Neck and shoulder pain can be frustrating, and has become an all too common event for many people. It is a debilitating discomfort that can affect activities of daily life. If you're someone who suffers from chronic pain, you know how difficult it can be to find a solution that will actually work for you.
The good news is that there are natural remedies, other than traditional treatments, that can help relieve this pain. One promising alternative are hemp cannabinoids, such as CBDA or CBD. These cannabinoids are extracted from cannabis sativa plants (hemp) and processed into different products.
Research has shown that both CBDA and CBD possesses many therapeutic properties, which among is pain relieving effects,. This makes it useful in alleviating neck and shoulder pain.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the science on how CBD and CBDA works. If you want to learn more about their potential in reducing pain, read on.
Article Highlights
- Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) are promising cannabinoids found in a hemp plant that does not have any psychoactive effects.
- CBD and CBDA are generally safe to consume with manageable side effects.
- CBDA and CBD work with the body's endocannabinoid system but also have unique healing properties outside this system.
- Research has shown that CBDA and CBD have anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties that help to reduce pain and inflammation in the neck and shoulders.
Understanding CBD and CBDA
Among cannabis plant compounds is a popular cannabinoid called Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is derived from its parent cannabinoid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). You do not typically see much CBD in the hemp flower since its primarily in the CBDA form. CBD is derived from CBDA after the hemp extract has been exposed to heat during the extraction and purification process.
Both CBDA and CBD are non-psychoactive, meaning you wont get high like you would from THC found in marijuana. While the cannabis plant has over 100 different cannabinoids, the most prominent in hemp is CBDA, and for marijuana its THCA (where THC comes from).
CBD and CBDA are legal in many states and they are generally safe to consume. They come with a wide range of health benefits that can help address various medical conditions.
There are different forms of approved nonprescription CBD products available, namely full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. You can also find similar forms for CBDA.
How CBD Works in the Body
CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters. This system controls many physiological functions, including pain regulation and inflammation responses, to mention a few.
A wide range of health problems may result from an unbalanced ECS. CBD works with ECS, supporting internal balance, resulting in many beneficial effects. That is why CBD may help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation while enhancing general wellbeing.
The possibility of CBD's medicinal benefits makes this a fascinating subject for more research. Hence, cannabis-derived compounds, especially CBD, are a promising natural remedy for those seeking relief from numerous health concerns.
How CBDA works in the body
CBDA has many similar properties as CBD, and also helps boost the ECS through its interaction with its cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are found throughout the nervous system, but are also in immune cells and the vasculature.
One of the unique properties of CBDA is its enhanced absorption. In fact, CBDA has over 450% to 1000% better absorption than CBD, making it one of the most potent natural cannabinoids.
In addition to working with the ECS, CBDA also has unique anti inflammatory and pain properties, making it a go to for many consumers in the know.
CBD For Neck and Shoulder Pain
Neck pain and shoulder pain have become common complaints for many people, in part due to a sedentary lifestyle and a lot of computer and phone use. If not treated, it can also progress into other parts of the body, leading to chronic back pain, nerve pain, as well as muscle pain.What are some common causes of neck and shoulder pain?
- Aging - we all do it, but over time your joints and ligaments undergo wear and tear, causing strain and fatigue. Without proper physical therapy, the underlying issues will continue to develop.
- Muscle strain - there are many supportive muscles in the back that help maintain proper curvature, and if not strengthened this can lead to neck and shoulder pain.
- Anxiety and stress - chronic mental stress can lead to muscle tightening in the neck and shoulders, and over time, will cause fatigue and pain.
- Direct injury - maybe you tried to lift a heavy object something above your head, or a weight lateral movement without support. These can put instant strain on the shoulder and neck, and will need time to heal after the inflammatory damage.
How does CBD help people with neck and shoulder pain?
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
There are multiple studies indicating that CBD has natural anti-inflammatory properties. This means that at the right dose it can potentially reduce inflammation at sites strain, such as in the neck and shoulders. In fact, CBD is used often for treating many types of pain, including arthritis pain, sore muscles, sports injury pain, and more.
Pain Relieving Properties
CBD has shown potential in reducing pain by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals to the brain and reducing inflammation in affected areas. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system in the body, CBD may help to alleviate pain by modulating the activity of receptors involved in pain perception and reducing inflammation.CBDA for Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief
Because of the difficulty in isolating acidic cannabinoids like CBDA, this natural precursor to CBD has not been on the market much is only now receiving attention. It offers a superior absorption and beneficial effects compared to most CBD products. Why is that?
Enhanced absorption
A compound is only as good as how well it is absorbed. Because CBDA is water soluble, it is easily taken up by the body, and reaches well over 5-times the bioavailability as CBD.
Unique anti inflammatory properties
The standard of treatment for many people with shoulder and neck pain are over the counter non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen. It turns out that these drugs target the inflammatory enzyme COX 2, which is also a target of CBDA.
