IS TOPICAL CBD THE ANSWER TO SOOTHING ACHY MUSCLES?

What is CBD? How effective is CBD? What is topical CBD? Can topical CBD be used in soothing achy muscles? How best can an individual apply topical CBD? This article explains what topical CBD is and how effective it is in soothing achy muscles.

CBD is the short form of cannabidiol and the principal natural element found in the hemp plant. As a natural component, CBD has gained popularity and has been recognized widely because of its efficiency in its therapeutic properties it contains. Unlike THC, which is also contained in the Hemp plant but in low quantities, it does not have any psychoactive properties. Thus, CBD does not make an individual feel "high". In 2018, the Farm Bill was signed, leading to the legalization of CBD. Research shows that CBD contains some health benefits, including reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Athletes with muscular problems, an individual can benefit from using CBD as it can significantly relax and heal the muscles.

What Is Topical CBD?

Topical CBD is products that are applied to the skin. These are products that have been infused with CBD. Some of the known topical products in the market are balms, creams, lotions, and salves, as they are infused with CBD, and individuals can use them to gain all the CBD benefits.

Formulations Of Topical CBD

There are three types of CBD in the market. They are categorized based on their potency levels and the composition of compounds. They include full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and isolate CBD.

Understanding Achy Muscles

Achy muscles are caused by pains such as trauma or injury, which may include strains and sprains. Also, it can result from overusing the muscles or stress and tension. It is normal to have achy muscles as a side effect of the stress subjected to the muscles when exercising; it is known as delayed onset muscle soreness. It occurs about six hours after engaging in a new activity or change in activity and can last for even two days. Some symptoms of achy muscles are muscle cramps, joint pains, and muscle spasms. There are some causes of muscle pain and may include;

• Injuries
• Infection
• Autoimmune diseases
• Neuromuscular disorder
• Medications

How Can Topical CBD Help Soothe Achy Muscle?

Eskander et al. (2020) suggested that topical CBD products could be used as a muscle pain remedy. CBD has been a recreational product in the United States; it has become more medically beneficial. Many believe topical CBD is a great natural component for some health problems. Stella et al. (2021) explained that topical CBD could help with various mental and physical conditions such as achy and sour muscles that result in pain in an individual. Mena et al. (2020) stated that individuals using CBD topically could get relief from pain and muscle tightness which is developed. Also, topical CBD has been seen to have other benefits, which are;

Minimize Muscle Tension And Stress

It is normal for an individual to feel agitated and stressed due to daily routines. It results in clouded minds and muscle tightness across the whole body. Shover & Humphreys (2020) stated that topical CBD on the affected areas could help relieve stress and tension-related pain.

Managing Post Exercise Inflammation

According to Armour et al. (2019), topical CBD can help alleviate the pain that results from exercising. Intense physical exercises by athletes can cause muscle tightening and cramping. An individual can use topical CBD for sore muscles to relieve them.

Improve Sleep Quality

Sleep is related to pain, and since CBD can help improve sleep quality, it can also help reduce pain. It is hard for an individual to sleep in pain as they become uncomfortable. The use of topical CBD can attain healthy sleep patterns.

How To Use CBD Topical On Muscles

Individuals should consult with their doctors before using any topical CBD product, especially when one is under another form of medication. But topically, applying CBD does not interact with any medication as the CBD does not reach an individual's bloodstream. Also, you should find out if you are allergic to the topical product before using it. If not allergic, you can apply anywhere on your skin where there is pain or any skin irritation. Learn more about cbd topical carrier oils

Factors To Consider When Purchasing Topical CBD

Source Of CBD

The source of CBD can help, and individuals know the method used in the extraction process. With three extraction processes, isolate is good for the customer because no THC is contained in the extraction. With Broad-spectrum extraction, all the cannabinoids are contained, but no THC available. With full spectrum extraction, all the cannabinoids are contained plus THC. Before accessing any topical CBD product, one should know what works best for them.

Potency

Individuals should consider the potency of the product before making purchases. The potency of a topical CBD product is how powerful and long it will take to be effective. Mostly, low potency CBD products range around 3 mg, while high potency products are around 8 mg as they are very beneficial.

Third-Party Lab Results

Since the signing of the Farm Bill in 2018, CBD use has been legal, but the FDA does not guarantee the quality and safety of the CBD products in the market as they dwell on protecting the public's health. The code on the product should confirm that the topical CBD products are free from contaminations and contain the right amount of THC and CBD.

Ingredients

Individuals should look for topical CBD products with natural ingredients when making purchases. Such products enable an individual to get full benefit without any problems. Look for products that cannot irritate the skin but those with rich nutrients for better skin health. Learn more about can cannabis topicals get you high?

Side Effects And Precautions

Since most topical applied products are safe for use, individuals should be keen on the type of carrier oil contained in the product. Some carrier oils are beneficial, while others are not well compatible with topical CBD products, which can lead to exposing the skin to more irritations.

Conclusions

Muscle aches and pain are unavoidable in an individual’s daily routine resulting from increasing discomfort. Apart from pharmaceutical options, topical CBD can be an excellent alternative in alleviating pains and aches. It can also be used as a pain relief as it can be used by individuals suffering from chronic illness and muscle soreness. When choosing a better topical CBD product, go for organic and high-quality products free from pesticides and heavy metals. Also, consider the process of extraction used and the source of hemp. Individuals should seek doctors’ prescriptions to avoid skin irritations and side effects.

References

Armour, M., Sinclair, J., Chalmers, K. J., & Smith, C. A. (2019). Self-management strategies amongst Australian women with endometriosis: a national online survey. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 19(1), 1-8.

Eskander, J. P., Spall, J., Spall, A., Shah, R. V., & Kaye, A. D. (2020). Cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment of acute and chronic back pain: A case series and literature review. J Opioid Manag, 16(3), 215-8.

Mena, M., Dalbah, L., Levi, L., Padilla, M., & Enciso, R. (2020). Efficacy of topical interventions for temporomandibular disorders compared to placebo or control therapy: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, 20(6), 337.

Shover, C. L., & Humphreys, K. (2020). Debunking cannabidiol as a treatment for COVID-19: time for the FDA to adopt a focused deterrence model?. Cureus, 12(6).

Stella, B., Baratta, F., Della Pepa, C., Arpicco, S., Gastaldi, D., & Dosio, F. (2021). Cannabinoid formulations and delivery systems: Current and future options to treat pain. Drugs, 81(13), 1513-1557.