How CBD Might Soothe Muscle Spasms?
If you are reading this, chances are you have been grappling with those unwelcome muscle spasms that can turn a simple walk into an exercise in frustration. Maybe you're a weekend warrior pushing yourself at the gym or an athlete dealing with the aftermath of intense training. Maybe you're even someone managing chronic pain or facing the realities of aging muscles. Whatever the cause, muscle spasms can be a real pain (literally!).
Enter CBD, a natural remedy that's been generating a lot of buzz lately. But can it truly live up to the hype when it comes to taming muscle spasms?
OnePoll conducted a Forbes Health Survey with 2,000 American participants. 60% of respondents said they had tried a CBD product and thought it had some medicinal advantages.
Buckle up because we are diving deep into the world of CBD for muscle and muscle relaxation and what the science says (and doesn't say) about this potential pain reliever.
What are muscle spasms?
First things first, let's talk about what a muscle spasm actually is. Think about muscles as being made of a multitude of tiny strings that contract and relax to enable movement. And it so happens that these strings occasionally involuntarily contract themselves into an irregular mass and hold onto it with all their might, giving rise to a spasm that produces a sense of tightness.
There are many different causes of spasms; some common ones include:
- Overuse: When athletes and gym-goers work their muscles too hard, it leads to tiny tears, which cause pain and spasms in response to repair.
- Dehydration: When one is dehydrated, muscles tend not to work as they should; it can lead to spasms.
- Electrolyte imbalance: Electrolytes are minerals that help your muscles function properly. An imbalance can lead to cramping and spasms.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, like multiple sclerosis or nerve damage, can also cause muscle spasms.
Can CBD Really Help Muscle Spasms?
Cannabidiol, extracted from the marijuana plant, is increasingly known to work as a natural pain reliever. However, CBD, unlike its psychoactive brother THC, does not give you a high. So, in what ways can this help with muscle spasms?
The key is the ECS, a mesh of receptors found in the muscles and nervous system, as well as other parts of the body.
The ECS contributes greatly to controlling and monitoring many body functions like pain perception and inflammation. Some researchers believe that CBD interacts with these receptors, thus influencing how your body responds to pain signals and inflammation that occur from muscle spasms.
Muscle spasms often occur in the middle of the night, hindering your good night's sleep. However, you can take THC gummies for sleep to find relief from muscle spasms and also improve the quality of your sleep.
Here's a glimpse into what research suggests:
A 2020 review of studies points towards CBD's potential benefits for chronic pain management, including muscle pain. In the same way, research carried out on patients with diseases like multiple sclerosis, who commonly experience muscle spasticity, has also found evidence of CBD usage reducing spasticity occurrence.
What Forms of CBD Work for Muscle Spasms?
You might wonder what is the best way to use CBD for muscle spasms. There is a breakdown of the various types that exist in this market and how they can serve the purpose of offering some targeted relief:
- CBD Tinctures: Most CBD tinctures are taken by putting the liquid drops on the surface under your tongue and then absorbed into the bloodstream through the sublingual capillaries. The impact may start almost immediately; hence, they would be appropriate for addressing immediate pain and inflammation.
- CBD Topicals: CBD topicals, such as CBD pain relief rub, creams, and salves infused with CBD, are commonly applied to the affected part. This directly affects the pain spot, which is an advantage, especially when treating spasms that always occur in particular muscles.
- CBD Edibles: Gummies, chocolates, and other CBD edibles are an easy way to get your dose. Though it takes somewhat longer to provide the desired effects, it is a convenient method.
Important Considerations Before You Try CBD
While CBD is generally well-tolerated, it's crucial to be aware of a few things before diving in:
- Talk to Your Doctor: It would be important to consult with a doctor before deciding on using cannabidiol oil, especially when you are on any medications. CBD can interact with certain medications, so getting the green light before incorporating it into your routine is important.
- Quality Matters: The CBD market can be a bit of a wild west. Make sure you're purchasing high-quality CBD from a reputable source, like Sultan CBD. We provide third-party lab reports to ensure the potency and purity of our products.
How Much CBD Should I Take for Spasms?
If you are using CBD intensive relief rub, the dosage does not matter. Yet, finding the right oral CBD dosage for muscle spasms can be a bit of a trial-and-error process. Here are some pointers to get you started:
- Start Low, Go Slow: It is usually advisable to start with a low dosage and raise it gradually as necessary. This gives your body a chance to adapt and assists you in determining the ideal dose for spasm management.
- Consider concentration: There are different concentrations of CBD (milligrams of CBD per milliliter of oil). It's necessary to note that improvements in performance are not always correlated with increased concentration. Start with a low-concentration product and modify it according to your experience.
- Pay Attention to Your Body: Observe how the CBD affects your body. Change the dosage or cease using the product completely if you encounter any unfavorable side effects, such as sleepiness or upset stomach.
Are There Any Side Effects of CBD for Spasms?
Despite being generally safe, it may have a few mild side effects, such as:
- Dry mouth: This is a typical side effect that doesn't generally need to be intervened. Getting plenty of water might help ease the discomfort.
- Drowsiness: After using CBD, be cautious if you need to drive or operate machinery because it may have a relaxing impact.
- Diarrhea: In some cases, CBD may cause digestive upset, especially at higher doses.
Complementary Strategies to Tame Muscle Spasms
While a CBD intensive relief rub, gummy, tincture or softgel might be a valuable tool in your muscle-spasm relief arsenal, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some complementary strategies you can consider:
- Stay Hydrated: Make sure you consume enough water throughout the day. Dehydration can worsen muscle spasms, so drink plenty of water and have a reusable bottle close at hand.
- Electrolyte replenishment: If you think an electrolyte imbalance might cause your spasms, think about consuming electrolyte-rich drinks or speaking with your doctor about possible supplements.
- Massage and stretches: Frequent stretching can reduce the chance of spasms and increase muscular flexibility. Moreover, mild massage treatment might aid in easing tense muscles and increasing blood flow.
- Healing and Rest: Pay attention to your body! Muscle spasms might be an indication that you're exerting yourself too much. Give your muscles enough time to rest and heal to avoid future strain.
