While the initial research seems promising, more studies are needed on how CBD may be able to help relieve tension headache symptoms.
Tension headaches are a painful type of headache that people often describe as feeling like a rubber band is squeezing their head.
Some people with tension headaches find pain relief through the use of cannabis, specifically CBD products. CBD has been linked to reduced inflammation. Some studies suggest CBD might be an effective way to ease chronic pain and reduce headache frequency and severity, but more research is needed.
Many people who experience tension headaches report that CBD helps them manage their pain.
These reports are anecdotal, but recent research suggests there might be a scientific basis for these claims. It’s commonly thought that CBD can reduce inflammation and help relieve multiple types of pain, including tension headaches.
Research is still new and emerging. However, a 2019 study found that cannabis had the potential to reduce headache severity and the pain of migraine attacks by nearly 50%.
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Additionally, many people report benefits beyond pain relief, such as stress relief and better sleep, while using CBD.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to using CBD for tension headaches.
- negative interactions with prescription medications, especially antiepileptic medications, opioids, and certain antidepressants
- fatigue
- excessive sleepiness
- dry mouth
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
- changes in weight
It’s best to talk with a qualified healthcare professional before trying CBD for tension headaches. They can help you determine whether any medications you take might negatively interact with CBD. While you’re there, they can go over additional treatment options for tension headaches.
CBD has been federally legal since 2018. However, access to CBD can vary by state. In some states, a variety of CBD products are easily available and can even be purchased at grocery stores. In other states, sales are limited, and residents might need to look into online purchases.
No matter what state you live in, it’s important to make sure you’re purchasing a high quality CBD product. Although CBD is legal, it’s not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
However, many CBD products come with a certificate of analysis (COA).
A COA means the product has been tested by a third-party laboratory to verify that it’s free of harmful toxins and that the labeling on the package is accurate. COAs aren’t required, so you won’t always find them on all CBD products. But looking for one is a good place to start when searching for a high quality product from a reputable manufacturer.
It’s also a good idea to make sure the retailer you’re shopping with has a good reputation and sells quality products overall.
If you’re shopping with an online retailer, it’s best to look through some of their reviews before making a purchase. It can also help to find the specific CBD product you want to buy listed on multiple sites and compare the reviews and product details on each site.
Bottom line
Consider asking your doctor or primary healthcare professional for a recommendation for an effective, high quality CBD product.
CBD has been used as a pain-relieving treatment for many conditions, including tension headaches. More research is needed to prove CBD’s effectiveness and to understand why CBD helps some people find pain relief.
CBD is federally legally and generally considered safe, but it can interact with some medications. Additionally, side effects such as fatigue, dry mouth, and appetite changes can occur, so it’s best to talk with a qualified healthcare professional before using CBD to relieve pain.
