How Do You Use CBD Cream for Headaches?

CBD creams have multiple properties which reduce causes of headaches such as stress and anxiety. This article highlights how CBD topicals can reduce headaches and the potential side effects of topicals. 

Headaches and migraines are common issues affecting many people. Migraines are a type of headache causing moderate to severe pain, mostly on one side of the head. Painkillers have been selling a lot because of this common problem that ranges from mild to acute headaches. Others are short-term, while we have people who suffer from chronic headaches. Women suffer more than men regarding headaches, while young people suffer more than their elderly counterparts. Causes of headaches range from dehydration, stress, or other external stimuli. 

CBD topicals have multiple health and therapeutic benefits that suppress stressors leading to headaches and migraines.

Can CBD Alleviate Headaches and Migraines?

CBD is an option for pain management, including headaches and migraines. Patients use treatments like drinking plenty of water to reduce stress and sleep longer; the patients also try to avoid headache triggers. Two nerves lead to inflammation which results in a searing headache. Trigeminal nerves spread across the face, and occipital nerves are at the base of the neck and head; the pain in this area leads to headaches. There are different ways to treat such pain, especially by applying ointment; that's where CBD comes in. 

CBD can get into our bodies using different methods. From the use of tablets, topicals, edibles, and vapor, one has a variety to choose from. 

Topicals work as an alternative to other CBD products. Gibson (2021) explained that CBD produces a therapeutic effect for those who use it to reduce pain associated with headaches and migraines. Lochte et al. (2017) explained that the cannabis derivative could treat headaches and migraines. It does so by countering a peptide called CGRP, which is responsible for triggering migraines. CGRP is released during migraines by the trigeminal nerves; the release is a reaction to inflammation from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the primary or secondary cause of headaches.

Pellati et al. (2018) explained that CBD reduces oxidative stress using its anti-oxidant properties to suppress unbearable pain. It fights oxidative stress before it signals the release of CGRP peptide. In turn, it prevents severe headaches. CBD also interacts with cannabinoid receptors. The Endocannabinoid system, ECS, is made of neurotransmitters. It restores homeostasis, a stable balance ideal for proper body functions. Zurier& Burstein (2016) pointed out that CBD supplements the body's endocannabinoid receptors; this fastens the process of relieving severe headaches caused by nerve inflammation.

Where to Apply the Topicals

People either use it orally, like in gummies, or apply it with topicals. CBD topicals alleviate and prevent migraine pain in the jaws, temples, forehead, neck, and shoulders. One can apply topicals to the ears, chin, neck, forehead, and shoulders; to manage the nerves responsible for migraines. Topicals can also be applied to any other part of the body that is causing the headache. 

Lochte et al. (2017) pointed out that people who suffer from chronic migraines have a low endocannabinoid level. CBD can reduce pain by attaching to glycine receptors in the brain. CBD can interrupt this message and shield individuals from feeling pain. 

How Much CBD Cream Should I Use?

Applying the cannabinoid cream several times a day may help reduce or stop the pain. Still, it is recommended that users follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Above all, one should consult a doctor before using any therapy. It also has minimal side effects, making it hard to have a specific quantity or dosage; there is no standard dosage for CBD due to its varying effects on the users.

How To Use CBD For Headaches

Apply the Right Product

CBD creams are topically absorbed through the skin. They are popular for their therapeutic effects. 

Use CBD Daily

CBD is naturally able to help with pain before it reaches the brain. It boosts the production of endocannabinoids. It should be integrated into the body's daily activities to eliminate pain and inflammation, even before they become an issue. 

Apply CBD Cream Every Time There Is Pain

When one is experiencing pain and headaches, CBD comes in handy. It can help manage unexpected headaches from work, watching many screens, or a stressful day. 

Use the Right Amount

The right amount of CBD topical depends on many factors, including pain intensity and the body's metabolic rate. Every individual has a tolerance level to CBD, which makes the dosage differ from one individual to the other. Ones should start low and slow; they can experiment with small amounts of CBD before increasing to the desired effects.

Type of CBD Concentrate

CBD products come in isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum. The full spectrum contains all the components of the hemp plant, including a small amount of THC. Broad spectrum is processed to remove THC. The isolate contains Cannabidiol as the only active ingredient. One can choose CBD depending on the effects they want. 

Visit a Physician

One should consider visiting a well-versed doctor to get the best CBD application and dosage advice. Physicians can also confirm the pharmaceutical-grade status of a CBD product and monitor its response to the user.

Conclusion 

CBD is a natural product used to manage pain, such as headaches. They are available as edibles, oils, vapes, and creams. The cream is used topically in specific areas that need relief. One can apply the amount they want to help with headaches. It is important to choose good quality cream to get maximum benefits. People under other medications should consult their medical provider before using cannabis-infused cream for headaches. 

References

Gibson, L. P., Hitchcock, L. N., Bryan, A. D., & Bidwell, L. C. (2021). Experience of migraine, its severity, and perceived efficacy of treatments among cannabis users. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 56, 102619.

Lochte, B. C., Beletsky, A., Samuel, N. K., & Grant, I. (2017). The use of cannabis for headache disorders. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2(1), 61-71.

Pellati, F., Borgonetti, V., Brighenti, V., Biagi, M., Benvenuti, S., &Corsi, L. (2018). Cannabis sativa L. and nonpsychoactive cannabinoids: their chemistry and role against oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer. BioMed research international, 2018.

Zurier, R. B., & Burstein, S. H. (2016). Cannabinoids, inflammation, and fibrosis. The FASEB Journal, 30(11), 3682-3689.