Can CBD Cream Help with Joint Pain?
We have all dealt with pain at some point, and joint pain is among one of the most common aches people deal with. Prescription drugs and other treatments alleviate discomfort, but some pain medications can be habit-forming and very costly. CBD has become a popular product in the wellness market, and one of the symptoms people use it for is pain. CBD is available in various forms, including cream. Can CBD cream help with joint pain? Below is a guide to elaborate on whether the topical can improve joint aches and how it interacts with the human body.
What Is CBD Cream?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid that has shown promising results in improving the well-being of users. It does not make users high. THC is the cannabinoid that leaves people intoxicated. Companies extract CBD from hemp, which is rich in cannabidiol. They combine CBD with other components like essential oils and menthol to make CBD cream. This CBD topical comes in various potencies, and the market provides both scented and fragrance-free creams.
You apply a generous amount of CBD cream to the affected body part and massage it in for relief. Manufacturers use three types of cannabidiol in CBD creams full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. All the CBD types are rich in cannabidiol to help improve wellness. The CBD topical is available in tubes, tubs, and roll-on containers.
How Can CBD Cream Help with Joint Pain?
CBD cream helps with joint pain by stimulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates bodily functions like pain, appetite, mood, sleep, and immunity. CBD works with endocannabinoid receptors present in various body parts, including the skin, to ease discomfort. When using CBD topically, it does not enter your bloodstream.
However, there is nothing to worry about since CBD does not make users high. The additional ingredients brands use, like menthol, enhance the relief you get from CBD cream. Menthol provides a cooling effect that soothes the hurting area.
Anecdotal research shows that CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Inflammation causes pain, and CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties could ease arthritis and general joint pain. The analgesic benefits offer pain relief to enhance your overall wellbeing. If you have not used CBD cream before, start with a low potency topical and monitor how your body responds.
If there is no change in your pain level, you can increase the dosage and try a stronger cream. Even though the CBD in creams does not reach your bloodstream, you should consult a doctor before using the topical if you are on medication or have a health condition to be on the safe side.
What’s the Evidence That CBD Cream Is Effective for Pain and Inflammation
Available CBD cream studies have been done on animals. Experts are yet to test CBD topicals on human beings. Nonetheless, testimonials from CBD users of leading, trusted brands show promising results about CBD cream relieving joint pain. However, our bodies respond differently to CBD, and unless you try the product, you cannot know how your body will respond.
Preliminary CBD studies involving animals show promising results, but research on humans is necessary. Studies done on animals show that CBD cream could help with inflammation and joint pain. One study conducted on arthritis mice revealed that CBD blocked the condition’s progression. Another one on transdermal use of CBD showed alleviation in pain and inflammation. Cannabinoids like CBD inhibit certain neurotransmitters in the brain that have a role in your system’s inflammatory response.
Are There Any Downsides?
CBD is relatively safe for human consumption and is not habit-forming. However, CBD, in general, has rare side effects, including fatigue, dry mouth, lightheadedness, diarrhea, and changes in weight and appetite. If it is your first-time using CBD cream, apply a small amount on your wrist to try it out. If you develop a rash or another negative reaction, stop using the topical.
However, high-quality CBD creams contain safe ingredients. If you have an allergy, always check the ingredients list of any given CBD cream before purchase. Besides the few side effects, CBD products can be expensive due to the costly production process and market regulations. However, they are safe, non-addictive, and do not make users high.
Finding the Right CBD Cream for Pain
The CBD market is yet to be regulated. It is possible to come across low-quality products with harmful ingredients or those that do not even have CBD. That is why you should take your time to research any CBD cream you intend to purchase. A good quality CBD cream for arthritis pain or joint pain can be very hard to find as there are several factors to consider during purchase.
Go for CBD cream with cannabidiol made from organically grown hemp, which is free of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals. Hemp grown in the U.S. is known to be high-quality due to the stringent regulations put in place for farmers. Check where a CBD company gets its hemp from as you look into different brands. The best way to extract CBD from hemp is using CO2. The process is solvent-free, enabling manufacturers to make contaminant-free CBD.
A quality CBD topical also undergoes third-party testing at a certified laboratory to check for purity, cannabinoid content, and quality. The lab report needs to be easily accessible on a brand’s website to prevent frustration. That way, CBD users get to know the ingredients they are applying to their skin.
You should also check the other components a manufacturer utilizes. They should be safe and all-natural. A reliable company lists the ingredients it uses and explains the production process of its CBD cream. As mentioned earlier, CBD creams come in different potencies. While some brands provide a single potency of cream, others offer more options.
Summary
CBD cream can help with joint pain, according to anecdotal studies, but more research is necessary. However, you should not use it in place of your medications. If you are on prescription drugs, you should see a doctor before using CBD products. CBD creams are available in different strengths and packaging to match varying user needs. Consider the factors we have discussed when buying CBD cream to ensure you spend money on a high-quality topical that will effectively reduce joint pain.
