Can CBD Help With Headaches? – Muscle MX
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Can CBD Help With Headaches?
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Can CBD Help With Headaches?

 
Can CBD Help With Headaches?

Headache disorders, which include recurring headaches, affect about 50% of adults, with 30% of them reporting migraines. Pain from these headaches varies in severity, with some being acute and others being severe and chronic. Depending on the severity of the pain, it can become debilitating and affect one's quality of life. Although pain medication is what is typically used to treat headaches, CBD has emerged as a natural alternative that is free of the risks that come with other pain management and comes with minimal side effects.

 

Current Studies on CBD and Headaches

Since its legalization, CBD has been studied for its therapeutic, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. Some of the current evidence dealing with the effect of cannabis on headaches and migraines include:

  • A 2016 study that surveyed 48 migraine patients found that 39.7% of them reported fewer migraines overall.
  • A 2017 study showed that 67% of people in the study that suffered from migraines discontinued their use of pain medication following their medical cannabis use.
  • A 2020 study showed patients reduction in headaches (47.3%) and migraines (49.6%) after using cannabis to treat their symptoms

Although these are the most current conclusive studies surrounding cannabidiol, also known as CBD, in the treatment of headaches and migraines, there are still ongoing studies to further prove this theory.

A study conducted by UC San Diego Health began in 2021 to test the efficiency of inhaled cannabis in acute migraine treatment. This clinical trial is set to reach completion by November of 2023 and will add to the growing number of evidence on the benefit of CBD in treating headaches and migraine pain.

How Does CBD Help With Headaches?

Everyone has what is called an endocannabinoid system, or ECS, that aids in reaching a state of homeostasis in our bodies. CBD stimulates endocannabinoid receptors, which helps the ECS regulate pain and inflammation. Additionally, CBD enhances anandamide, which is the body's naturally occurring cannabis molecules that helps regulate pain in the body.

If headaches or migraines are being caused or enhanced by stress, CBD may also aid in relieving stress as it activates the parasympathetic system. This initiates a sense of calm in your body, which can help reduce and alleviate any stress-related discomfort.

Acute Headaches

Headaches are identified as pain in the head or face that is described as throbbing, sharp, dull, and sometimes constant. There are several different types of headaches, each varying in their severity.

Acute headaches are short-lived headaches that are typically caused by non-threatening conditions. CBD has been shown to act as an anti-inflammatory in several different studies, offering pain relief from things like acute headaches.

Chronic Migraines

Chronic Migraines are a more severe headache that is severe in pain level and can even reach the point of interrupting daily life. These headaches affect the sides of the head and can cause other uncomfortable symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, lethargy, and sensitivity to bright lights and sound. CBD has analgesic, antiemetic, and anti-inflammatory effects that make it an ideal management option for chronic migraines.

How Often Should You Take CBD for Headache Relief?

There is currently no research to support a concrete answer for the times of day to take CBD for headache relief. it's recommended, however, to begin by taking a small dose 2 times a day. Most often, people will take their first dose in the morning and their second at night, adding a third, mid-day dose as needed. If you choose to take CBD as needed during a headache or migraine attack, it's important to keep track of your dosage at each consumption time, ensuring that you do not exceed the recommended daily dosage.

Understanding CBD Dosage for Headaches

As with every intervention, it's important to be aware of the proper dosage for treating a specific ailment. When it comes to CBD, it can be difficult to determine the correct dosage, as it's not regulated by the FDA. Additionally, there are laws and regulations that limit the amount of research surrounding cannabis, making it increasingly difficult to have concrete information on correct and effective dosage amounts.

With that being said, there are a few things to be considered when determining the best dosage for treating headaches and migraines. First and foremost, it's imperative that those suffering from headaches or migraines consult their healthcare provider before continuing with CBD treatment, in which case the doctor can advise on dosing. Other things to consider when figuring out the best dosage include:

  • Understanding the different forms of CBD consumption and how they deliver benefits to the body. For instance, there is research that shows how consuming CBD sublingually can reach your bloodstream quicker and is more potent than other means of consumption.
  • Factor in body weight. Like other drugs, body weight plays a role in how one's body receives CBD. There are studies that suggest taking .2mg per pound as a starting dosage.
  • Start with a small amount and increase as needed. it's best to start at the lowest dosage, analyze the effects it's having on your body, and increase as needed. This will allow you to find the dosage that manages the pain without any adverse side effects.
  • Avoid going over the recommended daily dosage. Although CBD has not been found to reach toxic levels until around 20,000mg, you will want to ensure that you are intaking far less than that amount. Since studies have been done on patients taking up to 1,500mg per day with no adverse side effects, it's best not to exceed that limit.

Leverage the Right Products For Maximum Migraine Relief

Headaches and migraines can easily get in the way of completing daily tasks. Although pain medications can be used to help manage these symptoms, they can also come with their own set of risks and side effects that you may want to avoid.

If you've been looking for a more natural way to manage your headache and migraine pain, CBD might just be your best bet. At MuscleMX, we offer a wide variety of CBD products, including CBD gummies and CBD oil drops to help you be on your way to pain-free living. Browse our online selection to find the best option for you.

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