How to Use CBD to Ease Spasms, Cramps & Sprains

Cannabis is known to contain elements that may relieve pain, nausea, and other symptoms. The elements of cannabis, that most studies focus on for pain relief, are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

How can CBD help ease menstrual pain?

Menstrual cramps cause a lot of pain and discomfort for almost all women. Some experience mild cramps that are easy to deal with, while others face severe cramps that make it hard to do daily tasks. Traditional menstrual painkillers can help for a short time, but more and more women have started to look to alternative treatments like cannabidiol (CBD) to get rid of menstrual pain.

• CBD is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation associated with menstrual cramps, thereby providing relief.
• CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system and modulates pain signals. This potentially reduces the intensity of menstrual cramps.
• CBD's muscle-relaxing effects can ease excessive contractions and spasms, further alleviating the pain of menstrual cramps.
• CBD is also known to enhance sleep quality and duration, promoting better pain management during menstruation.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric conditions in the world currently. The National Institute of Mental Health has estimated that 19.1% of adults in the U.S. experienced an anxiety disorder in the previous year, and more women experience anxiety as compared to men.

CBD interacts with the cannabinoid type 1 receptor, the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, and other receptors in the brain that may regulate fear and anxiety-induced behaviors.

CBD can be used as an effective treatment for numerous types of anxiety disorders, including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Panic disorder (PD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

How can CBD help in spasticity (associated with multiple sclerosis) management?

Spasticity is a common symptom among patients dealing with multiple sclerosis.

Now, what is multiple sclerosis? It is a neurological condition that can cause muscle stiffness (spasticity) in people. This can be painful and can even interfere with the daily objectives of the patient.

• CBD has shown reduced multiple sclerosis-related spasticity in clinical studies.
• THC is psychoactive and is said to interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body which helps to reduce spasticity.
• While CBD is non-psychoactive and provides additional benefits such as reducing pain and inflammation.

How can CBD help to treat muscle spasms?

Muscle spasms, a common occurrence, often cause immense discomfort and pain.

CBD can help with muscle pain and relieve the pain and discomfort associated with spasms in the following ways.

1. Helps to relax the muscles

CBD can help with muscle tightness and promote quality sleep. With a healthy sleep schedule, the body’s “stress hormones” level drops, reducing muscular tension.

• Please note- CBD creams exhibit muscle-relaxant properties that are also known to relieve spasms.

2. Deals with poor sleep and anxiety

As mentioned above, sleep deprivation and stress can result in spasms. A night of proper sleep is a natural therapeutic remedy for your body. However, lack of sleep can increase inflammation and cause the risk of “nocturnal leg cramps”.

• CBD can improve your sleep quality by reducing pain and inflammation. According to studies, CBD has therapeutic effects on sleep-related medical conditions.
• Along with relieving chronic pain, CBD products can also facilitate sound sleep.
• According to clinical studies, CBD works as an antidepressant and anxiolytic, boosting the serotonin levels in our body.

3. Fastens muscle recovery

Spasms can bring aches and pains with them. If muscles are overworked or stay in a single position for a long time, they can be vulnerable to spasms.

• In these situations, CBD can be very helpful- thanks to its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective pharmacological properties. Applying a CBD-infused muscle balm or body lotion can help in a faster muscle recovery. It can also reduce the production of cytokine, chemokine, and T-regulatory cells- substances that are known to slow down muscle recovery.

4. Helps to reduce inflammation

Multiple studies have shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective pharmacological properties. The elements in CBD are said to be therapeutic and help reduce oxidative stress. It can also help your body achieve a stable condition called homeostasis by activating the endocannabinoid system that regulates bodily processes.

How does CBD help with back spasms?

Back spasms are associated with the sudden contractions of the back muscles. These can be painful and uncontrollable.

Please note, that CBD may offer modest improvements in spasm symptoms for people with multiple sclerosis. Researchers have figured out that medical cannabis can help manage spasms in individuals with certain conditions.

How can CBD Help in Cases of Pain & Inflammation?

Hemp-derived CBD oil is said to directly interact with receptors in our endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS is a network of receptors responsible for regulating vital functions of the body, such as sleep cycles, inflammatory response, and stress levels.

The action of CBD oil on the ECS has a full-body effect that may also help in managing foot problems due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties. Hemp-derived CBD comes with the added benefit of providing temporary relief without the psychoactive properties inherent in products containing THC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CBD help with stress?

By dampening the stress response and protecting against chronic stress, CBD can help prevent or treat certain mental health symptoms related to stress. However, more research is needed to fully evaluate its potential as a treatment option.

Is CBD effective in treating injuries?

Injuries are common in any and every competitive sport and hence pain management remains the first concern in many cases. Yes, CBD can be used for injuries such as sprains, strains, rotator cuff injuries, tendon injuries, etc.