How Effective Is CBD for Neck and Shoulder Pain?

Neck and shoulder pain is a widespread and often chronic health issue caused by a range of factors. The need for safe and effective pain relief has led researchers to study the potential benefits of CBD for neck and shoulder pain.

Muscular pain can be lifestyle-related, meaning that prevention is very important when considering this incapacitating problem. However, CBD could be one effective way to alleviate chronic neck and shoulder pain once it has already occurred.

How CBD Could Help with Neck and Shoulder Pain

CBD is one of the main non-psychoactive cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Its ability to alleviate pain has been acknowledged anecdotally for quite some time, with scientific research more recently giving credence to its potential for pain relief. Studies suggest that CBD could be effective for treating neck and shoulder pain in the following ways:

Decreases Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain in the shoulder or neck can happen as the result of a pinched nerve, trauma or surgery, chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, and spinal nerve compression or inflammation. A study published in 2020 presented exciting results showing the effectiveness of topical CBD application to treat neuropathic pain. This study reported considerable pain relief from the transdermal application of CBD oil without causing any noticeable adverse side effects.

Impacts Pain Perception

Research has shown CBD could impact how our bodies perceive pain. For example, CBD has the ability to affect the functioning of neurotransmitters in the brain. This contributes to a potentially lower pain perception.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

CBD may be able to decrease inflammation and treat pain caused by inflammatory diseases like arthritis. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties have been studied widely, with possible applications in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and epilepsy.

CBD and Arthritis Pain

A 2016 animal study presented promising results regarding using a topical CBD gel to manage arthritis pain in rats. Researchers noted a considerable reduction in swelling and signs of pain in the subjects after four days of applying the CBD gel. No adverse side effects were recorded. This is significant for the estimated 54 million Americans suffering from osteoarthritis, which commonly affects the neck and can cause pain or numbness in the shoulders.

Full-Spectrum Products and Pain Relief

It may be worth experimenting with products that contain both THC and CBD to alleviate chronic neck and shoulder pain. Because effective pain management can vary from person to person, it may be advantageous to experiment with a range of different medical cannabis products. For example, the best full-spectrum weed strains for pain relief may be a great place to start.

Remember that holding a valid medical marijuana card in Arizona allows you to purchase MMJ without paying the state’s 16% excise tax on cannabis. Expert MMJ doctors can advise you on the best CBD products for your neck and shoulder pain as well as any full-spectrum products that may offer analgesic properties to alleviate your discomfort.

How to Use CBD for Neck and Shoulder Pain

Applying CBD topically can be highly effective for localized pain. Alternatively, ingesting or inhaling CBD-rich products are also potentially efficacious options for neck and shoulder pain relief.

Topical Application

CBD gels, creams, lotions, or balms are applied directly to the source of the pain. The amount of the product you use and how frequently you use it will depend on factors like the product’s CBD concentration and the severity of your pain. Always follow the instructions on your chosen product’s label and consult your doctor to find an effective and safe dosage that complements any ongoing treatment you’re receiving.

Oral Ingestion

Ingesting CBD can come in the form of capsules, edibles, sprays, or tinctures. The onset times vary depending on the method of administration.

	DESCRIPTION	ONSET TIME	PROS	CONS
CAPSULES	CBD in pill form that’s absorbed through the digestive tract	One to three hours	Easy and convenient way to consume CBD	Slow onset time
EDIBLES	CBD-infused gummies, baked goods, or beverages	One to three hours	Portable and discreet way of consuming CBD	Potential dosing problems when edibles are made at home, slow onset time
SPRAY/TINCTURES	CBD in drop or spray form is held under the tongue for 60-120 seconds until the liquid is absorbed	15-45 minutes	Fast onset time as CBD is absorbed directly into the bloodstream	Unpleasant taste

Inhaling CBD

Patients can inhale CBD using a vape pen or by smoking high CBD cannabis strains. Inhaling offers an instantaneous effect but its duration will typically be shorter than ingested CBD. Patients with pulmonary disease should avoid inhaling or smoking CBD as this can aggravate the condition.

Other Tips for Neck and Shoulder Pain

Prevention is key to avoiding painful neck and shoulder muscles. Integrating the following practices into your everyday life can go a long way to preventing neck and shoulder discomfort:

Maintain Good Posture:

Sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed.
Avoid slouching or hunching over.
Take regular breaks to stretch and move your body.

Ergonomics:

Ensure your workspace is ergonomically designed. This means having your monitor at eye level and your keyboard and mouse within easy reach.
Use a supportive chair that provides adequate lumbar and neck support.

Regular Exercise:

Yoga, swimming, and strength training can strengthen the muscles in and around your shoulders and neck.

Stress Management:

Persistent stress can contribute to a build-up of muscle tension and eventually pain.
Practice stress-management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness.

Avoid Overuse:

Limit repetitive movements that can strain your neck and shoulders, such as typing or carrying heavy objects.
Take breaks and change positions frequently.

When shoulder or neck pain strikes, the following treatments may go some way to treating pain and tension:

Therapeutic massage: Regular massages from a professional can be an integral part of chronic pain management for many individuals.
Heating pads: Some people find short-term relief from heated pads that loosen the muscles and temporarily release some built-up tension that causes pain.
Physical therapy: Sessions with a trained physiotherapist can be a great long-term way to relieve chronic shoulder and neck pain. A professional can give you pointers on how to avoid aggravating your pain, for example, by working on proper posture or performing stress-relieving exercises.
Cortisone injections and epidurals can be effective in extreme cases, but many patients find them invasive and painful.

Take a Holistic Approach to Neck and Shoulder Pain

Health professionals can help patients manage pain around the shoulders and neck with a combination of exercise, massage, and CBD products. While CBD isolates may be effective at relieving neck and shoulder pain in many instances, it could also be worth experimenting with full-spectrum products.

A specialized MMJ doctor can advise you on the best strains for neck and shoulder pain as well as other more targeted relief options like CBD oils for topical use. They can explain how CBD or full-spectrum products can fit in with any ongoing treatment you’re receiving and find a product that relieves the pain and improves your quality of life.