Considering the safety profile, CBD has become the new favourite of people who are looking for management of pain and anxiety. Another property of CBD is that it acts as an anti-spasmodic substance. It relieves spasm that can occur due to stress, injury, overworking or any idiopathic reason.
CBD as a muscle relaxant has been providing topical relief. Let’s discover this property of CBD oil in depth, by understanding the mechanism of action, duration of action, dosage and directions of applying CBD oil.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil or CBD hemp oil has a high content of CBD and low content of THC (a psychoactive product). Medical marijuana products have higher concentrations of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
Since CBD oil has no or negligible amounts of THC, it is considered as non-psychoactive.
CBD or Cannabidiol is one of the 85 cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. It is the second most abundant cannabinoid next to THC. CBD interacts with the body system and brings about its effects.
CBD hemp products are made by a special method. The CBD hemp oil is extracted through a specialised solvent-free process. The CBD hemp oil is then tested for safety, quality and the content of cannabinoid.
CBD hemp oil can be used as oil; it can be used as topical agents for soothing pain. It can be converted into balms and rubbed on skin and muscles as well as joints to relieve cramps. It can also be converted into CBD capsules, tinctures and liquids which are taken orally.
What Is The Action Of CBD Oil?
CBD oil has some effects. Our main focus will be on its anti-spasmodic effect, but we will briefly discuss all other properties.
CBD For Relieving Pain
Our bodies contain a system known as the Endocannabinoid system (ECS) which regulates, appetite, pain, sleep and immune system response.
The neurotransmitters known as endocannabinoids bind to the cannabinoid receptors present in the nervous system to reduce chronic pain, decrease inflammatory reaction. CBD is effective for multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
CBD For Anxiety And Depression
The most common mental health disorders that have devasted millions of lives include anxiety and depression. The drugs that treat these conditions have multiple side effects including sedation, sexual dysfunction, headaches, agitation and dependence.
CBD oil has proved to be a promising treatment for anxiety as well as depression. This natural substance can act on the serotonin receptors and help in the regulation of mood.
CBD For Cancer
Studies have shown that CBD is effective for the reduction of symptoms related to cancer and it has also helped patients overcome the side effects of chemotherapy, like nausea, vomiting and pain.
One study concluded that patients who got treated with CBD and THC for cancer-related pain experienced significant alleviation in pain as compared to those who only received THC.
Another study suggested that the use of CBD prevents the spread of aggressive breast cancer in mice.
CBD For Improving The Health Of Cardiac Muscles
CBD provides several benefits for the heart, and it has a significant role in reducing blood pressure. A study stated that ten men were treated with CBD for blood pressure with one dose of 600mg of CBD oil and this reduced their blood pressure as compared to the placebo group.
CBD For Substance Abuse
CBD has been effective in reducing cravings for Opiate, and thus it helps in Opiate withdrawal.
CBD As An Anti-Inflammatory Substance
CBD is effective for inflammatory conditions like arthritis as it reduces inflammation by decreasing the influx of proinflammatory cytokines to the joints.
CBD As A Neuroprotective Substance
CBD increases the production of antioxidants which have a neuroprotective role.
CBD As A Muscle Relaxant
CBD is known for helping patients with rheumatism, osteoarthritis, tendinitis or other inflammatory conditions which result in extensive muscle spasm.
By reducing pain and inflammation in the affected area, CBD reduces the spasm and causes the relaxation of muscles.
CBD has an impact on the raised levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). CBD decreases it to produce numbness, and this is how analgesia is produced. CBD is a muscular and vascular relaxant. Thus, it reduces muscle spasm as well as inflammation.
Studies Indicating The Use Of CBD For Muscle Relaxation
A study was conducted on mice models in which the relaxation effect of CBD was compared to THC. The mice that were given both CBD and THC to reduce muscle spasticity showed the more rapid onset of muscle relaxation and a reduction in the time to maximum effect compared with THC alone. CBD also acted as a more rapid anticonvulsant.
In a study, Sativex (composed of THC and CBD) was given to patients with muscle spasticity (multiple sclerosis) in the form of oro-mucosal sprays, and the results were profound.
The Dosage Of CBD As A Muscle Relaxant
To treat muscle spasm that is associated with multiple sclerosis or any other cause take CBD oil on a daily basis by mouth for 2 to 15 weeks. The dose can be anywhere around 2.5 to 120 milligrams.
Start taking a smaller dose and then gradually increase it, so that you find your sweet spot. You can use the mouth spray eight times within 3 hours to reduce the spasm.
You may need to reduce or increase your dose, adjusting the dosage to the severity of your condition. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before taking CBD oil spray.
The dosage for CBD balms, tinctures and liquids vary. The topical application requires more frequent applications and deep massage of the muscles. Tinctures and extracts are required in smaller doses to produce the effects.
CBD As A Muscle Relaxant: The Bottom Line
CBD oil has the potential to act at muscles on the molecular level and reduce the spastic condition of the muscles.
The prescription medications for muscle spasm are usually dangerous as they cause sedation and dependence, therefore, it is necessary that we switch to a safer substance that is also natural. Benzodiazepines, carisoprodol and other medications have dangerous side effects and very costly.
It’s time that you choose CBD oil for your muscle spasms. The effects may not be same for everyone, so it is necessary that you do proper research before buying CBD oil.