CBD for Sore Muscles and Joints: Does it Work?

woman bending over on a road, sore knee after running

Recently, a new player has come onto the field when it comes to pain. CBD cream for pain, like our roll-on CBD cream (500mg per bottle), are becoming increasingly popular for their proclaimed abilities to provide relief to your sore muscles. 

Sore muscles, stiff joints, and achy bodies are something we all become well accustomed to as the years tick by. Each morning brings about a new ache or pain, often exacerbated by our jobs, hobbies, and fitness regimes. 

Common remedies — like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs — are often ineffective or carry pesky side effects. Adding in alternative and more holistic options like foam rolling and stretching can help, but sometimes you need more.

So, is CBD cream for pain the answer to our growing aches and pains? While scientific research is still in its early days, many clinical studies point to yes! 

A Long History of Use: CBD for Pain

Let’s start by backing up and looking at when and how CBD was first used and where it stands today.

CBD has a long-standing history of providing relief for a variety of ailments. Records show that as far back as 2700 BC, the Emperor of China was brewing up hemp tea to treat gout, malaria, and rheumatism. 

Similar reports indicate that CBD (from low potency ancient strains of cannabis) was also being used in India for pain relief from headaches and toothaches and for its anti-inflammatory properties as far back as 1000 BC. The use of cannabis for medical purposes quickly spread to Africa and into the Middle East. 

The use of cannabis in Europe for medicinal purposes came about in the 19th century. It was used for rheumatism, convulsions, and muscular spasms. 

A significant development in research on CBD happened in the 20th century when tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the component that produces a high, and CBD were individually identified and extracted. 

This development meant that people could use CBD to treat ailments and pain without the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD use became increasingly popular, as people could use CBD to manage their pain without the high. 

How Does Topical CBD Relieve Pain?

There has been increasing evidence of the effectiveness of CBD in treating acute and chronic pain. 

A 2021 double-blind clinical study on individuals experiencing pain from various sources found that most participants experienced positive outcomes using CBD. Overall they had positive attitudes toward CBD as a treatment option for pain.

Another clinical study was conducted on participants suffering from peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by muscle soreness, weakness, and other unpleasant bodily sensations. The researchers concluded that CBD effectively reduced pain and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Recent studies have brought about changes to laws rendering cannabis products illegal. Thirty-six states and four territories have legalized cannabis products for medicinal use. 

How does topical CBD work?

Our skin absorbs topical CBD products, which then interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis and regulating sleep, immune-system responses, and pain. Cannabinoids (components found in CBD) interact with endocannabinoid receptors located in the skin, which can help to alleviate pain.  

CBD interacts with different receptors than THC, so you can use CBD products without experiencing the psychotropic effects THC delivers.  

Skin Deep: CBD Topicals

woman rolling on CBD cream for pain
Useful before and after, CBD cream for sore muscles and joints is perfect for your gym back.

You can ingest CBD – through mixing it into your drink or with a tincture under your tongue. Even better? You can apply it topically to problem areas. It’s good to know the difference between these two methods and the effects they produce. 

When you apply topical CBD directly to your skin it produces a localized effect. However – topical CBD does not reach the blood vessels and does not produce the same effects as ingesting CBD. Your skin absorbs topical CBD cream for pain and then this molecule influences endocannabinoid receptors to relieve pain and inflammation. 

If you choose to do CBD tincture under the tongue CBD oil enters your bloodstream and helps with pain while also producing a host of other cognitive benefits.

The Bottom Line on CBD Cream for Pain and Sore Muscles

While research on CBD and its effect on pain is still in its early days, recent research concludes that CBD oil can be a great addition to your health and wellness regime.  

If you’re noticing aches and pains creep up on you, or simply need help relaxing sore muscles after a hard gym session, our popular topical CBD creams for pain with 500mg of CBD per bottle, or CBD oil (1000mg per bottle) might be the perfect addition on your health and fitness journey.