How Effective Are CBD Topicals for Pain Management
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is the latest trend in the health space. Many people are using it for themselves (and their pets). The benefits are lower stress, optimal health, and reduced pain.
As a consumer, it’s worth asking if CBD topicals are effective in treating acute pain. In this article, you’ll learn about the facts and figures about CBD and its role in pain management.
How does CBD Work?
To understand the effectiveness of CBD products, you need to know how it works. CBD is among the many compounds found in the cannabis plant.
But as opposed to THC, it doesn’t get you high. Therefore, it has a more mainstream, unrestricted application.
CBD works by binding to specific receptors in your body, known as cannabinoid receptors.
There are two significant types of these receptors: CB1 and CB2. Once CBD binds with CB1 and CB2, it helps regulate hormones inside of your body.
What Does Research Say About CBD for Pain Management?
CBD topicals such as CBD muscle balm are marketed as an effective way to treat acute pain. But to get the real picture, you must turn to scientific studies. One of the most widely acknowledged research papers on CBD for pain management was published by the National Academies of Sciences.
They looked at the effects of CBD on adults with chronic pain and concluded that patients treated with CBD were more likely to see a reduction in pain. But it wasn’t all conclusive, and the research still had some inconclusive points.
Another critical study was published in JAMA in 2015. The researchers examined 79 studies involving CBD and certain medical conditions, including chronic pain. They, too, concluded that CBD helps by easing the pain in patients experiencing chronic pain. However, it wasn’t conclusive either. Other studies mostly involved animals as the test subjects.
One research studied the impact of CBD on rats with arthritis. They administered topical formulation to measure its effectiveness. They concluded that rats given a higher concentration of CBD experienced a lower level of inflammation than those who received lower dosages.
However, such research holds less importance when it comes to treating humans. So, more research is necessary to say with confidence that CBD reduces pain in patients. However, the limited research so far has been promising, and people are reporting eased pain after using CBD topicals.
CBD Topicals for Pain Management: Type of CBD to Use
There are two ways you can use CBD. One is by taking it orally, and the other is by applying it on the skin. You can swallow the product as CBD Gel Capsules, liquid, or food items.
It is then absorbed into your bloodstream via the digestive tract. Liquid CBD is absorbed quicker than capsules. CBD lotions and balms can be applied directly to the skin. The lotions might be more effective than pills if you’re experiencing joint or knee pain.
You can also inhale CBD by using a vaporizer. You can inhale vapor oil or chemical byproducts of the cannabis plant. Each has its effects and limitations, and you should select the best one by consulting with a physician.
If you’re experiencing acute, chronic pain, then it’s worth trying CBD topical to see if they’re helpful in your case. But you must ensure that you have no other conditions with which the CBD compounds can potentially interact. Lastly, always purchase pure and genuine CBD products.
