Is CBD A Muscle Relaxer?

Did you know CBD helps in muscle relations? Let's find out; about the endocannabinoid system, CBD as a muscle relaxant, and tips to reduce muscle tension.

CBD, which comes from the non-psychoactive portion of the marijuana plant, has recently gained popularity due to its many benefits when applied topically. CBD is an active cannabinoid that can be found in cannabis. It has multiple applications, including treating inflammatory conditions when applied topically, such as eczema; the acceleration of wound healing; relief from itching and pain; and, according to some reports, the amelioration of a rare blistering disorder of the skin. Because it has an analgesic effect, reducing pain would benefit aching muscles.

Endocannabinoid System

CBD can exert its effects as a natural muscle relaxant because it can inhibit the release of neurotransmitters known to trigger muscle spasms and contractions. Cannabidiol, often known as CBD, is one of the essential active compounds found in cannabis. It is possible that CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a potent naturally occurring muscle relaxant that does much more than merely disguising the symptoms. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, this naturally occurring substance can assist you in preserving the harmony that exists between essential activities such as the working of your muscles (ECS). The function of the cardiovascular system is one of these processes. When individuals get home from a long day at work and are in pain, they often reach for pain medication, whether over-the-counter or anything prescribed by a doctor. The potential for dangerous reactions is a more significant cause for concern than the pain that you feel in the muscles in the future. However, they may provide relief in the short term or function as a temporary remedy for inadvertent stiffness.

CBD as a Muscle Relaxant

Hilliard et al. (2012) observed that one of the critical ways that cannabidiol, CBD, serves as a natural muscle relaxant is by its ability to prevent the release of secretions known to promote rigidity and spasms in the muscles. Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which the immune system destroys the protective coating of the central nervous system. People diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience this consequence. It frequently results in problems associated with movements, such as tremors and an unsteady stride. According to Johnson et al. (2013), patients who use an oromucosal spray containing a combination of CBD and TCH tetrahydrocannabinol see improvements in their gait, and the jet also helps to regulate their muscle fibers. Further, Hilliard et al. (2012) stated that patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis might benefit from a therapy plan that includes CBD because it has the potential to alleviate muscle stiffness. CBD helps muscles relax on a more cellular level. On the other hand, if the increased muscle tension is the result of being under an excessive amount of stress, CBD may also be able to aid with this. Cannabinoid contains anti-anxiety qualities and interacts with 5HT1A receptors, a subtype of the serotonin receptor, to lessen the long-term effects of this sort of stress (Teitelbaum 2019).

When you relax your brain, you also help calm the rest of your body. If the mind and body can unwind, then the quality of one's sleep should increase. The reason is slowed down to the point where rest can set in nature, and a reduction in physical tension makes the transition from being awake to being asleep easier. It provides the ideal prescription for a restful night's sleep because it makes falling asleep and staying asleep easier.

CBD for post-exercise Muscle Soreness

Even though exercising is beneficial for your health, it may occasionally cause your muscles to become tense and uncomfortable. Due to its anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and analgesic characteristics, CBD may help ease the symptoms of situations like this. CBD helps muscles recover faster after being subjected to complex activity. After a workout, taking CBD as a supplement helped reduce the creatine kinase in the blood. Not only did this prevent damage to muscles, but it also helped enhance muscle regeneration.

Chronic Stress and CBD

In addition, muscle rigidity, tightness, and spasticity can result from overworking or being under endless stress. Also, Teitelbaum (2019) notes that CBD shows significant potential in helping to alleviate excessive anxiety levels, which offers a huge health benefit for the body and improves the quality of life in general. CBD provides significant promise as a treatment for several different anxiety disorders; however, it will first need to demonstrate both chronic and therapeutic effects in appropriate clinical populations. If taking CBD makes you feel less nervous and stressed, you may have a greater desire to exercise after work, whether at the gym or in a yoga class.

Tips to Reduce Muscle tTension

If a patient wants to use CBD to reduce the muscle tension and soreness they are experiencing. They should begin with a low dose to determine whether or not their body will accept it well. They will be able to gradually increase their dosage until they reach a more therapeutic level once they have determined that their body can process this cannabis without experiencing any adverse side effects, such as feeling exhausted or having gastrointestinal troubles.

Another beneficial strategy is selecting a CBD product with a full spectrum of active ingredients. It indicates that it contains other cannabinoids derived from the hemp plant and CBD, as stated previously. The synergistic effect that these cannabinoids have when combined is significantly more potent than the individual effects each cannabinoid has on health.

The ones containing CBD intended to relieve muscle tension often fall into one of two categories: products that are applied transdermally or consumed orally. When a muscle is sore or tense, it is better to use a transdermal treatment directly to the affected power. If you decide to take CBD orally, which might be the most effective method for reducing overall muscular tension, choose a product that maximizes bioavailability and absorption. It helps enhance the quantity of the natural muscle relaxant CBD the body can use in its system.

CBD and THC, Which One Is Better for Muscle Relaxation

Significantly though CBD is a potent naturally occurring muscle relaxant, a mixture of CBD and THC in a ratio of 1:1 is even more effective than CBD on its own (Hilliard et al., 2012). The entourage effect is a phenomenon that occurs when all of the cannabis compounds work synergistically to provide higher therapeutic effects than each of the compounds alone. CBD and THC operate better together than alone because of the entourage effect.

Conclusion

You can get relief from physical discomfort without resorting to over-the-counter or prescription medicines, which is excellent news. Pharmaceutical drugs are helpful as an intervention for treating acute pain, but they do not address the underlying source of the problem. In addition, using these medications for an extended period might result in dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms; regulation is key. 

References

Hilliard, A., Stott, C., Wright, S., Guy, G., Pryce, G., Al-Izki, S., ... & Giovannoni, G. (2012). Evaluation of the effects of Sativex (THC BDS: CBD BDS) on inhibition of spasticity in a chronic relapsing experimental allergic autoimmune encephalomyelitis: a model of multiple sclerosis. International Scholarly Research Notices, 2012.

Johnson, J. R., Lossignol, D., Burnell-Nugent, M., & Fallon, M. T. (2013). An open-label extension study to investigate the long-term safety and tolerability of THC/CBD oromucosal spray and oromucosal THC spray in patients with terminal cancer-related pain refractory to strong opioid analgesics. Journal of pain and symptom management, 46(2), 207-218.

Teitelbaum, J. (2019). A hemp oil, CBD, and marijuana primer: powerful pain, insomnia, and anxiety-relieving tools. Altern. Ther. Health Med, 25, 21-23.