Not only does CBDA inhibit COX 2, but it can also prevent its production.
Pain receptors
The body uses pain receptors to tell you when something is wrong in different areas. One of the main ones if TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1), and has recently been found to be a target of CBDA. While TRPV1 is also considered to be part of the ECS, it is not classified as a classical cannabinoid receptor.
Choosing the Right Product
Finding the right CBDA or CBD product for you can be cumbersome, but there are some great companies that offer high quality hemp products. The most important thing to remember when choosing a CBD product is to find what works for your body and getting the right dose.
CBDA and CBD products are made from the hemp flower, and can come with trace amounts of THC or terpenes, each with different effects on the body. Some are more relaxing, while others are more focused. Some products can help with anxiety, while others help you sleep better at night.
It's also important to remember that not all CBD products are created equal! Just because one company says its product is good doesn't mean it is! Plenty of companies don't test their products before sending them out, which means they could be full of harmful chemicals or even mold.
Lab testing
Make sure whatever you buy has been tested by an independent lab and should come with a certificate of analysis that covers these 5 main points:
- Potency - the amount and what type of cannabinoids are in the product
- Residual solvents - poor manufacturing can sometimes leave residual chemicals from the processing steps
- Residual pesticides - while most pesticides are illegal to use when growing hemp, they can sometimes be absorbed from the soil by hemp plants
- Heavy metals - these metals can be absorbed into the flower and show up in hemp products
- Microbials - always important to check that the product manufacturers addressed safety by looking for potentially harmful bacterial or mold growth
Dosage Recommendations
You might wonder how much CBDA or CBD to take for your neck and shoulder pain. It's a good question! Here are some things to keep in mind:- Start low and go slow. Tapering your intake is especially important if you're unfamiliar or a beginner with CBD products. You may not still know what effect each dose will have on your body. Start with a small dose (20-50mg), and increase it gradually until you reach the desired effect.
- Consider if you want to use an oil, a capsule form, or topical CBD. Capsules provide a more consistent dose. On the other hand, oils can vary based on their manufacturing process and purity level. If using oil, consider using an eye dropper or syringe to measure the correct dosage. Whereas, when you apply CBD cream, you'll achieve a more localized pain relief.
- Know that CBD products work for different people and the effects varies from person to person. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to finding relief from neck or shoulder pain, you'll have to find what works best for you.
Using CBDA and CBD Safely
CBAD and CBD is generally considered safe, but just like any drugs or medications, it can still cause some side effects in some individuals. These side effects may include:- Dry mouth
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Mood changes
Interactions With Other Medications
CBDA and CBD can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, seizure medications, and antidepressants. These interactions can lead to increased side effects or reduced effectiveness of the medications. If you are taking any drugs for a condition, consulting opinions from health professionals before using hemp products is crucial.
Other Natural Treatment Options for Neck and Shoulder Pain
In addition to CBD, several other natural treatment options may help relieve neck and shoulder pain, as well as other body aches and discomforts.
Alternative Natural Treatment Options
While CBDA and CBD has shown promising results in managing various health conditions, it works best when used in conjunction with other natural alternatives. Here are some of the most effective ones:
Physical Therapy
Most health care providers recommend physical therapy to help strengthen supporting muscles and correct pain related behavior's. Many of the originating problems that give rise to neck pain are from weak muscles in the back.
Heat Therapy
Applying heat to the affected area can help relieve muscle tension and reduce pain. You can use a heating pad or hot water bottle or take a warm bath or shower.
Cold Therapy
Applying cold to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain. You can use a cold pack, ice cubes wrapped in a towel, or a bag of frozen peas.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can help relieve muscle tension and improve circulation, which can help reduce pain and promote healing.
Exercise
Stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension. This can help relieve pain and improve your overall health. However, consulting with a healthcare provider before starting an exercise program is important.
Complementary Therapies to Use in Conjunction With CBD or CBDA
Combining CBD and CBDA with other complementary therapies may also enhance its effectiveness. Here are some complementary therapies that may be used:Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points in the body to relieve pain and promote healing. It can be used in conjunction with CBD to enhance pain relief.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care involves adjusting the spine to improve alignment and relieve pain. It can be used with CBD to improve mobility and reduce pain.
Yoga
Yoga, as a form of exercise, can help improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension, which can help relieve pain. It can be used with CBD to enhance relaxation and promote healing.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment and cultivating a sense of calm and relaxation. It can be used with CBD to reduce stress and promote healing.
Conclusion
Many of the hemp based products have emerged as a promising natural treatment for relieving neck and shoulder pain. Research in both human and animal studies have shown significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to reduce pain and inflammation which many consumer are using to help with pain in the neck and shoulders.When choosing a CBDA or CBD product, it is important to consider factors such as concentration, type of product, and independent lab testing. The dosage recommendations vary based on the individual and the severity of the pain.