CBD and Migraines

Table of Contents

CBD and Headaches: Scientific Evidence

The scientific community is increasingly confirming the benefits of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant for supporting those who suffer from chronic pain. In particular, cannabidiol (CBD) – one of the main active compounds in the hemp plant – is being used more and more to treat certain conditions associated with chronic pain.

However, despite efforts in various fields, until recently there were very few studies that had attempted to investigate the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) in alleviating pain caused by migraine attacks.

The first authoritative study on cannabinoids and migraines dates back to 2016 and was coordinated by a team led by Danielle N. Rhyne from the Department of Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Colorado.

The study examined 121 adult individuals with a recognized diagnosis of migraine who had been advised by their doctor to undergo treatment with medical cannabis between January 2010 and September 2014, during which they underwent various follow-up visits.

After collecting the results, scientists observed that among cannabis users, the number of monthly migraine attacks had decreased from 10.4 to 4.6.

The study highlighted how medical cannabis had a notable preventive function against headaches. In other words, consistently taking the cannabis recommended by the doctor reduces the frequency of headaches.

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The First Scientific Review on CBD Benefits for Migraine

Later, in April 2018, a review on the relationship between cannabis and migraine, published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, provided an update on the state of research. The review, conducted by researchers from the Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland, summarized the current knowledge and presented new hypotheses on the role of cannabinoids in controlling the mechanisms underlying migraine pain.

According to the study, cannabinoids - due to their anticonvulsant, analgesic, antiemetic, and anti-inflammatory effects - represent a promising class of compounds for both acute and prophylactic treatment of migraine pain.

Their effectiveness in alleviating migraine pain lies in their interaction with our endocannabinoid system and its characteristic CB1 and CB2 receptors. Given the rapid changes in the legal status of cannabis, research on (endo)cannabinoids is now experiencing renewed energy.

The abundance of CB1 receptors in the brain makes them a perfect target for migraine treatment by blocking both peripheral and central nociceptive traffic: nociception is the sensory process that detects and conveys pain signals and sensations. CB2 receptors in immune cells, on the other hand, play a role in reducing the inflammatory component associated with severe forms of migraine.

CBD and headaches: a further study

A study on cannabinoids and migraine suggests that the cannabinoids found in medical cannabis can be considered as an effective and safe option for providing relief from migraines in adults. The main objective of the study was to evaluate whether medical cannabis was effective and safe in reducing migraine symptoms. To conduct the study, researchers searched for relevant studies across various scientific databases.

They examined a total of 12 publications involving 1,980 participants in Italy and the United States. The review of the data showed that the use of medical cannabis led to a significant reduction in nausea and vomiting associated with migraine after six months of treatment. They found a decrease in both the number of migraine days per month after 30 days of use and the frequency of migraine attacks.

Medical cannabis was also considered 51% more effective than non-cannabis medications. Compared to amitriptyline, another drug used to treat migraines, some patients experienced a complete cessation of migraine attacks with the use of medical cannabis and a reduction in attack frequency.

Furthermore, CBD is known to be a safe cannabinoid with well-tolerated side effects.

Several studies on CBD and pain confirm the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving capabilities of cannabidiol, which, although not a drug, manages to have particularly beneficial effects on pain mechanisms.

CBD and Headaches: A New Study Sheds Light

A study on cannabinoids and migraines suggests that cannabinoids found in medical cannabis can be considered an effective and safe option for providing relief from migraines in adults. The main objective of the study was to evaluate whether medical cannabis was effective and safe in reducing migraine symptoms. To conduct the study, researchers searched for relevant studies across various scientific databases.

They examined a total of 12 publications involving 1,980 participants in Italy and the United States. The review of the data revealed that the use of medical cannabis led to a significant reduction in nausea and vomiting associated with migraines after six months of treatment. They found a decrease in both the number of migraine days per month after 30 days of use and the frequency of migraine attacks.

Medical cannabis was also considered 51% more effective than non-cannabis medications. Compared to amitriptyline, another drug used to treat migraines, some patients experienced a complete cessation of migraine attacks with the use of medical cannabis and a reduction in attack frequency.

Furthermore, CBD is known to be a safe and well-tolerated cannabinoid in terms of side effects.

Several studies on CBD and pain confirm the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving capabilities of cannabidiol, which, although not a drug, manages to have particularly beneficial effects on pain mechanisms.

CBD and Migraines: Real-Life Experiences

We've gathered and analyzed some customer reviews about CBD and headaches directly from Trustpilot, where you can verify them yourself. We find it interesting to share the direct experiences of those using cannabidiol specifically for this issue.

Some people use CBD-based products for chronic migraines and highlight how it has positively impacted their ability to reduce the use of typical anti-inflammatory medications for headaches.

Headaches can often be associated with inflammation of the upper cervical vertebrae, known as cervicalgia, which can also affect surrounding muscles and nerves and may depend on various factors, from poor posture to arthritis or a herniated disc.

Even when triggered by stress, headaches are often associated with tension in the upper neck and shoulders. One of our customers seems thrilled with how cannabidiol helps to alleviate migraines and neck pain.

CBD works by modulating certain mechanisms that are responsible for perceiving pain within the endocannabinoid system. By acting as a rebalancing agent for this system, it can bring about changes even after long-standing issues.

The interesting thing about CBD is that, as a modulator, it acts on several mechanisms simultaneously. This is why those who use it as a support for pain always find benefits in the areas of anxiety and sleep as well.

Two customers suggest that CBD also helps prevent migraine attacks, as long as it's used at the very first signs of symptoms or even a bit earlier, anticipating the time when the headache typically strikes.

Along with CBD oils available on our website, capsules are also very popular among customers seeking relief from headaches. Capsules are very convenient because they're pre-dosed, with each capsule containing 33.6 mg of CBD.

Which CBD oil to use for headaches and migraines?

For migraines and headaches, we suggest using a few drops of CBD oil with a percentage between 10% and 24%, depending on the intensity of the pain, and gradually increasing the amount if necessary.

How many drops of CBD for headaches?

For headaches and migraines, it's recommended to start with a maximum of 5 drops per day of 10% or 24% CBD, depending on the intensity of the pain.

What Are Headaches?

Headache is a condition characterized by pain or discomfort localized in the head or neck region. There are several types of headaches:

  • tension headache

  • medication overuse headache

  • migraine

Tension headaches are described as a feeling of pressure or weight around the head and can be caused by stress, muscle tension, or poor posture. Medication overuse headaches can occur when excessive use of pain medication leads to a cycle of dependence and chronic pain. Migraines are characterized by a throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and are influenced by genetic, neurological, and environmental factors.

What is a migraine and how does it manifest?

A migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurring episodes of severe headaches, also known as "migraine" or "active migraine," which can last from a few hours to several days.

People who suffer from migraines often complain of sensitivity to light, sound, or smell, as well as nausea and vomiting. The exact causes of migraines are not fully understood, but they are believed to involve a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors.

Headaches and migraines can be triggered by various factors:

  • stress
  • lack of sleep
  • dehydration
  • diet
  • noisy environments
  • hormonal changes
  • weather changes
  • poor nutrition

If headaches are persistent or severely debilitating, it's crucial to consult a doctor for an evaluation, which will also help provide peace of mind.

Generally speaking, improving sleep quality, staying hydrated, and managing anxiety and stress could greatly help those who suffer from headaches.

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