Repetitive strain injury, or RSI, is a problem that many typists are familiar with. It results from repeatedly inflicting small degrees of stress onto a certain part of your body. As you perform the motion or activity (e.g. typing) over and over again for a long period of time, the damage to your joints, tendons, and nerves becomes more pronounced—and painful.
Symptoms of RSI include pain, tenderness, stiffness, throbbing, swelling, cramping, weakness, and numbness. Over time these may become severe.
RSI can make life miserable for typists, especially when left untreated. As with all overuse injuries, the best solution is prevention; but of course, that’s not always possible. Because it develops gradually, RSI oftentimes goes unnoticed until significant damage has been done. At that point, it becomes a question of finding the best treatment option.
The past couple of years has seen CBD emerge as a go-to remedy for all sorts of common ailments. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular natural treatment for people suffering from arthritis and other types of chronic pain, including RSI.
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a common condition among typists and other individuals who engage in repetitive hand and arm movements. Symptoms of RSI can include pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. There is currently no cure for RSI, but there are a number of treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Some research suggests that CBD may be effective in managing the symptoms of RSI, and there is growing interested in using CBD as a treatment for this condition.
However, it’s important to note that research on the use of CBD for RSI is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of this treatment. Additionally, it’s important to note that CBD is not yet legal in all states or countries, and it is also not FDA-approved as a treatment for any medical condition.
It’s also important to work with a doctor before trying any kind of treatment, whether it’s traditional or alternative. They can help you understand the potential risks and benefits of CBD and other treatments and determine the best course of action for your specific case.
Keep reading to learn more about CBD and how it can benefit RSI sufferers.
Intro to CBD
CBD is everywhere now, but there are still some misconceptions about where it comes from, what its effects are, and whether or not it’s fully legal. So let’s clarify a few things.
Short for cannabidiol, CBD is a naturally occurring chemical in the cannabis plant. More than 100 such chemicals exist; they’re called cannabinoids.
CBD interacts with all of these cannabinoids—including THC, the psychoactive marijuana ingredient that gets you high—but you can rest assured that CBD does not cause intoxication. Nor will it make you paranoid or anxious. On the contrary, CBD has a calming effect. Hence, it is frequently used to manage stress and anxiety.
As for legality, CBD can be legally purchased in all 50 states, as long as the product is made from hemp rather than marijuana. The main difference between the two is the THC content. Hemp contains no more than 0.3% THC. That’s too little to have a psychoactive effect; therefore, hemp is entirely legal.
CBD is usually administered orally as a tincture or capsule or else applied topically with a roll-on, gel, or cream. CBD gummies and candy are also available for those who want to go the edible route.
CBD effects
So if CBD doesn’t make you high, what does it do? Plenty, as it turns out.
Scientific research shows that CBD is a safe and effective treatment for a range of conditions. These include but are not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Seizure disorders
- Acne
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
It can also help to reduce symptoms associated with cancer treatment, such as nausea and vomiting.
CBD and RSI
Like many other chronic conditions, RSI is characterized by pain and inflammation. The more you attempt to work through the injury without addressing it, the more inflamed and painful it becomes. As the inflammation worsens, you could begin to experience swelling and stiffness. This severely affects your ability to type.
CBD is a proven anti-inflammatory agent. To take one example, a 2016 study looked into the effects of topical CBD on pain and inflammation in rats. After just four days of treatment, joint pain and swelling were greatly reduced. The authors of the study didn’t observe any side effects.
Some research suggests that CBD may be effective in managing the symptoms of RSI (repetitive strain injury), a common condition among typists and other individuals who engage in repetitive hand and arm movements. Symptoms of RSI can include pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area.
It’s also important to work with a doctor before trying any kind of treatment, whether it’s traditional or alternative. They can help you understand the potential risks and benefits of CBD and other treatments and determine the best course of action for your specific case.
Additionally, CBD appears to reduce pain sensitivity by promoting certain chemicals in our brains that help regulate things like mood, pain, and sleep cycles.
So the next time you feel the symptoms of RSI flaring up, skip the ibuprofen and try applying some topical CBD to the affected area instead. It could very well provide the relief you’ve been looking for. In the meantime, it’s important to take preventative measures like practicing good posture, honing relaxation techniques, and optimizing your work equipment.
Last Words
Typists with RSI should be aware of the potential benefits of CBD as a treatment option, but should also approach this treatment with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
