Looking After Common Aches & Pains – Pain Relief and CBD

Can CBD help with pain relief?

15 December 2022 | Hannah Rubery

It’s a common question we hear and one that many users state as a reason for wanting to try CBD. The answer is, unfortunately, not quite simple. For starters, CBD is a supplement, cosmetic or vape product, it is not sold as a medicinal product due to a lack of scientific evidence. But there is anecdotal evidence from users that suggest a positive reaction.

Another issue is that due to the lack of research there is no specific dosage that can provide guaranteed benefits. CBD doesn’t work for some people and the amount that is needed to affect different people can also differ making it hard to quantify.

So what can we do about some of the most common aches and pains?

Common aches and pains and what can cause them

Back pain

Common causes of back pain include poor posture (most of us are guilty of slouching), lack of exercise resulting in stiffening of the spine and weak muscles, and muscle strains or sprains. There are also a variety of specific conditions linked to back pain so remember that severe pain doesn’t necessarily mean a serious problem. However, if the pain is really bad, you’ve had it for a long time, it stops you from working or doing things you enjoy or gets worse, you should see your doctor.

Managing back pain can be quite simple, the key to it is to make sure you exercise your back. You might be wondering how that can help but too much rest for your back can actually make it worse. Our spines are very strong and designed to move so keeping active and continuing with everyday activities will speed up recovery.

Try gentle yoga exercises or Pilates to stretch out your back and get it back into its supple state. You can of course take painkillers or use heat/cool packs and creams – try alternating heat and cool throughout the day.

Shoulder pain

Generally, most shoulder pains only affect a small area and last for a short period of time. Common causes can include inflammation as a reaction to an infection or injury, damage to the muscles of tendons around the shoulder, the tension in the muscles between the neck and shoulder (poor posture) and damage caused by arthritis.

There are also instances where the pain in your shoulder is a sign of problems in your neck. If you develop severe pain in both shoulders, also have pain in your thighs or are feverish and unwell, you should see your doctor.

Managing shoulder pain can be as simple as painkillers or improving your posture. For example, if you work at a desk you may be more inclined to lean forwards and rest on your arms. Instead, relax your shoulders, change your position often or even support your lower back with a cushion. You can also try heat and cold treatments such as packs, creams and balms.

Hip pain

Most short-term aches and hip pains are the result of overdoing exercise, caused by strained and inflamed soft tissues which clear up after a few days. Long-term hip pain however can be caused by specific conditions and should be spoken about with your doctor. Problems with your hip can be felt as far as your knee, radiating down to your groin and front of the leg. Pain felt outside of your hip can also be caused by your lower back.

Managing these aches and pains is much the same as the others; painkillers if necessary, exercise the area to promote healing and flexibility and reduce strain – try to do your normal activities but don’t overdo yourself.

CBD and pain relief

It’s a common question amongst those tempted to try CBD; can CBD be used to help pain relief? And the answer isn’t that simple. There’s a lot of anecdotal evidence from users of CBD that suggest there could potentially be benefits for pain relief. However, CBD in the UK and most of the world is widely used as a supplement, cosmetic or vape product and is not commonly a licensed medicine.

At Cali Greens, we make no medical claims about our CBD products that are to be used only for personal wellness as a supplement, cosmetic item or vape product.

Despite CBD being around for thousands of years and used throughout many of them, there is still a lack of significant research. But what we’ve heard so far sounds promising for those who enjoy CBD regularly.

When using CBD topicals, the benefits of CBD are mostly limited to the application area. This is because CBD is unlikely to make it to our bloodstream through the many layers of skin. So how do CBD topicals like creams and balms work? The cannabinoid receptors present in our bodies thanks to the Endocannabinoid system, a term you’ve probably heard before, is also present in our skin. So even though CBD topicals aren’t likely to make it to the bloodstream, it’s believed that they could create benefits skin-deep.

The best CBD products for you to use

When it comes to aches and pains, heat and cool creams and balms can help offer some relief thanks to their chemical makeup that promotes relief. Between warming wintergreen and cooling eucalyptus, these essential oils are commonplace amongst sports enthusiasts.

For those with energetic lifestyles or who simply feel the aches and pains of a busy day, muscle creams and balms are perfect for you. When you want to target a specific problem, topicals are your go-to product. Creams are naturally light and absorb quickly into the skin for fast-acting results. Balms are the heavy hitters of topicals with a thicker consistency that sits on your skin for longer, giving you longer-lasting effects.

Those looking inwards may find more joy in CBD oral drops or CBD vape products. But do remember that CBD is not intended for medicinal use and any potential effects are not guaranteed. You should always speak with your doctor regarding any issues and before taking any new supplements.