Countless people in the world are plagued by back pain daily - and it can be debilitating. Next to conventional therapies and pain killers, CBD topicals emerged as a potential solution for those seeking relief from this common ailment. With lots of anecdotal evidence pointing to CBD cream or CBD balm for pain offering targeted relief, interest in the natural remedy is growing. CBD (short for cannabidiol) is extracted from the cannabis plant or hemp plant and has increasingly gained recognition for its therapeutic uses. This was even acknowledged by the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs in December 2020 [1].
CBD pain relief cream is believed to offer a non-invasive and largely side effect-free addition to more traditional pain relief methods. Application of these creams on the skin may help relieve discomfort in specific areas - such as the lower back. It is however crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new additions into your treatment regime as the dosage and efficacy of CBD can vary significantly between individuals [2].
CBD Cream for Back Pain: The Basics
If you're struggling with back pain - whether it's chronic or acute - you might be tempted to try CBD cream to help with pain relief [3]. CBD is a natural compound that's believed to help reduce inflammation and manage pain. While there are various types of CBD products such as CBD oils, CBD vapes and CBD gummies available, it is the topical products like CBD salves, balms, lotions and creams that are specifically designed for targeted pain relief. Many user reports suggest that by applying a cream directly to the area where the pain is felt (for example your lower back) you might experience its pain relieving effects. Indeed several scientific studies have shown that CBD may offer some relief from acute and chronic back pain [4]. It can help manage pain symptoms by interacting with the endocannabinoid system which is (among other things) responsible for regulating pain and inflammation in the body [5].
When shopping for a CBD cream it's important to choose a high-quality product containing full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD or CBD isolate. Some products labelled with "hemp" might only contain hemp seed oil which doesn't contain any significant levels of cannabinoids - so it won't have the same potential to reduce pain and inflammation. Broad-spectrum CBD or full-spectrum CBD contains other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes that might bring on the so-called "entourage effect" where these components work in synergy to boost each other's effects [6].
CBD use for pain relief is generally considered safe and only carries a low risk of side effects. Many users have great success with CBD topicals. Nevertheless it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new supplements or treatments into your routine. Particularly if you're already on medications for pain and inflammation. So speak to your doctor before using CBD or if you have any questions or doubts. Remember that CBD cream for pain relief is not a cure-all and may not work for everyone. Experimenting with different strengths and formulations might be necessary to find the most effective product for your needs.
How to Use CBD Cream for Back Pain
First and foremost: choose a quality CBD cream! Ensure that your chosen product is compliant with UK and EU regulations to guarantee both quality and safety. When the time comes to apply the CBD cream, it's essential to clean the area of your skin where you will be using the product first. Gently wash and dry the affected region to remove any dirt or oils that might hinder or slow down absorption.
Once your skin is prepared like this, apply a small amount of CBD cream or CBD gel to the area where you experience pain. Gently massage it into your skin using a circular motion. This helps to ensure the CBD product penetrates deeper layers of the skin and targets the source of your discomfort more efficiently. For the best results follow the manufacturer's guidelines on dosage and frequency of use. This means you might need to reapply the cream throughout the day to reduce inflammation and pain.
Bear in mind that everyone's experience with CBD creams to treat pain can be different. Carefully listen to your body and adjust your use accordingly. Always consult with your doctor before starting a CBD treatment that could be considered medical. Despite it being a natural product, you should also avoid CBD if you're pregnant as research in this area is unfortunately underdeveloped.
Best CBD Cream For Back Pain
In order to chose the best CBD creams to help with back pain, it is important to understand how they work. The effects of CBD on pain relief when applied topically stem from its interaction with cannabinoid receptors in the skin. They play a role in inflammation and pain signalling, meaning this interaction can help reduce discomfort in various areas - including lower back pain [3].
At Harmony we offer a range of CBD creams known for their high quality and effectiveness. Our skincare products are based on natural and organic ingredients as well as CBD isolate of the highest quality. We fully believe in transparency regarding the ingredients and the concentration of CBD in our products, which is why we carry out thorough third-party lab testing and make the certificates of analysis available for everyone. Our CBD cooling gel with 300 mg of CBD per tube contains 100% natural menthol crystals for a refreshing cooling effect. Our CBD warming cream with 180 mg of CBD per tube offers a deep heat sensation that can help you relax.
While anecdotal evidence and research suggests that CBD has many benefits - understand that there may be potential side effects. If you're new to CBD and try a CBD cream for the first time always carry out a patch test. Apply a small amount of the product to a small area of your body to make sure you don't have an adverse reaction to it before you go further and apply CBD cream to larger areas. Finally, if you have an underlying health condition it is crucial to avoid interactions with other medications you might be taking [7] - speak to your doctor before using a CBD cream!
CBD Cream for Back Pain UK
More and more people in the UK make use of CBD for pain relief and claim that topical CBD may help ease various types of ailments from chronic pain to neuropathic pain, and of course back pain [8]. When searching for the best hemp-derived CBD creams for pain in the UK or beyond, it's essential to look for products with other high-quality ingredients and formulations that can impact the effectiveness of the treatment.
Frequently asked questions about CBD creams in the UK often concern their safety and legality. You can rest assured that CBD creams are legal in the UK, as long as they contain less than 0.2% THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis). Furthermore, topical CBD products typically have minimal side effects - though some people may experience skin irritation which is why a patch test is advisable. Nevertheless, if you are unsure about the use of CBD for pain or worry about any side effects of CBD or interactions with other medication: Speak to a healthcare professional!
written by
anna falk - head of product
As the Head of Product at Harmony, Dr Anna Falk leads the development of our products and provides expert tips for your wellness. With over 10 years of experience in the research and development of natural products, her work is based on rigorous scientific studies.
Anna is an award-winning, internationally published researcher with a PhD in Organic Chemistry. She applies her expertise to develop Harmony's certified products that support your overall well-being. From research to development, she ensures that our products are of the highest quality and meet the highest standards.
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