentage of Arthritis sufferers have tried CBD to ease their pain, nearly all are open to using it.
According to the Harvard Health Blog, while there are laboratory studies that indicate CBD may be a promising treatment for arthritis, no definitive medical study of its effectiveness has been undertaken.
Despite efforts to educate the public about the disease – like the annual designation of May as Arthritis Awareness Month – common misconceptions remain about arthritis, including what it’s like to live with it. ArthroCBD recently performed quantitative and qualitative studies to “debunk” some of those myths.
A common myth dictates that arthritis only impacts the hands and knees. While the majority of sufferers experience this, symptoms can be felt anywhere on the body and weight-bearing joints are the most common. Research shows that symptoms are most present in the form of joint pain and inflammation, which commonly occur in the knees, hands, hips and along the spine.
Another misconception about living with arthritis is that it’s just pain, and sufferers should be able to work through it. One patient surveyed by ArthroCBD and Opticann said, “It can feel like a constant aching pain and stiffness … it hurts every day.”
Of those surveyed, 15% experience pain in their feet and almost all of them (94%) report that they are frequently in pain. Slightly more than one in four (26%) of those surveyed report pain in their torso, head or shoulders. Those who experience pain in these areas experience it more frequently, with half managing their pain on a daily basis.
While there are stigmas to challenge, arthritis and pain sufferers are empowered to find their best treatment option. Research shows that “long-term relief” and “limited side effects” are rated as the most important treatment characteristics. Most arthritis and pain patients have tried between two and four different types of treatment for their conditions. Nearly one-third (32%) of people stop after they have tried one treatment, and only 11% of pain and arthritis sufferers surveyed are happy with their current pain treatment.
When it comes to CBD based healthcare products, 97% of consumers with arthritis are interested in learning more. Only 15% have tried CBD. Four in every five respondents feel confident making their treatment decisions on their own.
ArthroCBD’s compelling data showed that patients are interested in finding solutions that are well tested and safe without harsh impact to their bodies.
