Americans now seem to be extremely wary of taking any kind of prescription medicine to relieve pain. A whopping 78 percent of those surveyed in a joint effort by Gallup and Palmer College of Chiropractic said they’d “prefer to try other ways to address their physical pain before they take pain medication.”
What many may not to realize is that even over-the-counter (OTC) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) frequently used to treat mild and moderate pain come with risks. The likes of aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naproxen can trigger adverse effects such as ulcers, bleeding, gastrointestinal problems, and – in rare cases – increased risk of stroke or even kidney damage.
“If over-the-counter medications are used, it should be remembered that just because it’s OTC doesn’t mean it’s completely safe for everyone,” says Velma Wilks, RPh, a practicing registered pharmacist in Lubbock, Texas, who believes people should consider non-pharmacological approaches first.
She’s not alone. In fact, one alternative to both opioids and OTC drugs – CBD or cannabidiol – has grown so popular among those seeking relief from back and neck pain that it’s predicted to be a $16 billion dollar industry by 2025.
Pure forms of CBD come from the whole hemp plant and the purest and most potent use a form of supercritical CO2 extraction, leaving only the pure CBD and no chemical solvents. CBD functions by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. These tiny receptors, found in virtually every cell and tissue type in the body, are key to keeping our bodies in balance. Ongoing research is looking at how our bodies endocannabinoid system may benefit from pure forms of cannabidiol and help manage pain and inflammation. One company that makes a high quality pure form of CBD products is PurePlan.com – and right now they are offering a free Travel Size of their 390mg Pain Lotion if you just help by paying a small shipping and handling charge. For a limited time you can get your free product by clicking here.
“One hundred million Americans suffer from chronic pain, and they deserve to know the risks about the OTC medications they’re taking,” says the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress’ Sherry McAllister, DC.