A New Way for Chronic RA

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are two chronic inflammatory diseases, primarily in the musculoskeletal system, which will be the focus of our discussion today.

In healthy adults, proper joint functioning is depends on a layer of connective tissue, known as the synovium. The synovium produces a lubricating substance called synovial fluid.

In those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, however, the cells in the synovial tissue are attacked by the white blood cells in the body’s immune system. This barrage causes them to thicken, causing degeneration of the surrounding cartilage and bone tissue.

Treatment in a clinical setting presents a challenge for many reasons - namely the progressive nature of the diseases and the involvement of multiple chronic pain mechanisms.

In severe cases, many people are prescribed pharmaceutical-strength drugs as a means to deal with the chronic pain.

DMARD’s (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) and biologics that are commonly prescribed to patients, but these treatments – (in addition to being overly expensive) – can be incredibly dangerous. They actually modify the immune system - the goal being to minimize the body’s attacks on joint tissue, but in doing so they pose a severe risk of infection to the patient.

An example - Methotrexate is one of the most commonly prescribed RA biologics, it has been well-documented to increase risk of serious infections due to the resulting inhibited immune response. Other popular RA DMARD’s (such as Minocin, Azulfidine, and Plaquenil) pose an equally dangerous risk.

Not to mention, the side effects of pain pills commonly prescribed pose an implicit risk to patients. Chronic use of painkillers for years has a direct correlation to damaging effect on the kidneys, often leading to the need for dialysis, or even transplant. It is not the opiate in the painkillers that disables the kidneys, but secondary analgesics, namely acetaminophen.

In a recent study, CBD was shown to suppress localized T-cell function and activity. This suggests that the cannabinoid may be the only scientifically-backed drug prove to to be capable of treating the underlying cause of RA. While this may be considered speculation at this point, just the notion that CBD may play a key role in the suppression of autoimmune responses is nothing short of miraculous. 

The efficacy and safety of CBD to reduce pain and inflammation in the treatment of patients with persistent symptoms of RA and AS is beginning to gain traction in the medical community as controlled studies are consistently producing promising results.

If you or someone you know has been suffering — consider a safe, all-natural, effective replacement for your prescription RA and AS pain medications.

Beyond CBD could be the treatment option you’ve been waiting for. 

https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/6/e028197

http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/research/job185drugs/morphine.htm

http://healthland.time.com/2011/01/13/fda-cuts-acetaminophen-dose-in-opioid-painkillers/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2748879/