Topical CBD Creams for Pain Relief & Management

You may have seen topical CBD creams for pain relief and management. Some of these are targeted toward athletes, others toward specific issues such as arthritis. Topical CBD creams are growing in popularity and can treat pain in multiple ways — making them a useful tool for those who suffer from chronic pain or who have specific injuries to treat.

CBD Reacts in the Body’s System

Everyone’s body has what’s known as cannabinoid receptors. CBD attaches to these receptors, which control things like mood, pain, and appetite. This is very much like other types of pain relief medication work; CBD provokes a response in the body that is positive. In the marijuana plant, CBD works counter to some of THC’s effects. Notably, CBD reduces the anxiety that THC can sometimes inspire. But CBD also produces general relaxation, reduces inflammation, and promotes muscle healing.

CBD Primarily Reduces Inflammation

Pain medications generally reduce the pain that you perceive. But you still have the injury that’s causing the pain. This is why doctors often recommend medications that reduce inflammation. Inflammation occurs when your body races to protect and heal an injury, but it can actually become adverse because it can cause further pain and damage. If you have antibiotics and the appropriate medication and pain medication, you reduce the need for this type of inflammation. CBD can reduce the surrounding inflammation to both reduce pain and reduce potential damage to the area.

CBD Can Improve Muscle Healing

For athletes, a lot of pain relates directly to muscle damage. If you work out too much, you cause micro-tears in your muscles, which can ultimately lead to inflammation and pain. If you get injured, you could hurt your joints, ligaments, or muscles, which are going to need to heal. CBD appears to accelerate muscle healing, in no small part because of its reduction in inflammation. And you don’t have to be an athlete to get a muscle injury. You can experience soft tissue injury just by sleeping incorrectly or falling.

CBD Can Improve Anxiety and Mood

Many conditions are considered to be more painful due to mood-related problems. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate generalized pain, making it feel much stronger. CBD can improve anxiety and mood, thereby making it easier to cope with the pain that is still present. While a bit roundabout, this can be a great way to reduce the pain that a patient experiences.

An advantage to CBD creams is that they are not known to have interactions with other medications and they can be combined with other treatments. They also don’t have any known, serious side effects but you should still check with your doctor or your physical therapist before starting any new regimens.