How do CBD Topicals Work for Pain Relief
CBD is increasingly becoming popular for the several potential benefits it offers. This cannabis compound is available in different forms, including topical CBD creams, gels, sprays, and lotions.
The biggest reason for using CBD topicals is soothing pains and alleviating inflammation. Topical CBD products are put directly on the affected skin for muscle or joint pain, a rash, or sciatica. Many sellers like cbdMD offer wellness alternatives for athletes and other users who are more prone to experience muscle and joint pain or even sciatica pain.
How Do CBD Topicals Work?
CBD has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, which make this cannabis compound ideal for pain relief. The topicals containing CBD penetrates the dermal and subdermal skin layers and not just the skin’s surface. As the skin is thick, when topicals are applied, it soaks into the skin but does not make it into the bloodstream.
There are few different ways how CBD topicals are thought to work towards regulating pain. This includes increasing the levels of natural endocannabinoids by decreasing inflammatory response and desensitizing pain receptors.
Effects on Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system influences the way you experience pain. When CBD topicals are absorbed through the skin, it helps elevate natural levels of pain-relieving endocannabinoids. They are natural signals in your body that detect and regulate pain, hunger, mood, and memory.
There are endocannabinoid receptors throughout the body in the skin, lungs, and brain. Reliable topical CBD products do not mask pain or inflammation but can make the pain go away by increasing the level of endocannabinoids.
CBD is also known to have the ability to limit the release of pro-inflammatory signals, which helps with pain. And lastly, CBD can desensitize pain receptors. The receptors that detect and regulate your body temperature when activated will put out heat, soothing the pain receptors. Using this process, CBD topicals, when applied, make these pain receptors active for some time, causing them to get hot, thereby desensitizing the pain-sensing nerves.
What Does Science Say about CBD Topicals for Pain?
Numerous research studies suggest that CBD may help with a variety of pain sensations, including pain related to arthritis and nerves.
- A 2016 animal study suggests that applying topical CBD may help with arthritis-related pain and swelling.
- A study featured in the Journal of Pain Research confirms that topical use of cannabinoid topicals may reduce pain in animals suffering from inflammation or neuropathic pain.
- According to a 2017 study, CBD topicals reduced acute joint inflammation in rats.
- A 2020 review suggests that CBD could benefit by relieving chronic pain, improving sleep, and reducing inflammation.
All of these are based on animal studies, and human trials are now underway to evaluate the pain relief potential of CBD topicals.
If you are struggling with chronic muscle or joint pain, you can give CBD topicals a try to get some relief. One thing to be noted is that the effects of topicals may vary depending on the formulation of the product you chose and the amount applied. CbdMd and few other sellers offer topicals in several strengths to suit different pain relief needs.