Topical products containing cannabidiol (CBD) oil have become increasingly popular, and the variety of products available has expanded and diversified in response to the heightened demand. Public interest and scientific study of the potential benefits of CBD oil, and how they can be applied to pain management, have also been steadily on the rise. Anecdotal evidence supports that CBD may be an effective alternative means of relief from muscle pain, from the young to the elderly and everyone in between.
With all the news CBD has been generating in the media, the question begs: do topical CBD creams for muscle pain really work? The following are some key points worth being aware of, to help you to make educated decisions and informed purchases based on what’s available.
What is CBD muscle cream?
All legitimate topical CBD products have one ingredient in common: CBD oil. CBD oil is the result of combining raw CBD extract with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut (MCT) oil. The CBD oil is then infused into topical products, including creams, lotions, gels, balms and salves, which are often formulated and marketed for specific uses. One such product is CBD muscle cream, which helps to relieve pain and inflammation in the muscles and joints.
CBD is a primary cannabinoid, noteworthy for its potential health benefits and therapeutic properties. THC is another cannabinoid, best known for its psychoactive effects and affiliation with recreational marijuana. THC is removed in most extraction processes, to mitigate any risk of experiencing a ‘high.’ While trace amounts of THC are common in most CBD extracts, the FDA mandates that CBD oil must contain 0.3% or less THC in the final product to be considered legal and safe for consumption and use, meaning you will not experience any ‘high’ from the use of CBD in any form. (1)
Possible therapeutic benefits of CBD
Among many alleged health benefits, CBD has gained a reputation for its potential ability to reduce inflammation and assist pain management regimens. As a calming and anti-inflammatory agent, it’s thought to be a helpful supplement in the treatment of strained muscles and damaged tissues. While more conclusive research is needed to validate these theories, many consumers have joined the bandwagon of advocating CBD oil as a natural alternative for pain management and relief. (1)
Muscle pain due to physical activity, past injuries, or just day-to-day wear and tear is very common, regardless of age or lifestyle. Remedies and approaches to pain relief range from over–the–counter pain relief to physical therapy. Ultimately, the best way to effectively reduce and manage muscular pain is to allow muscles to rest and heal, and to decrease the inflammation that’s causing discomfort and pain.
Using CBD as a part of the RICE approach
RICE is a medical acronym for rest, ice, compression, and elevation—the standard at-home treatment for muscle and joint pain, as well as first-aid for minor injuries. Using CBD oil to supplement this method may make it even more effective and therapeutic, according to many people who actively use it. CBD creams may be a convenient way of incorporating this allegedly effective health supplement into your treatment plan. The application of such products is very simple: you rub the cream into the affected area of skin until fully absorbed, as often as desired or needed, and proceed with the RICE method as you normally would. (2)
Types of topical CBD products for muscle pain
Topical CBD products vary, depending on the brand and the manufacturing process. Most brands will use one of the following CBD extracts: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate. They often contain other ingredients that enhance the therapeutic effects, such as botanicals and essential oils, and are cooling, soothing, and moisturizing for the skin. Camphor, menthol, eucalyptus, arnica, vitamin E, and shea butter are just a few examples of naturally therapeutic ingredients typically used in CBD topicals for muscle pain. (3)
Conclusion
When confronted with so many options for both brand and product, it can be challenging to make a decision as to which CBD product you should buy, especially if you’re new to the market. High-quality CBD topicals are expensive, so you’ll want to make sure that you invest in the right one. Remember that CBD is an unregulated market, which makes it a hotbed for illegitimate products and unreliable brands. Make sure that the source you choose to buy from is trustworthy, and uses organically and domestically sourced CBD. The most reliable brands will also be the most transparent, so remember to look into all your options and to get your money’s worth.
Disclaimer: This article is based on our independent research. While our team does everything in their power to provide accurate and current information from credible state-run websites and resources, we are not lawyers or legal experts. As such, none of the following information should be interpreted as legal advice. Content on these pages is provided for informational purposes only and those with legal concerns should consult experts within their state, such as the FDA.
