Headaches are the worst. The literally stop you in your tracks and you can’t go about your day. The pain prompts you to find relief. It may even drive you to try anything and everything the doctor suggests. That can lead you down the road of pain management. Pain management can be very scary. Pain pills have their benefits, but they have some serious downsides as well. Instead of trying to balance the pros and cons, why don’t you look at a new form of pain management that isn’t addictive? CBD has had some amazing progress. Study results are showing that the benefits may outweigh all others. Let’s take a deeper look at CBD.
CBD – What is it?
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is the second ingredient in marijuana. It doesn’t actually come from the marijuana plant. It is derived from the hemp plant. The hemp plant is a cousin of the marijuana plant. The interesting fact about this is that hemp doesn’t have THC which is what causes you to get high. That means that you will not get high from CBD and it will not cause you to fail a drug test. You get all the good stuff but none of the negativity that comes with it.
Can it help with Migraines?
There have been many tests done with CBD oil as part of treatment plans for many conditions. It has been shown to reduce inflammation in joints which is the cause of arthritis. That right there was the beginning of the thought that perhaps it could be effective with inflammation in other parts of the body.
Clinical trials where the brain is involved can be tricky. Treating migraines can be tricky. The main reason is that the brain is the center of who you are. Messing with the brain could alter who you are and how you react. There aren’t a lot of people who are ready to come forward and say “hey let my brain be your test subject.” Additionally, migraines have so many triggers that vary across many walks of life that treatments are tricky. What might work for you is not guaranteed to work for me. This is true of all treatments. So, creating a solution is not as easy as you might assume. More research does need to be done for migraines. We do need to learn more about them. We already know there are many triggers and treatment options, but we don’t know what causes a specific trigger for any given person.
Back in 2012, there were some studies that showed inconclusively that CBD oil could be used in pain management. It was never directed toward the brain, headaches, or even inflammation. This came to the attention of another group who launched a trial in 2016 that focused on headaches. These studies showed that CBD does affect the inflammation in the brain. It reduces the sensors that trigger the pain and most people got relief from their headaches. While the focus was not on migraines, it does stand to reason that the inflammation that causes the migraine to flare would also be greatly reduced. Many people have been using it to control their migraines for this very reason.
How do you use it?
First, you do need to understand that there are legal issues surrounding the buying/selling/possessing of CBD. Most states are looking or legalize it or have already done so. It is up to you, the consumer, to find out the laws in your state. Some will allow the oil but not the vape liquid. Do your research on the laws and don’t stray from them.
Vaping is one way that you can use CBD oil. You would fill your vape with the CBD vape juice and inhale it the same you would a cigarette. Here is the thing about vaping. There has been some controversary about how safe vaping really is. You are filling your lungs with smoke. You are likely to damage your lungs, throat and mouth with long term use. Vaping has been linked with an increase in cavities, mouth sores, and even cancers of the mouth and throat. You will also have to deal with the smell of the smoke in your clothing and in your home. Vaping should not be considered by anyone who has a history of asthma or a diagnosis of any lung condition, including asthma and COPD. There would be little to no benefit to them. Vaping isn’t the only way to introduce CBD into your body. Perhaps it should be your last choice in delivery techniques.
You can take CBD orally as well. Depending on the strength and the dosing that you need, you would place drops under your tongue. You will want to start with the smallest dose possible and then work your way up. This will reduce the amount of side effects that you have and allow you to see how it will work for your migraine. CBD is usually tasteless. It is absorbed into the blood stream via the blood vessels under your tongue. This is the best possible way to get the benefits of the CBD oil. Dosing usually starts at around 2 mL and can go up to 20 mL.
You can also get CBD into your system by eating treats that are infused with CBD. You can find gummies, brownies, hard candies, and even cakes that are infused with CBD oil that is derived from the hemp plant. Like the other methods, they will not get you high. They will help you to find relief and could be one of the easiest ways to get CBD into your blood stream.
You can find them online, through specialty shops, and possibly through your doctor. There are doctors that will recommend CBD as a treatment option. They will help you find a reputable distributor. You can also ask your friends and family if they know where to get it, there are many reputable individual sales reps that can tell you more about their product, including where they get their CBD oil from and the process that it goes through before it gets to you. This is important because you want to make sure that the CBD you get is pure and free of additives. Otherwise, you may have side effects that you do not want to have. Speaking of side effects, what are some that you can expect?
Side Effects
First, you need to understand that you are dealing with a fairly new product. That means that there are no guidelines set in place for the manufacturing and producing of CBD in the United States. It is up to you to ask questions and do your research before you buy any brand. If you aren’t satisfied with the answers that you are given, move on and find another company. There are plenty to choose from so you should not hesitate to switch brands, your safety is important, and you should not mess around with it.
With that being said, the side effects are not that big. If you vape you can expect:
- Lung irritation
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Asthma attacks
- Drowsiness
- Upset stomach
The side effects to orally taking CBD are:
- Drowsiness
- Upset stomach
- Minor confusion
You may be able to avoid any side effects at all if you take a lower dose. Always use the lowest dose possible to avoid having to deal with any unwanted side effects. If severe side effects bother you, discontinue use and talk to a doctor about other treatment options.
The Verdict
CBD oil is beneficial to those who suffer from migraines. If taken correctly, you can expect relief with almost no side effects. That means that you can have your life back. You can live almost completely migraine free with no harsh pain management.
Your Doctor
As always, you should let your doctor know what you are planning. He will need to know what other medications that you are taking so that he can take into consideration any interactions you may have. If you have a sudden change in symptoms, or a sudden increase in symptoms, you need to let your doctor know right away. He may want to keep a closer eye on you until you know exactly how it will affect you and any medications that you are on.
Please keep in mind that migraine treatments are not universal. While most people do tend to find relief from migraines with taking doses as needed, some people have to take a daily regimen. Some people may see an increase in migraines, no response to the CBD oil, or a worsening of migraine symptoms with the use of CBD. Everyone is different.
As long as you do your research, you should be able to find CBD that is processed, packaged, and delivered in the best possible way. Never be afraid to ask questions. It is up to you to take your health in your hands and learn all you can about any and all treatment plans you decide to embark on. Knowledge is power.
