Cannabidiol (CBD) is gaining attention for its potential therapeutic benefits, but can it be effective for osteoporosis? Let’s explore the connection between CBD, bone health, and how CBD oils and salves may help manage osteoporosis symptoms. We’ll look at current research, and learn what science has to say about CBD for osteoporosis. 

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones lose density, resulting in an increased risk of fractures. It occurs when the bone gets porous, making it prone to breaking, even from minor falls or injuries. 

There’s a natural process called bone remodeling, in which your body is constantly replacing old bone with new bone, which helps keep your bones strong. In osteoporosis, the balance shifts, and more bone is lost than replaced, causing weakening over time.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because many people don’t experience symptoms until a fracture occurs. However, some early warning signs can include:

• Back pain, often caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
• Loss of height over time
• A stooped posture
• Bones that break easily, especially in the spine, wrist, or hip

Risk Factors & Causes of Osteoporosis

Certain factors increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, such as:

• Age: Bone density decreases naturally with age, particularly in those over 50.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis, especially after menopause when estrogen levels decline.
• Family History: Genetics can play a role in bone health.
• Diet: A lack of calcium or vitamin D can weaken bones.
• Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to bone loss.

Osteoporosis Diagnosis

Osteoporosis is usually diagnosed through a bone density scan (DEXA scan). This test measures the amount of bone mineral content and compares it to normal values for your age and gender. Early detection is essential, as it allows for preventive measures and treatments to slow bone loss.

How CBD Oil & Salves May Help With Osteoporosis

Research on CBD and its impact on bone health is still in its early stages, but findings are promising. The role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in bone remodeling and health has particularly caught the attention of researchers. 

The ECS is involved in many bodily functions, including pain regulation, inflammation, and bone metabolism. CBD interacts with this system, which may explain its potential for helping with osteoporosis.

Cannabinoids and Bone Regeneration

A 2020 study explored how the skeletal endocannabinoid system affects bone formation and resorption. The study found that CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are part of the ECS, are present in bones and could be involved in bone health. The results suggested that CBD could potentially enhance fracture healing in rats. 

CBD and Bone Healing

Another 2020 study focused on the role of CBD and THC in bone healing and maintenance. Preclinical data suggested that CBD may increase bone healing, while THC could inhibit bone repair. However, much of this research is based on animal studies, and the effects on humans are not yet fully understood.

Also, a 2023 study examined how CBD affects inflammation and bone health. The study found that CBD increased cell viability and promoted bone healing in animal models with osteoporosis. In particular, CBD helped prevent bone loss induced by surgical menopause (oophorectomy) and certain medications. 

CBD for Joints and Bones

In 2022, a large survey of arthritis patients suggested that CBD use significantly reduced pain, and improved physical function, and sleep quality. 

While this study focused on arthritis, the results suggest that CBD could also help with joint pain and stiffness in osteoporosis patients. In the survey, 83% of the 428 participants reported pain reduction, and 60.5% reduced or stopped using other medications after starting CBD. 

How to Use CBD Oil or Salve for Osteoporosis

If you want to incorporate CBD oil and salves into your routine, here’s how to use them:

CBD oil is taken sublingually (under the tongue) for faster absorption. It’s recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase until the desired effects are achieved. 

Users typically start with 5-10 mg of CBD and adjust as needed, depending on how their body responds. 

CBD Salve for Tension and CBD Salve for Chronic Pain can potentially be useful for localized pain relief, especially in areas prone to fractures or joint discomfort, such as the back, hips, or wrists. 

Applying it is very simple; just take a small amount, put it on the affected area, and massage it into the skin. The combination of CBD and eucalyptus (as in our salve for chronic pain) or clary sage (as in our salve for tension), and a massage will help you relax and release your body’s tension. 

CBD Salve vs CBD Oil for Osteoporosis

Feature	CBD Salve	CBD Oil
Description	A topical cream or ointment infused with CBD	An oil-based liquid containing CBD
Application	Applied directly to the skin	Taken orally (sublingually)
Recommended For Potentially Helping With	Localized pain relief, muscle tension, joint discomfort	Overall pain management, sleep improvement, inflammation reduction
It Has Been Suggested That It Is Better For	Specific areas of pain or discomfort	Widespread symptoms or systemic issues

 

In Conclusion

While CBD is not a cure for osteoporosis, research shows it may have potential benefits for bone health, pain relief, and inflammation. Both CBD oils and salves could be useful tools for managing symptoms, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD into your day-to-day with osteoporosis.

Explore our range of CBD oils and salves at Vitality to support your joint and bone health.

References

Clouse G, Penman S, Hadjiargyrou M, Komatsu DE, Thanos PK. Examining the role of cannabinoids on osteoporosis: a review. Arch Osteoporos. 2022 Nov 19;17(1):146. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11657-022-01190-x 

Frane, N., Stapleton, E., Iturriaga, C., Ganz, M., Rasquinha, V., & Duarte, R. (2022). Cannabidiol as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain: an exploratory cross-sectional study. Journal of cannabis research, 4(1), 47. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-022-00154-9 

Ihejirika-Lomedico R, Patel K, Buchalter DB, Kirby DJ, Mehta D, Dankert JF, Muiños-López E, Ihejirika Y, Leucht P. Non-psychoactive Cannabidiol Prevents Osteoporosis in an Animal Model and Increases Cell Viability, Proliferation, and Osteogenic Gene Expression in Human Skeletal Stem and Progenitor Cells. Calcif Tissue Int. 2023 Jun;112(6):716-726. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-023-01083-2 

O’Connor, C. M., Anoushiravani, A. A., Adams, C., Young, J. R., Richardson, K., & Rosenbaum, A. J. (2020). Cannabinoid Use in Musculoskeletal Illness: a Review of the Current Evidence. Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine, 13(4), 379–384. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-020-09635-x 

Raphael-Mizrahi B, Gabet Y. The Cannabinoids Effect on Bone Formation and Bone Healing. Curr Osteoporos Rep. 2020 Oct;18(5):433-438. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-020-00607-1