Cannabidiol (CBD), a component extracted from hemp, has become a major object of study and use for the treatment of pain. And more specifically, muscle pain is a common type of pain that can be safely addressed with CBD.
Today on the Cannactiva blog, we will break down some common doubts and aspects related to the properties and benefits of CBD for muscle pain.
Is CBD effective for muscle pain?
CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain and inflammation. By influencing this system, CBD can potentially reduce inflammation and relieve pain, including inflammatory muscle pain.
How does CBD work to relieve muscle pain?
CBD can reduce pain through its anti-inflammatory power. Muscle inflammation occurs when the body wants to repair damage to muscle cells due to trauma (shock) or stress caused by exercise. CBD reduces the release of inflammatory substances and decreases oxidative stress, thus helping to reduce inflammation.
More information: CBD as an anti-inflammatory: Properties and how to use it
CBD products for muscle pain
Mechanisms of action of CBD on muscle pain
CBD has shown potential for pain control in diseases and pain disorders. It can reduce swelling and soreness after intense physical activity, making it very attractive for aiding athletic performance. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects definitively (2).
Recent findings suggest that CBD may improve muscle recovery by reducing muscle damage. For example, CBD intake could enhance satellite cell differentiation in muscles, which is crucial for muscle repair and muscle strength (3). However, these findings are not yet conclusive and more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these benefits of CBD.
CBD plays an important role in regulating inflammation and oxidative stress, which are common after intense physical exertion. By controlling these processes, CBD could aid in the recovery of muscles and other tissues after exercise or after a stroke or trauma (2).
Other benefits of CBD in muscle pain
In addition to the muscle repair and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD on muscle pain, CBD appears to regulate the sleep-wake cycle, which is essential for muscle recovery (4). It can improve sleep onset, continuity and quality of sleep while reducing nightmares and insomnia. These effects are attributed to the interaction of CBD with the endocannabinoid system, adenosine receptors and GABAergic neurotransmission (2).
Safety considerations
It is important to consume high quality CBD products, as purity and dosage may vary. The effective dose for specific effects on muscle or muscle pain, especially in sports and exercise contexts, is still being explored in different studies (2).
Overall, while CBD is known to have several physiological, biochemical, and psychological effects that could benefit people with muscle pain or athletes, preliminary evidence is inconsistent, as most studies have been preclinical and involve laboratory animals rather than humans (5).
Further research is needed to understand the physiological mechanisms, safety, efficacy and role of CBD in processes such as inflammatory processes, neuroprotection and neuromechanical function. This includes randomized controlled trials that consider various individual and muscle physiology-specific factors (2).
Are there any side effects of using CBD for muscle pain?
CBD is generally considered safe, but may cause side effects in some people, especially when consumed orally or ingested. Side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth and gastrointestinal problems.
Generally, adverse effects are seen at very high doses of CBD, so it is important to start with a low dose and monitor the body's response.
Conclusion
In summary, while CBD shows promise in several areas relevant to muscle soreness and sports performance, more research and further clinical studies are needed to fully understand the benefits, optimal doses, and potential risks of CBD for muscle soreness.
Hopefully, over time and as research progresses, clearer guidelines and recommendations will emerge for the use of CBD in sports and muscle pain management.
Note: This is an informational article and is not intended to prevent, diagnose or treat any disease. Its contents may complement, but should never replace, any diagnosis or treatment of any disease or symptom. Cannactiva products are not medicines and are intended for external use. The data shown reflect the scientific evidence up to the date of publication, please note that new advances may emerge since then. Therefore, consult your doctor before using CBD.
References
- Nichols, J. M., & Kaplan, B. L. F. (2020). Immune Responses Regulated by Cannabidiol. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 5(1), 12-31. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0073
- Rojas-Valverde, D., & Fallas-Campos, A. (2023). Cannabidiol in sports: insights on how CBD could improve performance and recovery. Frontiers in pharmacology, 14, 1210202. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1210202
- Schouten, M., Dalle, S., & Koppo, K. (2022). Molecular Mechanisms Through Which Cannabidiol May Affect Skeletal Muscle Metabolism, Inflammation, Tissue Regeneration, and Anabolism: A Narrative Review. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 7(6), 745-757. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2022.0220
- Dáttilo, M., Antunes, H. K. M. M., Galbes, N. M. M. N., Mônico-Neto, M., DE Sá Souza, H., Dos Santos Quaresma, M. V. L., Lee, K. S., Ugrinowitsch, C., Tufik, S., & DE Mello, M. T. (2020). Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Acute Skeletal Muscle Recovery after Exercise. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 52(2), 507-514.
- McCartney, D., Benson, M. J., Desbrow, B., Irwin, C., Suraev, A., & McGregor, I. S. (2020). Cannabidiol and Sports Performance: a Narrative Review of Relevant Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research. Sports medicine - open, 6(1), 27.
