The benefits of CBD oil for headaches

Headaches are a common complaint, but one type of headache is not the other. Often headaches are harmless, caused by fatigue, stress or hormones. But some people suffer from intense headaches or migraines. This can have a huge negative impact on your life, and these types of headaches are also difficult to treat. Can CBD oil help with headaches?

Everyone suffers from headaches from time to time; it is a common pain complaint. It is caused by the nerves of the meninges being stimulated, causing a dull, sharp, pressing or throbbing pain.

There are different types of headaches, which can cause different types of pain. The place where you feel the pain also varies and how long it lasts. The types of headaches you may suffer from are:

• Tension headache
• Migraine
• Cluster headache
• Headaches caused by medication

All types of headaches are annoying, but migraines and cluster headaches in particular are known for the intense pain they cause. Cluster headache is not common, and that’s a good thing. The nickname of this condition is suicide headache because the pain is barely tolerable.

Those with ordinary headaches can usually suffice with an over-the-counter painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. If you have a severe headache, a heavier painkiller may be prescribed by your doctor. For migraines, triptans are usually advised. But many people do not want to take heavy painkillers all their lives. And it is even a fact that paracetamol carries health risks with long-term use. There is also a natural painkiller that can be used for headaches and that is CBD oil.

The fact that CBD can help with various types of headaches is because this cannabinoid is recognized by the body as endogenous. Our body is equipped with an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This has the task of maintaining the natural balance. For that reason, it can adjust a wide range of processes, such as blood pressure and emotions, as well as the processing of pain stimuli.

The ECS works through receptors on cells, allowing it to transmit messages. It is the cannabinoids (both endogenous and CBD) that can transmit signals through these receptors. That way, CBD influence pain symptoms. But an added benefit is that it can also help with mental complaints, such as stress, anxiety and sleep problems, which may play a role in headaches.

If you suffer from headaches, CBD oil may well be the solution. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. Below we list what is known about CBD for headaches and in what ways it can bring relief.

CBD oil for pain

Much research has been done on the analgesic effects of CBD. It has been found to be effective in various types of pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, nerve pain and migraines. However, research suggests that CBD is most effective for migraines when combined with THC (the mind-altering substance from the cannabis plant).

In 2017, researchers from the European Academy of Neurology published what they had learned about cannabinoids in migraine. Forty-eight patients with chronic migraine participated in the study . They were given two mixtures, one containing 19% THC and the other 9% CBD, which contained virtually no THC. After some searching for the most effective dose, it turned out that 200 mg had the most effect: pain was reduced by 55%.

In the second phase of the study, in addition to people with migraine, patients with cluster headaches also participated. The study lasted three months. The migraine patients still received the 200 mg of the CBD-THC mixture or 25 mg of antidepressants. Those with cluster headaches received either the CBD-THC drug or a calcium channel blocker. Remarkably, for migraines, the antidepressant was found to be as effective as the drug containing THC and CBD. It provided a 40% decrease in migraine attacks and pain.

For those with cluster headaches, the results were less positive. Only a small decrease was observed in the intensity and frequency of headache attacks. For migraines, however, the combination of CBD and THC is effective and can make a big difference.

It is we regret that not much research has been done on the effects of CBD without THC on headaches. This is an interesting topic because CBD can prevent the metabolism of anandamide. This substance plays a role in the regulation of pain. Higher levels of anandamide from CBD intake may cause a decrease in headaches.

Headaches can have several causes. One is poor sleep. Stress and restlessness can disrupt your sleep, causing you to wake up with a headache in the morning. CBD fortunately has calming properties. This makes falling asleep easier and also allows you to sleep through better. Because you can relax better, CBD can also eliminate the cause of tension headaches. If you have headaches due to stress or poor sleep, it is recommended that you take a dose of CBD before sleeping.

Another way CBD oil can bring relief for headaches is through its anti-inflammatory effects. Research shows that CBD can activate glycine receptors in neuropathic pain. This suppresses inflammatory responses and can cause a decrease in pain. In migraines, inflammation may also play a role.