Wondering How To Use CBD for Muscle Pain? Let Us Explain.

This article was reviewed by Dr. Lillie Rosenthal, a board-certified integrative pain management physician and specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before making any changes to your wellness routine. 

Experiencing acute and chronic pain is a reality for most Americans. In fact, it’s been estimated that 25.3 million Americans experience chronic pain in some form, daily. Are you one of these people? We can attest to having aches and pains ourselves, and it is not pleasant. A possible solution? CBD for muscle pain.

There are two types of muscle pain that may benefit from CBD treatment: 

1. Stress-Related Pain - Most of the time when we’re on edge, we tend to tense our bodies —resulting in pain in our neck or shoulders. 
2. Pain From Overexertion - Going to the gym and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important, but it’s important to do-so safely otherwise there is a risk of muscle strain. 

Oftentimes, treatment consists of over-the-counter medicines or prescriptions. It’s become the reality for many that chronic pain is just a way of life. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair. But, what can you do when you’ve reached for the medicine bottle for the 2nd time in a day to no avail? And what if you prefer a natural alternative?

It may be time to try - hemp-derived CBD. 

First things first, CBD is a naturally-occurring substance that comes from the cannabis plant. It is one of more than 100 cannabinoids. CBD demonstrates positive physiological effects without intoxication in the early stages of research.

Plant People uses hemp-derived and full-spectrum CBD. This means that the CBD contains trace amounts of THC and includes all other compounds that are naturally occurring within the plant. This type of CBD was initially thought to be less effective than CBD isolate (the other popular form of the substance), but has since been proven otherwise. In 2015, one study showcased the results of CBD isolate and CBD full-spectrum on two groups of mice. The results showed that CBD full-spectrum not only provided increased amounts of relief, the positive impacts were sustained with higher doses. However, the isolate dose impacts remained the same. 

If we’ve piqued your curiosity, allow us to further show you the benefits of CBD for muscle pain. 

How CBD Relieves Muscle Pain

First and foremost, CBD may help to alleviate the commonplace discomforts you experience after a hard week at work or from a wonky workout. The reason behind this is simple: the substance seems to keep our internal systems balanced, helping to avoid physical problems. 

Muscle-related pain is associated with cell inflammation. The primary cause of the inflammation comes from pro inflammatory cytokines, signaling proteins secreted from stimulation. They regulate inflammation within the body. CBD appears to decrease the pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase myeloid-derived suppressor cells. This, in turn, may reduce inflammation-related pain. 

Plus, CBD may help ease the body and mind naturally. Early research indicates this is due to its interactions within the hippocampus. The compound seems to stimulate this area of the brain via endocannabinoid-mediated signaling, resulting in a calmer state. What better way to kill two birds with one stone - both your stress and the negative consequences it has on your body?

How to Use CBD for Muscle Pain

Use A Topical Balm. 

When it comes to treating muscle pain, one of the best - and easiest - ways to do this is through a topical balm infused with CBD. All you have to do is consistently apply the balm to your problem areas and enjoy the benefits. In one study, showed that a topical gel infused with CBD reduced the overall amount of swelling when used regularly for four consecutive days. 

The Plant People Balm is a great starting point. It contains full-spectrum hemp extract, beeswax, extra virgin coconut oil, essential oils, and camphor. If you're unfamiliar, camphor is steam distilled from the wood of camphor trees. People have used it for centuries as a traditional remedy to occasional discomfort and pains. To use the balm, simply apply a pea sized amount to your finger and massage it in. 

Try Liquid Drops. 

The next, and most familiar form, is the use of full-spectrum CBD drops. A number of initial studies prove the correlation between ingesting CBD and reducing muscle discomfort. How? There are cannabinoid receptors in our bodies that appear to mediate inflammation responses, namely CB1 and CB2. The use of hemp-derived CBD activates them to reduce pain. 

These Plant People Drops use a specific plant genetic variation with higher levels of secondary cannabinoids, CBC and CBG that show promising results for pain management. 

There you have it - the beneficial ways CBD for muscle pain can work for you today. Let us know your comments/questions/concerns below!

Reviewed by Gabe Kennedy

 Co-Founder of Plant People, Gabe Kennedy is an acclaimed chef and entrepreneur. Growing up in a house of healers and herbalists, he is passionate about the power of food as a tool for health, and actualized this passion and belief system into his company, Plant People. Named to Forbes 30 under 30 Gabe has shaped menus and cooked his way around the world with his mission to promote a more communal, green and healthy world.

 Gabe is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America and Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. You can learn more about his work at his website.