CBD oil is no longer a product that you have to go out of your way to find. You’ll see it on grocery store shelves, in pharmacies, and even at local farmer’s markets. Since it’s becoming mainstream, you might assume your doctor is fine with it. However, it’s still somewhat controversial. Doctors are becoming more accepting of CBD’s benefits, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready to prescribe it before making another recommendation or prescribing some other type of medication, physical therapy, or alternative therapy. Here are some thoughts of five doctors who practice in different types of medicine.
Internal Medicine
Your internal medicine doctor is the person who likely treats your occasional bouts of sinus infections, strep throat, influenza, and other illnesses. Internists are also your point source for new pain, worsening pain, and other conditions that interfere with mobility and activities of daily living. Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, an internist who specializes in chronic pain care, feels CBD oil is generally safe but should be used under a physician’s direction.
Psychologists and Psychiatrists
Anxiety disorders are common. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased anxiety in people who didn’t have it before. Many psychologists and psychiatrists have found that CBD oil helps their patients reduce anxiety levels. It may reduce the risk and severity of having a panic attack. A panic attack can feel like a heart attack, and it may cause a person to go to the emergency room for care. One psychologist noted that CBD oil reduced their patient’s desire to use an illegal drug for treating anxiety symptoms.
Dermatologists
Many people suffer from dry or irritated skin. CBD oil reduces inflammation in the skin, which reduces dryness, itching, redness, and swelling. If you have acne, CBD oil may help your skin reduce oil production, which should lessen the severity of acne outbreaks. One dermatologist, Lily Talakoub, MD, recommends that people only use CBD oil on their skin under the care of a dermatologist. Some preparations contain potent allergens that could worsen certain skin conditions.
Endocrinologists
Endocrine disorders are increasingly common. Diabetes, Hashimoto’s disease, and Grave’s diseases are just a few. CBD oil on the skin may help with some issues related to dryness. However, ingested products containing CBD oil may not be safe for all patients. They may interfere with the absorption of key medications used to keep blood sugar and hormones stable. In particular, people with autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes and Hashimoto’s disease, should ask their doctor before using a CBD oil product.
Chiropractors
Chiropractors used to be on the fringe of medicine, too. However, insurance companies have realized that chiropractic care is as or even more effective than costly surgeries or medications that have untenable side effects on patients. Brooke Van Kirk, DC, who is a physician in Florida, says that she’s had success prescribing CBD oil to patients with acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. Dr. Van Kirk recommends focusing on the quality of the oil.
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