Whether CBD topicals can relieve pain is a hot topic. There are many kinds of pain that occur for various reasons. For instance, overexerted or tense muscles and stress can cause muscle pain. Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, nerve damage, neuropathy or injuries can affect muscles, joints and nerves.
As researchers learn more about how CBD topicals may relieve pain, we begin to see an alternative to drugs. CBD may also complement medication therapy under a doctor’s guidance. So, what kind of pain can CBD topicals help relieve? As stated earlier, there are many kinds of pain, so let’s just discuss two broad categories: joint and muscle pain and nerve pain. But first, a brief explanation of CBD and the endocannabinoid system.
What is CBD and how does it work?
Through the centuries, CBD has been used for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a component of the cannabis plant. The Lost Remedy CBD topicals are derived from the hemp plant. CBD is a nonintoxicating element of hemp, so you won’t experience a high when you use it.
Everyone has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates the body’s homeostasis or balance. Within the ECS are CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are found all throughout the body, and each has a role to play in the system to help maintain homeostasis.
Applying CBD topicals activates the CB receptors that are present in the skin. The brain triggers the release of neuropeptides into the body. CB receptors on cell surfaces latch on to them, kick-starting endorphins. An endorphin is a neuropeptide that helps relieve pain. CBD provides an efficient and effective delivery agent to stimulate the ECS.
CBD for acute joint and muscle pain
Acute pain is defined as coming on suddenly and is caused by something specific. It’s also sharp in quality. So, let’s say you overexerted in your workout. Or maybe that new pile of snow had you expending effort you haven’t in many months. Or you may have migraine pain from tension or other causes. Your muscles around the area begin to make their presence known in a not so good way. Joint and muscle pain relief is on the way, however, with CBD topicals. It goes to work quickly to reduce inflamm
ation and pain because you apply it directly to the affected area.
The CB receptors located throughout your body and skin are associated with sensation of pain, appetite, immune function, mood and more. CBD goes to work blocking pain signals, working directly with anandamide and 2-AG, ECS agents involved in regulating neuronal, immune, metabolic, vascular and reproductive functions. Doing so, CBD can help relieve the pain without getting you high.
CBD and chronic pain
Chronic pain has gone on for a period of time. It could be due to an old injury or a condition such as neuropathy, arthritis, fibromyalgia, nerve pain, multiple sclerosis or inflammatory/autoimmune conditions.
Although prescription medications are often recommended for chronic pain, they tend to come with side effects that people would rather avoid. Enter CBD, which research has shown to reduce inflammation. Also, people who use it don’t build up a tolerance that requires larger and larger doses to relieve their symptoms, as is often the case with prescription or over-the-counter medications.
CBD topicals for nerve pain
For the moment, let’s concentrate on nerve pain. CBD topicals are safer than other pain relievers. So, if you’re open to experimenting, CBD topicals may be a good choice for nerve pain. Damaged nerves can do two things. One, they may send false signals making you feel pain when there isn’t a reason. Two, you may not feel pain when you do have an injury. Essentially, nerve damage can interfere with numerous daily activities and topical CBD may help restore balance.
Numerous studies show that hemp-infused CBD topical for nerve damage lowers the intensity of pain safely. Two studies by the National Institutes of Health show its efficacy in pain that hadn’t responded to other more mainstream products, as well as pain associated with multiple sclerosis. When pain is relieved, people with chronic pain have:
- Improved sleep quality
- Less depression and anxiety
CBD topicals can also help relieve the pain of sciatica and carpal tunnel. But first, I want to emphasize that CBD topicals have no known side effects, which is not the case for many over-the-counter treatments for nerve pain. You can use it as often as you need without concern about side effects or addiction.
How to choose CBD topicals for pain
Although CBD shows promise, it doesn’t work for everyone. Plus, not everything on the market that says CBD is what it claims to be. Experiment, to find out what works for you. Here’s the best part: If your CBD topicals are made with CBD, carrier and essential oils, side effects are almost nonexistent, unless you are allergic to a specific essential oil. So, take a chance and see what happens. Also, when buying topicals, read the label. What does the product include in addition to CBD? Does it just have natural ingredients or there are any chemicals added? Read everything and know what you are getting before adding it to your regimen.