Graphic of CBD Oil Tincture for Pain Relief

The Best CBD Products for Pain Relief

Pain can be debilitating and really impact your quality of life. There are around 100 million people in the USA who suffer from some form of chronic pain, this is just under 1/3 of the population. CBD products for pain relief are plenty and have proven to be highly effective in treating all kinds of pain.


There are five types of pain:

  • Acute Pain
  • Neuropathic Pain
  • Chronic Pain
  • Nociceptive Pain
  • Radicular Pain


Pain can be experienced regularly and constantly in the case of chronic pain and fibromyalgia. Chronic pain is described as a condition that lasts longer than 3 or 4 months. Chronic pain can often require opioid medication which is highly addictive. It can also carry many unwanted side effects. Chronic pain can often be caused as a result of an injury or infection.

Neuropathic pain is not caused by an injury. It is nerve pain that can often result in shooting pain or burning sensation. The pain can make it difficult to rest or sleep often causing depression.

Pain associated with arthritis is often the result of inflamed joints and bones. There are over 100 different types of arthritic pain and what works for one may not work for another. CBD products for pain relief have also been proven to be effective at reducing inflammation. Many people have turned to CBD to reduce inflammation and pain experienced as a result of arthritis.

A recent study showed that the cannabinoids in CBD are able to adhere to the TRPV1 receptors to block the body’s perception of pain. Another way CBD reduces inflammation is in relation to the neurotransmitter – adenosine. CBD acts as an uptake inhibitor increasing the amount of adenosine in the brain, thus stimulating the receptors. Stimulation of the receptors, particularly the A2A receptors plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation.



Our Endocannabinoid System within the body is responsible for regulating many of the body functions such as:

  • Appetite
  • Sleep
  • Hormones
  • Well-being
  • Pain Perception
  • Temperature

The body usually makes its own endocannabinoids. When the body is deficient in these essential endocannabinoids, they can be supplemented by the cannabinoids found in CBD. 

The more these receptors are supplied with cannabinoids the more receptors the body will be signaled to create. When these receptors are not receiving enough cannabinoids, it can cause deficiencies that result in an imbalance.

Cannabinoids help to reduce the inflammatory response and nerve pain messages received by the spinal cord and brain. In the instance of an old injury the body continues to create inflammation to immobilize the area. The brain cannot discern an old injury from a new one, causing a constant loop of pain perception. CBD can help to slow this response thereby lowering the amount of pain experienced.

Pain can result in depression and depression can trigger pain within the body. Many people experiencing depression report all over pain. Headaches and body aches. Usually these are not the result of an accident or injury. CBD can not only help to reduce the amount of pain and inflammation it can also elevate mood.

The cannabinoids found in CBD are essential in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters help stabilize mood and promote happiness. When the body is not effectively making its own Endocannabinoids, the cannabinoids in CBD can help fuel the receptors in the Endocannabinoid System.


Recommended CBD Products for Pain Relief

Topicals

For localized pain often a topical CBD Salve or Balm will be effective. Balms are great as they target a specific area, and they can be reapplied easily. Many research studies report better outcomes when using a Full Spectrum CBD products for pain relief. Full Spectrum CBD contains all of the cannabinoids including 0.3% THC.

Hempstrax Topical Salve contains CBD, Arnica, Vitamin E, Essential Oils, and beeswax. It is available in Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum (THC free) and Isolate (CBD only). It is available in a variety of different strengths from 1,000mg of CBD/4oz tin all the way up to 20,000mg per 4oz tin.

Bath bombs are an effective way of treating all over body pain and neuropathy. As the skin is the largest organ of the body it is responsible for both absorption and detoxification. CBD bath bombs contain 100mg of Full Spectrum CBD. 

Roll on applications are great for hard-to-reach areas. They are often preferred as they are not messing and can be applied anywhere.

Oral Applications

CBD oil tinctures are the preferred method of oral application as they are readily absorbed. There are many receptors located under the tongue and by taking a tincture sublingually, around 40% of the CBD will make it into the bloodstream. This is known as bioavailability.

Gummies and edibles are another popular form of CBD as they are an enjoyable easy way to take CBD. They do take longer to take effect than tinctures as they need to pass through the digestive tract. This can often take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

CBD beverages have become more popular over the past 18 months. We are now seeing CBD in water, soft drinks, kombucha and even beers and wines. One of the issues with adding CBD to liquids is that CBD Distillate and Isolate is oil based. This means it does not mix well with liquids. 

Nano technology breaks down the CBD particles into tiny little particles making it easy to mix with beverages. Many companies say that nano is 10 x or 20 x more readily absorbed by the body but there is no sufficient data to support this theory.

Capsules

CBD is available in gel capsules or soft gels. Many dosages are between 10mg – 25mg per capsule. Capsules can take at least 30 minutes to pass through the digestive tract. They are a convenient and discreet way to take CBD.

Vaping/Smoking

Vaping or smoking CBD have one of the highest bioavailability of any methods. The advantage is this way of taking CBD effects the body within minutes, often alleviating pain quickly and effectively.

The downside is that the effects usually only last a few hours and many people do not want to smoke or vape.

There are alternatives like Volcano Vaporizors which contain the smoke which you can then inhale. These forms of consumption are very popular in Israel where marijuana and CBD are both widely prescribed for pain.



Optimal CBD Dosage for Pain Relief

It is always advised to start out with a low dosage of CBD (around 20-30mg per day) for a period of 5-7 days before gradually adjusting the dosage if needed. 

Many people report many benefits from a lower dosage and are fine to stay at this dosage each day. In the instances of extreme pain often higher dosages are required.

A topical application combined with an oral CBD can be beneficial for treating pain, inflammation, and neuropathy. 

When using CBD to treat inflammation it may take several weeks for the CBD to have its full effects. CBD is not a cure, a regimen of taking CBD must be maintained to help relieve pain and inflammation.

One of the reasons people take CBD is because it is non habit forming. CBD is easy to obtain, and it is relatively inexpensive. It has very few side effects making it a great alternative to prescription medication when treating pain.

Always consult a physician before taking CBD, if you are currently on medications. CBD can impact specific medications making them either less or effective or stronger. Do not discontinue medications without seeking the advice of your physician.

Sarah Rutherford - Contributor

Sarah Rutherford - Contributor

Sarah has been interested in plant medicine for over 20 years. She draws on her experience working in the health and wellness field and applies it to the CBD industry.