Does CBD Cream Work for Nerve Pain?

CBD cream can relieve various forms of pain, including nerve pain. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, this product offers relief to the targeted area. This article discusses nerve pain, whether CBD cream can help with nerve damage, types of CBD cream for nerve damage, and how to dose it for nerve relief.

If you've followed trending topics, you have probably heard of the wellness benefits of cannabidiol (CBD). Research has pointed out that it may help with nerve pain. Individuals with nerve pain experience symptoms such as numbness and pain. To suppress the symptoms, most individuals are turning to topical CBD products. CBD is a plant-based chemical compound hence has no side effects and shows no ability of potential dependency. However, some individuals may be unfamiliar with this popular compound. Some relate it to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another compound responsible for psychoactive effects. Due to its potent anti-inflammatory effects, CBD cream boasts of dealing with various pain, including nerve pain. This article explains if CBD cream may help with nerve pain.

Understanding Nerve Pain

Nerve damage or pain can lead to a severe medical condition if left untreated. The two major causes of nerve pain are diabetes and injury. This condition commonly affects the feet and hands. However, it may also affect the other body parts. For an individual with nerve damage, it means that their nerves aren't capable of transmitting signals to the brain. Its characteristics include numbness, burning sensations, and tingling in the affected area.

Does CBD Cream Work for Nerve Damage?

Research on CBD cream and its effects on nerve damage is still in its infancy. However, it is an effective treatment for other conditions such as epilepsy and sleeping problems. Below is what is known concerning CBD cream as a treatment for nerve pain:

CBD Cream Alleviates Inflammation

As stated before, one of the symptoms of nerve pain is inflammation. CBD cream may help alleviate nerve pain by slowing down specific nerve signals. Furthermore, it boasts anti-inflammatory properties that may repress neural inflammation. Peyravian et al. (2020) found that CBD cream helps treat sharp neuropathic pain and other conditions like cold sensations.  

Clayton et al. (2021) argued that these are made possible due to their interaction with specific cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system manages various bodily functions, including pain and appetite.

CBD Creams for Nerve Pain

CBD creams are available in three types. These forms are different from each other due to the difference in their chemical compositions and potency. They include:

Full-Spectrum

Full spectrum CBD cream is the most potent form. It is primarily advisable for individuals experiencing various types of pain, including neuropathy. Marinotti et al. (2020) commented that, since this formulation contains all cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, it boasts of entourage effects. The entourage effect makes it the most potent since all the other cannabinoids work together with CBD to boast its effects. It is worth noting that its THC levels are significantly low, not exceeding 0.3 percent.

Broad Spectrum

The broad-spectrum CBD cream is a perfect mix between isolate and full spectrum. It contains other cannabinoids, excluding THC. This cream is perfect for patients who do not want to experience any THC effects.

Isolate

The isolate CBD cream is the purest form. During its processing, the other cannabinoids were pulled out from the hemp plant, leaving cannabidiol solely. It is an excellent choice for patients who want to experience fully the effects of CBD alone.

How to Properly Dose CBD Cream for Nerve Pain Relief

It is recommended to avoid any CBD product, including CBD cream, while under any other medication. It is because it interacts with specific drugs and may seem ineffective. Before using CBD cream for pain, discuss it in depth with a doctor. Preferably, choose one who uses the cream themselves. Likely, they know what it entails and better understand how it works. They will advise you to begin slowly and use a lower amount first to see how your body reacts to the foreign product. Once the body gets used to it, you may gradually increase it until you find the desired relief.

CBD cream does not contain THC. So, it is free from any euphoric side effects associated with the compound that may lead to tolerance. Instead, the CBD cream builds up slowly in the body, and with time, it creates a therapeutic level that may need some time to notice its full effects. If you decide to increase the CBD cream dosage while under any other medication, you should first talk to a doctor to avoid offsetting any metabolic issues.

How Long Do I Have to Wait to Feel the Effects of CBD Cream?

When applied topically, most patients have reported experiencing almost instant relief. However, at first, it may be mild, but it progresses as it stimulates the cannabinoid receptors with time. Due to this reason, most patients with nerve pain love this product. Since nerve pains may be experienced anywhere, it is easier to find relief when using the cream because you apply it to the flared area making the pain easier to manage. Wang et al. (2021) recommended applying CBD cream when experiencing nerve pain due to its analgesic effects.

How to Choose the Best CBD Cream for Nerve Pain

Choosing a suitable CBD cream for nerve pain is vital. Not all creams will offer relief. Below are some of the factors to keep in mind while shopping for a CBD cream:

Availability of Third-Party Lab Test Reports

Currently, CBD products lack quality control. Hence it is vital to purchase products that produce the much-needed effects. A quality product has proof of third-party lab test results since it affirms the product's quality. You can access these reports on the company's website.

Know the Other Ingredients

Various ingredients are incorporated into CBD creams. However, not all offer the required benefits. Before choosing any product, confirm that its other ingredients benefit nerve pain relief.

Choose a Reputable Brand

Due to the unregulated CBD market, many manufacturers are taking advantage of and selling fraudulent products. However, it is easy to distinguish whether a brand is reputable or not. A reputable brand may contain:

• Dosage suggestions
• Lab reports
• Transparency on its products

The Bottom Line

Though CBD cream may not be an infallible cure against nerve pain at its initial stage, it can address the problem. Since it is a natural product, it is safe to use, and you do not have to worry about any adverse effects. CBD cream contains powerful anti-inflammatory effects that may help deal with neuropathy. However, before using CBD cream for the pain, consult a doctor. Additionally, if you may be under any other medication, it is recommendable to avoid any CBD product by all means.

References

Clayton, P., Subah, S., Venkatesh, R., Hill, M., & Bogoda, N. (2021). Palmitoylethanolamide: A potential alternative to cannabidiol. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 1-26.

Marinotti, O., & Sarill, M. (2020). Differentiating full-spectrum hemp extracts from CBD isolates Implications for policy, safety, and science. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 17(5), 517-526.

Peyravian, N., Deo, S., Daubert, S., & Jimenez, J. J. (2022). The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Acne. Journal of Inflammation Research, 15, 2795.

Wang, L., Hong, P. J., May, C., Rehman, Y., Oparin, Y., Hong, C. J., ... & Busse, J. W. (2021). Medical cannabis or cannabinoids for chronic non-cancer and cancer-related pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Bmj, 374.