Why Use CBD for Joint Pain?

CBD is steadily gaining popularity as a natural approach to joint pain. Given the compound’s plant-based, non-intoxicating, and non-addictive properties, everyone from arthritis sufferers to professional athletes are using it for its pain and inflammation-relieving properties.

Research suggests that the analgesic properties of CBD are far-ranging, which explains how people are using it to help manage such a variety of wellness issues. CBD is common both orally and topically, but by far the most effective product when it comes to CBD for joint pain are topical salves that contain CBD, CBG, menthol, and MSM. These plant-derived compounds work in synergy to amplify CBD’s effects and promote unparalleled relief for sore muscles and aching joints.

Continue reading to learn more about how CBD can help with joint pain…

How CBD Can Help with Joint Pain

Scientists are still investigating the exact physiological mechanisms that allow CBD to work as such an effective pain reliever. Evidence suggests the compound likely affects the body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS is a cell-signaling system that plays an important part in regulating brain functions like mood, memory, and appetite. It also influences how we experience pain.

Researchers believe CBD interacts with receptors in the ECS – specifically the immune system – to improve our cells’ ability to respond to stimuli; thereby producing an anti-inflammatory response that brings down swelling and pain.

CBD may also exert its pain-relieving effects is by interacting with the body’s central nervous system. The central nervous system sends pain signals to the brain when it detects damage to nerves and cells, and research shows that CBD could potentially calm and minimize this response, thereby mitigating pain.

Unfortunately, studies on CBD for joint pain are limited, and most studies that do exist have been carried out on animals. For instance, a 2016 study reports that a daily dose of CBD gel helped to reduce joint pain and inflammation in rats with arthritis. Additional human studies are needed to confirm if CBD has the same effect on people.

Tremendous amounts of anecdotal evidence, however, suggests that many people have success using CBD for joint pain. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular products that are helping people find day-to-day relief.

Top CBD Products for Joint Pain

There are a variety of oral and topical CBD products that may be useful for joint pain. Oral CBD products, such as tinctures and capsules, are ingested and pass through the digestive system before the active compounds make their way into the body. Topical CBD, such as creams, are applied directly to the area of discomfort.

Here’s a brief guide to help you choose the best and most effective option when searching for CBD products for joint pain.

CBD Pain Relief Topical w/ Menthol, Capsaicin, & MSM

This new, advanced-engineered 2000mg CBD pain relief formula features a potent broad-spectrum cannabidiol extract along with 400mg of CBG, which is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. The powerful topical ointment (which is also available in less expensive 300mg, 400mg, and 600mg options), features menthol, capsaicin, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), all of which help support healthy joints. These active ingredients work together to provide enhanced anti-inflammatory effects, making these ointments (along with the roll-on gel version) some of the best and most powerful CBD topicals on the market for joint pain.

OptiMSM CBD Bath Bombs

Believe it or not, bath bombs offer one of the best ways to experience the pain relieving benefits of CBD. Fill up your tub with hot water, drop a bath bomb in, and the infused CBD slowly releases and gets absorbed through the skin as you soak. Combined with the soothing hot water of the tub, and this is truly an excellent way to enjoy hours of relief from sore muscles and severely aching joints. Some products, such as this CBD bath bomb that contains OptiMSM, are even specifically engineered for pain relief and can work wonders on inflammation, aching joints, and stiff/sore muscles.

Extra-Strength CBD Oil

As effective as topical CBD ointments can be for joint pain, some people still experience the best effects and the longest-lasting relief with a sublingual tincture. In order to get results for something as difficult to mend as joint pain, however, you’ll need to use a potent, extra-strength oil in the 3,000mg to 5,000mg range. This 5,000mg Natural CBD Oil, for example, offers a supremely powerful formula that may help you find success with your joint pain. The all-natural formulation (which is also available in a cheaper 2,500mg formula) incorporates a potent dose of full-spectrum CBD along with MCT oil and terpenes. Oils like these are best taken sublingually by administering a full dose under the tongue, then holding for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing.

Sublingual consumption allows the CBD to enter the bloodstream quickly, and most people start to feel effects within 15 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can add the oil to foods or beverages, but the CBD will take longer to exert its effects since it needs to be digested first.

Pre-Dosed Daily CBD Capsules

Finally, pre-dosed capsules can be an excellent pain-relieving option for those seeking a tasteless and more convenient way to take CBD orally. Capsules, like these potent 40mg CBD softgels, provide a precise dose of pure cannabidiol and can be easily incorporated into a daily routine. Simply swallow a capsule whole with a glass of water, and you should notice effects within 30-45 minutes. For joint pain specifically, capsules probably aren’t the best option, but they can be a good alternative for those that are opposed to CBD oil or that don’t want to spend the money on expensive pain-relief topicals.

Final Thoughts: The Best CBD Products for Joint Pain

If you live with joint pain, you know exactly how deeply it can affect your quality of life. Joint pain can impact your sleep, affect your mood, and a whole lot more. Although more research is necessary, CBD shows potential use in joint pain by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system to exert analgesic effects. It can be used both orally and topically to manage pain, but depending on the severity of your pain (and your personal preferences), one or more of the above products may be just what you need to help improve your quality of life.