Restless leg syndrome is a rather common nervous disorder that causes uncontrollable spasms and movements in the legs of those affected. The syndrome is most unpleasant during times of rest, which could be when you are sprawled onto a sofa after work or at night when you sneak into your bed. This is often responsible for the sleepless nights that patients have to suffer through, resulting in tiredness and tardiness on the day that follows.
On the contrary, the condition seems to calm down during periods of activity.
What leads to this condition? There can be multiple reasons for a patient’s diagnosis of RLS. From iron deficiency to dopamine concentration, genes, and varicose veins.
The Effects of CBD Oil and Cannabis on Restless Leg Syndrome
Cannabis and CBD oil are both associated with pain-relieving and relaxing effects which is why these are often used as a substitute for pain relievers, sleeping pills, and the like. It is no wonder that the herb and its cannabinoid have been looked into as a treatment for RLS.
To be clear, restless leg syndrome does not have a cure. It can, however, be treated to alleviate its symptoms.
Here is how cannabis and CBD can have an impact on RLS patients:
Dopamine Levels
It is believed that RLS is associated with the disruption of dopamine levels in the brain. Here’s how that works.
Basal ganglia are a group of structures that are responsible for the production of a neurotransmitter- dopamine. This chemical acts as a messenger between the brain and nervous system, that helps in controlling muscle activity and movement of the body.
However, if nerve cells get damaged, the overall production of dopamine goes down. The connection between the brain and nervous system is broken which often leads to muscle spasms and involuntary movement.
Now that we know that RLS can be a result of reduced dopamine levels in the brain, we can understand how cannabis can be of help.
Cannabis, with all its cannabinoids in tow, especially THC, can help in the production of dopamine in the brain. However, this impact is only short-term. Acute consumption of cannabis can help in the release of neurotransmitters while chronic use can reduce its synthesis.
Restful Sleep
Patients with restless leg syndrome tend to have a hard time falling asleep. Basically, the spasms and uncontrollable movements of the legs become more severe towards the end of the day, when you’re meant to be resting.
This discomfort can be characterized by spasms, itch, ache, throb, twitch and kick, periodic limp, and the like. These unpleasant sensations result in inconvenience throughout the night and an inability to sleep.
CBD and cannabis in this case come in handy.
CBD is usually associated with controlling spasms in chronic conditions. This can also help soothe the pain that a patient might be enduring. Relief from this pain can help patients sleep well at night.
Cannabis has multiple cannabinoids and terpenes that have a sedative effect on consumers. When these compounds, such as CBN and THC (cannabinoid) and Caryophyllene, Myrcene, or Linalool (terpenes), combine together, they help patients sleep better at night.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are usually characterized by enlarged veins in the hands and feet and share some common symptoms with restless leg syndrome.
In multiple cases, these result in an achy feeling in the legs, burning, throbbing, cramping, swelling, itching, and pain, along with a change in skin color around the varicose veins.
In case of such a diagnosis, CBD oil can be used to reduce the pain and inflammation around the veins. Both ingestible and topicals can prove to be useful while finding relief in these cases.
It is crucial to remember that neither CBD nor cannabis can provide a permanent solution to this medical condition. However, treatment with the right medications or natural medicine (as per this article) can prove to be helpful in managing the symptoms. While CBD can be found at multiple licensed retail outlets in your particular state (check the laws), medical cannabis requires you to apply for a medical marijuana card. If you reside in California, you can consult a California Marijuana Doctor for your condition, get an MMJ card, and access high-quality and potent cannabis from any local dispensary.
Many thanks to Mary @ Online CBD Store for this awesome content
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