Can CBD Help with Headaches?
Is CBD an Effective Headache Treatment?
If you suffer from any form of headache – tension, migraine, or cluster, for example – on a regular basis, you’re probably willing to do just about anything to find relief. CBD oil is one over-the-counter treatment option that has been rising in popularity, but some people are still unsure about whether this is actually an effective choice.
As you continue reading this brief guide, you will learn more about how CBD works and how it can help alleviate headache symptoms for certain patients. Remember, though, before you begin any sort of new medication, whether or not it contains CBD, it is crucial to consult with your doctor first to make sure it is safe to add to your daily regimen.
How CBD Is Used
There are multiple ways CBD oil can be administered. The following list outlines some common methods:
- as an edible (i.e. in gummy form or as an ingredient in foods and beverages)
- as a capsule
- as oil
- as a spray (i.e. a room spray)
Furthermore, there is research into other types of CBD products, including some that can be administered rectally and via the eye. The legal and ethical implications of these items and others like them have not been fully investigated at the time of publication.
The Science Behind CBD
CBD is derived from the cannabis plant – the same plant used to make marijuana. However, it is critical to note that the CBD cannabinoid does not give users a “high” like a joint does. Although CBD is relatively new to the mainstream market, there have already been several studies regarding how it can be used to manage chronic pain.
The National Centers for Complementary and Integrative Health found, for instance, that there is the potential for moderately effective pain management using cannabinoids, specifically CBD.
Just last year, a 2020 review of the efficacy of CBD in regard to managing pain noted that there can be benefits including better sleep and reduced inflammation in some patients. Depending on what type of headache you most frequently suffer from, reducing inflammation could be beneficial to you. Tension headaches, for instance, often occur because muscles and tendons become inflamed.
One fairly early study on CBD in relation to headache management took place in 2016. This report notes that migraine sufferers, in particular, may benefit from a CBD regimen. Because many people who have migraines struggle to control them without prescription-grade intervention, CBD is often an especially attractive over-the-counter option for these individuals.
Should I take CBD for my headaches?
While there is some evidence that CBD can improve headache sufferers’ symptoms, it is important to note that a doctor should always play a role in your decision to start taking CBD oil or using another CBD-based product.
If you think CBD could help you, consult your physician at your next appointment.
