Are you dealing with chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain? You’re not alone. According to Cleveland Clinic, approximately 25% of adults experience chronic pain. It does not help either that most people nowadays spend more than 8 hours sitting at a desk in front of a computer. It is a dangerous cocktail of bad posture, chronic pain, and many other serious health conditions.
If you’re desperate for relief, you might have welcomed the thought of using CBD for neck and shoulder pain. There have been numerous studies that support the many health benefits that are offered by this natural compound. Is it effective when it comes to chronic pain relief?
Before you start shopping for CBD products for neck and back pain, read on to learn more about its use.
Symptoms of Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Neck and back pain is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting adults. However, young people are not exempt from this condition, especially those who spend several hours sitting in front of a computer. An incorrect posture can put pressure on your lower back, shoulder, and neck resulting in debilitating pain. If you are seated for more than 8 hours a day, the muscles and your vertebrae are overloaded, resulting in degeneration and inflammation.
How do you know you are dealing with chronic neck and back pain? Here are some of the most common symptoms to watch out for:
- Burning and sharp pain in the back and neck area (this pain can be localized or cover a large area)
- Numbness of the leg
- A tingling sensation in the affected area
- Sharp pain that radiates from the lower back to the butt area and onto the back of your thighs
- Consistent pain in the back after prolonged sitting or standing
- Chronic headaches
CBD for Neck and Shoulder Pain – Does it Work?
There is currently no approved CBD product that can be used for chronic pain relief. There are some countries, however, that have approved the use of CBD as a treatment for various conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and for dealing with cancer pain.
Currently, more research studies are ongoing on the use of CBD on pain associated with various medical conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis. Some of these conditions can be treated with CBD alone or as complementary medicine to traditional medications.
According to a Forbes Health survey, the main reason why most people use CBD is for stress relief. Relief from chronic pain is the next most common reason. Therefore, it is indicative of the growing interest in CBD as a treatment for neck and shoulder pain, among other types of chronic pain problems.
But what is chronic pain? It is any type of pain that lasts for several months. A clinical trial involving a spray that contains equal parts CBD and THC has shown significant success in treating cancer-related pain.
This result was supported by another study conducted in 2019 citing this CBD-based spray as an effective add-on treatment for patients suffering from chronic pain. In this study, they evaluated three types of pain: those that affect the body tissue, the nerves, and a combination of both. The results of the study revealed that it was successful in treating all three types of pain.
CBD for Pain Management
Although there is still a limited amount of research on the benefits of CBD for chronic pain relief, many use it as a way to manage pain. There are several ways that CBD can help with pain such as reducing inflammation in your back and neck, combating anxiety associated with chronic pain, and improved relaxation.
Every individual has different pain thresholds. Therefore, one might experience relief from using CBD while others need a more potent approach. The best way to approach the use of CBD for neck and shoulder pain is with pain management. It won’t make the cause of the pain go away, but it provides enough relief so that you can still function without being affected by the pain.
CBD Products for Chronic Pain
There are many types of CBD products that are available on the market. No one product is specifically targeted for chronic pain relief. Some of the current options are:
- CBD oil – This product is the most common type of CBD treatment for chronic pain. You can apply it topically to the affected area or take it orally. You can also opt to mix CBD oil into your beverage.
- CBD edibles – Edibles are those products that you can consume directly. These products are CBD-infused, so you can experience the benefits of the natural compound upon consuming the product. A few examples of CBD edibles are gummies, chocolates, and baked goods.
- CBD tinctures – This product is designed to be placed into a tincture bottle. You will need a drop or more to be able to experience the benefits of the potent formula. CBD tinctures are most commonly added to a diffuser.
How to Choose the Best CBD Products
How effective is CBD for neck and shoulder pain? It depends on the type of product you use. The quality of the product is also critical in getting the best results.
There is no shortage of CBD products out there. If you want to experience relief from chronic pain, it pays to examine where you get your products from.
Look for products that have undergone third-party testing. This means that the company has made its products available for third-party labs to conduct testing to ensure quality and results. That way, you will have a point of comparison to verify the claims made by the manufacturer.
Another important thing to consider when choosing CBD products for neck and shoulder pain is the label. Make sure you check the ingredients they use as it can affect the quality and effectiveness of the product.
Since CBD products are not yet regulated by the FDA, it is your responsibility to check each product for quality. Make sure to buy only from trusted suppliers online to experience the relief you’ve longed for.
Last Updated on 06/06/2023
