How CBD Changed My Life & Chronic Pain For The Better
Ever since my scoliosis surgery in 1999, my back hasn't been the same.
For years, I've endured extremely debilitating back pain. After seeing a different specialist and trying physical therapy, my last resort was the pain doctor. Based on my age, she explained three different options available to me. Two were in the form of a shot, meaning I would get pumped with steroids for a few months at a time. The third choice was to take a narcotic to ease the pain. Those options weren't the best for me. With any steroid, there is a possibility that the side effects won't be in your favor.
The majority of the time, weight gain is an issue. And of course, with any narcotic, there is a slim chance that you could become addicted. In the past, I've allowed my desperation to get the better of me. So, I explained to the doctor that I was not 100% confident in the plan and that I needed time to think about it. This is something that I would have to endure for the rest of my life.
The pain I was in would eventually turn into chronic illness later on in life.
On my way home, I decided that I wanted to use the injections as a last resort and opted on a fourth option: I wanted to try the natural route. My goal was to try acupuncture, yoga, hydrotherapy, and lastly, marijuana (I live in California where it's "legal"). People who know me know that I suffer from the pain I wouldn't wish on my enemy. Not only do I still have a slight curve in my lower spine from scoliosis, I now have a pinched nerve, arthritis, and a deteriorating disc. I am constantly bombarded with inflammation in the lower half of my body. It's challenging to get out of bed, walk long distances, and sit for long periods. I'd never felt this frustrated in regards to my health.
Fast forward to now, I've been taking CBD capsules for the past seven months. And it has been one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. I feel like I have a new lease on life. Instead of taking a pain pill from my doctor every day, I can just take a capsule. The great thing about taking CBD in whatever form you choose, you can take CBD "as needed". You can still function and complete your day-to-day tasks without fear of side effects while alleviating every day aches and pains.
Women of color have been getting the short end of the stick when it comes to dealing with pain. Somehow, we aren't believed and are left to suffer in silence. Women with endometriosis, fibroids, back pain such as myself, and arthritis should definitely be introducing CBD into their lives.
I am in no way medically or scientifically trained in CBD. But my hope is to inspire and encourage to incorporate CBD in your daily regimen. Here's why.
What Is CBD?
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According to ProjectCBD.Org, cannabidiol or, in other words, CBD "is a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous flower of cannabis." With the correct scientific compound combination, you can break the marijuana plant down to extract the CBD only. The science of CBD makes sure it covers the endocannabinoid system, which is "a complex cell-signaling system identified in the early 1990s (healthline.com)."
In addition to helping relieve chronic pain, CBD is said to have a host of benefits that range from providing depression and anxiety relief to reducing problems with acne.
Different Ways to Take CBD
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Smoking isn't the only way to ingest CBD. Cannabis companies have made it increasingly easy and convenient to consume. Below are some of the ways.
Patches
You apply directly to the painful area, and they usually work for 24 hours at a time and enter directly into the bloodstream. These patches are equivalent to the menthol ones you would place on a sore muscle. I would advise if you are a beginner to use this method first. The average price for these are $8.00-$20.00.
CBD Vaping
The act of using an e-cigarette is called "vaping". Inhaling goes directly into the bloodstream to target problem areas. Vaping has gotten a bad rap throughout the press for reported lung injury in its users. If this is your method of choice, I would advise you to speak with an expert who can educate you on future health issues. The average price for the vape pen is $20-$30 and for the vape pen oil $25-$28.
CBD Edibles
From personal experience, this isn't my favorite. They infuse the oil to make brownies, lollipops, cookies, and gummies. The average price for these is $10-$99.
CBD Capsules
The most convenient way to take CBD. Each capsule contains at least 5-25 milligrams. It may not have the same impact as the other options based on the fact that it has to pass through the digestive tract and then the bloodstream. The acid in your stomach removes 50% of its effect.
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Writer, Empath, Listener, Self Improver, and a motivational speaker to her homegirls Teisha LeShea currently resides in California who loves to add fifteen million items to her Amazon cart. She is passionate about wellness, spiritual improvement, leveling up, and setting up twice a month therapy appointments. She writes with you in mind. Her listicle and personal stories will inspire you to dig deep within yourself to be a better you. You can follow her on Instagram @teisha.leshea and & @tl_teisha.leshea
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
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THE ITGIRL MEMO
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When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:Â Â
​Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
​Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
​Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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