Top 4 Exemplary CBD Creams for Soothing Aches
CBD creams, a popular addition to the market of cannabidiol (CBD) products, are designed to provide localized pain relief. While the evidence supporting their effectiveness is preliminary compared to other CBD product types and traditional pain management methods, they show promise for conditions involving inflammation and nerve pain.
Effectiveness of CBD Cream for Pain
Multiple small studies and animal models suggest that topical CBD may reduce inflammation and pain related to arthritis, nerve damage, and localized facial/jaw pain. For instance, a 2015 rat study and a 2022 questionnaire-based research found that topical CBD might reduce arthritis symptoms and joint pain. Similarly, a 2020 small-scale study reported reductions in nerve pain with topical CBD application[1].
Mechanism
Unlike oral or inhaled CBD, creams do not enter the bloodstream broadly; instead, they act locally on cannabinoid receptors in the skin to reduce inflammation and pain signaling[3]. This local effect is a double-edged sword: it helps target specific pain areas but limits systemic benefits.
Comparison with Other CBD Products and Traditional Pain Relief
Products with combined THC and CBD appear more effective for pain than THC-free CBD alone, especially in conditions like neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and muscle spasms (e.g., in multiple sclerosis)[2]. Oral or full-spectrum formulations may offer wider systemic pain relief effects, while creams provide targeted relief with fewer side effects.
While some studies suggest cannabis-based medications with CBD and THC can achieve significant pain reductions (50%+ relief in neuropathic pain), topical CBD creams lack large-scale clinical trials and FDA approval. They may be useful complementary tools but are not yet established replacements for traditional medications such as NSAIDs or opioids[2][3].
User Reports and Product Reviews
Anecdotal evidence and tester feedback often report benefits with specific CBD creams (e.g., Soul CBD Rapid Relief Cream), especially for arthritis and muscle pain[2][5]. However, clinical data remain limited, and more rigorous trials are needed.
Safety and Considerations
It is important to perform a patch test before using a new CBD cream on the skin to check for any potential reactions. Also, anyone taking medicines and considering using a CBD cream should consult a doctor or a qualified CBD clinician to avoid potential medication interactions.
Conclusion
CBD creams show promise for localized pain management, especially related to inflammation and nerve pain, but current research is small-scale and preliminary. They tend to have fewer systemic effects than oral or inhaled CBD products. Meanwhile, products combining CBD with THC may be more effective in some pain types. Traditional pain relief medications have stronger, well-established evidence bases, but CBD creams may serve as a useful adjunct with a favorable safety profile for some users.
More large-scale, placebo-controlled clinical trials are required to confirm these findings and clarify optimal formulations and dosing. There are no FDA-approved CBD topical pain treatments as of now[1][3][5].
Recommended CBD Creams for Pain
- R&R Broad-Spectrum THC-Free CBD Pain Cream
- Soul CBD Rapid Relief Cream (fast-acting with no cooling effect)
Additional CBD Topicals
For those who do not need regular CBD and want to have it as part of their beauty and wellness routine, other CBD topicals such as bath bombs, face and foot masks are options.
[1] Project CBD. (2023). CBD for Pain: What the Science Tells Us. [online] Available at: https://www.projectcbd.org/health-library/cbd-pain
[2] Healthline. (2021). CBD for Pain: Does it Work? [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-for-pain
[3] NCBI. (2021). Cannabidiol in the management of difficult to treat pain. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7048274/
[4] NCBI. (2021). Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6673569/
[5] NCBI. (2020). Cannabidiol for the treatment of pain and inflammation in multiple sclerosis. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7003325/
- CBD creams, a popular choice in the health-and-wellness world, are particularly beneficial for medical-conditions involving inflammation and nerve pain, such as arthritis and muscle spasms.
- Given that CBD creams work locally on skin cannabinoid receptors, they could potentially offer an effective treatment option for skin-care issues that involve inflammation or pain.
- While oral CBD products and CBD-THC combinations may be more effective for wider systemic pain relief, CBD creams present an appealing alternative for those seeking targeted, localized treatment with fewer side effects.
