CBD as a Treatment for Muscle Pain
Dr. Brent Wells, D.C. is the founder of Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab and has been a chiropractor for over 20 years. His practice is offering massage therapy in Anchorage, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and other various services designed to help give you long-lasting relief from different health problems.
Muscle pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of different things. While there are medications you can use to help heal it, these aren’t always the healthiest option to use. They might also be a little expensive. Because of this, you might instead look at using CBD as a treatment for muscle pain. Below you’ll find more information behind what CBD is and how it can be used to help treat your muscle pain.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is an organic compound that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (the compound that can make you feel “high”), CBD won’t cause intoxication. When used, CBD will react with various receptors in your endocannabinoid system and possibly reduce anxiety, inflammation, and/or pain. Because of this, it can be used as a treatment for many different types of pain and illnesses.
Is CBD Safe and Legal to Use?
While CBD is safe to use, it does come with a few rare side effects. This can include fatigue and nausea. It can also sometimes cause blood thinning. Because of this, it’s important to talk with your doctor if you use certain medications to ensure mixing them with CBD is safe. CBD can affect people differently, which means there are no one-size-fits-all answers.
CBD is also legal to buy in most states because most batches don’t contain psychoactive chemicals. In Canada, it’s legal if purchased from a federally regulated cultivator or processor.
What Causes Muscle Pain?
There are many things that can cause muscle pain.
Tension and stress
Fibromyalgia
Lyme disease
Cramps
Arthritis
Sprains
Polymyositis
Symptoms of Muscle Pain
Muscle pain comes with a handful of symptoms.
Soreness and tension in one area
Stiffness
Trouble moving around
Fevers
Swelling and redness
The Benefits of Using CBD Oil for Muscle Pain
You’ll discover that CBD oil comes with a handful of benefits.
It Reduces Soreness
CBD oil can help to significantly reduce soreness in your muscles. This is because it stops your muscles from cramping and tingling which can cause severe pain. It also reduces inflammation which could spread throughout your muscles and cause irritation.
It Can Prevent Strain
Another interesting benefit of using CBD oil for muscle pain is that it can keep your muscles healthy. This is because it encourages them to be more flexible which can prevent strain and other similar injuries.
It Helps You to Sleep Better
When you have muscle pain, it can sometimes be very difficult to get a good night’s rest. When you rub CBD oil on the affected muscles, it can soothe them. This can help you to sleep better because you won’t be in pain.
How to Use CBD for Muscle Pain
Below are some ways you can use CBD as a natural treatment for muscle pain.
Rub it on the Area of Concern
You’ll find both CBD oils and salves you can use to rub on areas that are in pain. If you use CBD oil, you can put a few drops where your muscle pain is and then gently rub it in. For salves, simply take a little on your finger and rub it around the area of concern. The CBD will eventually soak into your skin and get to work calming inflammation and tenderness. This is often the best way to use CBD for muscle pain because you can place it directly on painful areas.
Take a CBD Pill or Gummy
Another way you can take CBD for muscle pain is to consume a CBD pill or gummy. After ingesting it, the oil will spread throughout your body and work to calm receptors that are causing pain. Most CBD pill and gummy products will have a chart on the back you can use to find the right amount you need to take. It is important to follow this to ensure the CBD pill or gummy works well for your needs. Keep in mind this option takes a bit longer for pain relief because it needs to pass through your digestive tract first.
Put a Few Drops Under Your Tongue
You could also put a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue. This way, it immediately enters your bloodstream to get to work.
Other Methods to Use Alongside CBD for Muscle Pain
Visit a Chiropractor
A chiropractor can help to reduce muscle pain alongside CBD oil. A chiropractor for muscle pain will try various adjustments on your body to help with not only reducing pain but increasing flexibility in your muscles as well. Your chiropractor might incorporate massage techniques into your session as well to help relax the muscles that were treated. After visiting the chiropractor, you can then rub CBD oil on the sections adjusted for even more relief.
Use Ice
You could also place an ice pack on the muscles that are in pain. This is because it works to numb the pain while also reducing inflammation. Ice can also help stop stiffness. Once you’re done using ice on your muscles, you can massage some CBD oil on them for quick relief.
Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Another way to help your CBD oil to work well with your body is to consume an anti-inflammatory diet. Food items high in anti-inflammatory properties not only work to reduce inflammation but release antioxidants throughout your body. They also contain amino acids which have been proven to keep your muscles free from pain and soreness.
Some anti-inflammatory diet choices include:
Turmeric
Cherries
Beans
Salmon
Spinach
Ginger
Pineapple
Green tea
Chia seeds
Blueberries
Garlic
Walnuts
Soak in Epsom Salts
Soaking your body in Epsom salts can help to reduce muscle pain as well. This is because it releases minerals into the water, like magnesium, which are then absorbed into your body. This works to calm tense muscles which might be creating tingling sensations or flare-ups. Once you’re done using Epsom salts you can then apply some CBD oil to areas of concern.
CBD oil is a great treatment to use if you’d like to combat muscle pain naturally. It will work quickly at reducing the pain and inflammation in your body so you can get instant relief.
References
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/muscle-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050866
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/should-you-use-ice-or-heat-for-pain-infographic/