Chronic pain affects millions of people. Many seek natural alternatives like CBD to help manage their pain. Research suggests CBD creams may help provide pain relief. This blog reviews the best CBD creams for pain relief based on quality, effectiveness, and safety.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana that causes a "high," CBD is non-intoxicating.Â
Research suggests that CBD has potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties that may help relieve chronic pain. CBD creams allow for targeted pain relief since the CBD absorbs into the skin and interacts with local CBD receptors.
How CBD Creams May Provide Pain Relief
CBD creams may help with pain relief in a few key ways:
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Research suggests CBD has anti-inflammatory effects, which may reduce pain and swelling. Physical Therapy: CBD creams can be massaged into sore muscles and joints, providing therapy similar to physical therapy. Pain Relief: Studies show topical CBD products may help relieve arthritis, nerve pain, and muscle soreness. CBD creams can help pain patients reduce or replace oral pain medication, which can lower side effects such as stomach ulcers.
Key Things to Look for in CBD Pain Relief CreamÂ
With many CBD creams on the market, it's important to look for the following when choosing a high-quality product:
CBD companies are required to send their products to independent labs for testing. This testing is done to ensure that the levels of CBD in the products are accurate. It is also done to detect any contaminants that may be present in the products.
Additionally, the testing is done to confirm that the THC concentrations in the products are below 0.3%. Certificate of Analysis (COA): Ask to see the COA for any CBD product, which shows third party lab test results.
Broad or Full Spectrum CBD: These provide additional compounds from the cannabis plant, which may increase benefits. Some CBD creams are made with CBD isolate only. Some CBD creams have menthol, capsaicin, and camphor to relieve pain by creating a cooling or heating feeling. CBD with a little THC (less than 0.3%) may help relieve pain, according to studies.
3 Best CBD Creams for Pain Relief
With an understanding of how CBD creams work and what to look for, check out 5 of the best CBD creams for managing and relieving pain.
1. CBD ClinicTM Clinical Strength: Level 4 – Pain Relief Ointment
For even stronger pain relief, try CBD Clinic's Clinical Strength: Level 4 Pain Relief Ointment. This maximum strength formula contains 4% CBD along with active natural pain relievers like menthol, camphor and caffeine to penetrate deep into joints and muscles.
It provides long-lasting relief for chronic conditions without THC. CBD Clinic products are trusted by chiropractors, physical therapists, physicians, and massage therapists to provide natural, non-habit forming pain relief.
Level 4 has the highest concentration of CBD compared to their other ointments and creams. Each 60g bottle contains 1000mg of CBD from full spectrum hemp extract.
The thick ointment texture allows you to apply it directly to the source of pain. It quickly absorbs through the skin to target inflammation. Customers report relief from arthritis, sore muscles, joint pain, and nerve pain.
According to reviews, many feel rapid relief within minutes after the first application. The ointment has a light menthol scent and is made in an FDA-registered facility following GMP standards. CBD Clinic offers a 60 day satisfaction guarantee.
2.CBD ClinicTM Clinical Strength: Level 5 – Pain Relief Ointment
For the strongest pain relief, try CBD Clinic's Clinical Strength: Level 5 Pain Relief Ointment. This maximum strength formula contains 5% CBD along with natural active ingredients like menthol, camphor and caffeine to penetrate deep into joints and muscles.
It provides long-lasting targeted relief for chronic conditions without THC. CBD Clinic products are trusted by healthcare professionals to provide natural, non-habit forming pain relief.
Level 5 has the highest concentration of CBD available in their product line. Each 60g jar contains 2500mg of CBD sourced from full spectrum hemp extract.
The thick ointment texture allows you to apply it directly to sore spots. It quickly absorbs through the skin to reduce inflammation. Customers report relief from arthritis, backaches, neuropathy, joint pain, and muscle soreness.
According to reviews, many experience rapid relief within minutes after the first use. The ointment has a light menthol aroma and is made in an FDA-registered facility following GMP standards. CBD Clinic offers a 60 day money back guarantee
3.Topical Relief Roll-On 1000mg
For targeted pain relief, try Bio Spectrum Topical Relief Roll-On at Triangle Hemp Wellness. This easy to apply roll-on contains 1000mg of CBD from full spectrum hemp extract.
The roll-on applicator makes it simple to apply directly to sore muscles, joints, and areas of pain. The formula quickly absorbs into the skin and works to reduce inflammation.
It has CBD and other natural pain relievers like arnica, camphor, and menthol for a cooling feeling. Customers report relief from arthritis, back pain, neuropathy, knee pain, and foot pain.
The roll-on provides convenience, portability, controlled dosage, and mess-free application. It has a light herbal aroma. The formula is vegan, THC-free, and made in the USA following cGMP standards. Triangle Hemp Wellness offers a 30 day money back guarantee if not completely satisfied.
The Benefits of Broad Spectrum CBD Oil for Pain
Broad spectrum CBD oil is growing in popularity for pain relief. Broad spectrum means the product contains all of the compounds in the cannabis plant, except for THC. This allows you to reap the potential benefits from the different cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytochemicals in the hemp plant, while avoiding the psychoactive effects of THC.
Research suggests CBD provides natural pain relief by reducing inflammation. The other compounds in broad spectrum CBD oil may help enhance these effects through the “entourage effect.” This theory states that cannabis compounds work better together than CBD alone.
Broad spectrum CBD can be taken sublingually by placing drops under the tongue, mixed into food or drinks, and applied topically. For pain, broad spectrum CBD oils, creams, and roll-ons allow for direct application to painful joints or muscles. This provides targeted pain relief. Those seeking an all-natural option for managing pain may want to explore if broad spectrum CBD can help provide relief.
CBD Dosage for Pain Relief
When first using CBD for pain relief, it's important to start with a low dose and gradually increase to find the most effective amount. Most studies use doses between 2.5mg-20mg per day. Using CBD topicals makes it easy to control dosage. A
pply a small amount of cream or ointment to the area of pain. Allow 1-2 hours to assess the effects before reapplying or increasing dosage. It's ideal to discuss optimal dosage with your doctor.
Lifestyle Changes That Complement CBD
While CBD may help provide pain relief, lifestyle changes can also make a difference. Getting regular exercise appropriate for your condition, maintaining a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and managing stress levels can help reduce inflammation and improve pain symptoms. Avoiding activities that aggravate pain is also recommended. Using CBD in conjunction with lifestyle changes may deliver the best results.
Common CBD Side Effects
CBD is generally well-tolerated, but possible side effects include diarrhea, fatigue, and changes in appetite or weight. Topical CBD products are less likely to result in side effects since they don't enter the bloodstream as fully as oral products. Still, monitor for skin irritation or allergic reactions when applying CBD creams. Discuss any side effects with your doctor to determine if CBD is right for you.
Talk to Your Doctor First
It's important to discuss using CBD products with your doctor first, particularly if you take any medications. CBD may interact with certain over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications. Your doctor can also advise you on the best form of CBD and dosage for your condition before you begin using it for pain relief. Self-treating pain with CBD without consulting a medical professional is not advised.
Are CBD Creams Right for You?
While studies suggest CBD creams may help relieve pain, results can vary. It's best to discuss using CBD products for pain relief with your doctor first. Self-treating pain without understanding the underlying cause can delay proper treatment. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy, pain medication, surgery, or other solutions.Â
If you and your doctor decide a CBD cream is worth trying, pick a high quality product from a reputable company. Start with the lowest dosage first to assess your reaction. Give it 1-2 weeks to start working.
Track your pain levels and any side effects. This can help you and your doctor determine if a CBD pain cream is effective for managing your pain.