Can I Take CBD for Migraines? Will It Help?

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When you're hit with a migraine, your whole world gets put on pause. The excruciating pain they can cause will often leave you unable to function properly for days on end. With no known cure or even a real understanding of what causes them. Now you're left completely at the mercy of the migraine. 

Medications and pain management methods are as good as the solution gets. Many falling short of the mark or not working at all. But with CBD's reputation as a pain management compound, more and more people are turning to it for migraines. With outstanding results!

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

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What are Migraines?

Migraines – those nasty pounding headaches that come storming into your head uninvited and often refuse to leave for days. They aren't an ordinary headache. And, for those of us who suffer (and there are a lot of us), they can be completely debilitating. 

It's estimated that around 1 in 5 women and 1 in 15 men suffer from migraines. So, you'd think medical science would have an in-depth and thorough understanding of exactly what they are. Also what causes them and how to treat them by now, wouldn't you? Sadly, however, this is not the case!

The best guess currently is that they are caused by any number of changes in the brain. Including changes to blood vessels, nerve endings, chemical and hormonal levels. It is also usually the case that multiple family members may suffer from migraines. This would suggest a genetic factor is at play as well.

Migraines are commonly experienced as a throbbing or pounding pain in one side of the head. This does vary from person to person. They are also often accompanied by feelings of nausea, sickness and increased sensitivity to light and sound. 

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What Causes Migraines?

The cause of migraines has been attributed to a whole range of factors, including:

• Hormonal changes
• Stress
• Physical factors
• Diet
• Environment
• Medication.

Because the potential causes are so wide and seemingly random for some people. Therefore, it is very hard to pinpoint what triggers them. 

What Can Be Done to Treat Migraines?

Almost anyone who's ever suffered from a migraine will attest to the fact that almost nothing seems to help them.

You'll have tried every medication under the sun. Spent days laying in a dark room with a wet towel over your head and maybe even turn to acupuncture. We all know that when they strike, you're simply at the mercy of the migraine. 

In the weird and wonderful world of migraines, treatment suitability can vary dramatically from one person to the next. Some people find that they can ride out a less severe migraine with over-the-counter medication like paracetamol and ibuprofen. 

For those who are less lucky, even the strongest prescription painkillers don't even dent the pain caused by a severe migraine. 

Migraines have no known cure, and the reasons for their occurrence remain unknown. They often appear to happen randomly, leaving sufferers with little choice but to attempt to manage the pain once it has already developed.

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CBD for Migraines

Studies into CBD as a natural source of acute and chronic pain management have been incredibly promising. CBD is regularly used by thousands of people worldwide. All to manage inflammation and pain resulting from a variety of conditions such as rheumatism, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and migraines.

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What Does the Science Say?

Clinical studies into CBD alone as a direct treatment for migraines are lacking. However, a review into cannabis and neuropsychiatric disorders in 2019 made some interesting comments on migraines. They evidenced cannabis use with a reduction in migraine frequency in 20% of participants. And that 10% saw migraines stop once they consumed cannabis. 

They thought that the decrease in the number and intensity of migraines seen in a study that used both CBD and THC could be due to the many effects that CBD has on its own. Among these were effects on the endocannabinoid system and vasodilation, which is when blood vessels get bigger.

Axon Relief did a poll of their CBD users 30 days before and after they used it.After 30 days, they were shocked to discover that 86% of the participants reported improvements in their headaches and migraines. Additionally, the frequency of headaches and migraines among the study participants decreased by 23% over the 30-day period. .

Even though we know that clinical trials are always the best way to prove that a product works, there is a lot of anecdotal proof on the internet. For example, there are customer reviews on the websites of CBD suppliers from people who took CBD and saw a difference in the severity and length of their migraines.

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Should I Take CBD for Migraines?

While some people might still be sceptical about whether taking CBD for migraines can help, we take the approach that it can't hurt (and definitely not as much as the migraines).

Sustained use of painkillers and medications (particularly strong prescription medications) almost always results in both short- and long-term side effects. And where migraines are involved, often do very little to actually help the situation anyway. 

CBD on the other hand is a fabulous natural compound with no side effects, no links to dependency and also has an entire spectrum of benefits outside of pain management. You can click here to read through some of our other articles for more information. 

You'd be amazed to see how many people start taking CBD for one problem or ailment and discover that it also alleviates some other problem.

If you have any further questions or queries relating to CBD and how it can help you with migraines (or any questions at all) then please feel free to get in touch with our fabulous team! 

More ways CBD can help

• CBD and Pain: All your questions answered!
• How CBD Can Target Your Pain – From Headaches to Arthritis
• CBD for Runners – 5 Ways CBD Help You Go the Extra Mile!
• Great CBD products that help a lot!
• Is CBD a Scam?

Sources

Cannabis and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: An Updated Review by Sirichai Chayasirisobhon. Acta Neurologica Taiwanica Vol 28 No 2 June 2019. Available at: http://www.ant-tnsjournal.com/Mag_Files/28-2/001new.pdf

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How to Use CBD for Migraines

When considering CBD for migraines, it's important to choose the right product and dosage that best suits your needs. Here are some options available:

• CBD Oil: CBD oil can be taken sublingually (under the tongue), allowing for quick absorption into the bloodstream. This method can provide relatively fast relief from symptoms.
• CBD Edibles: For those who prefer a more controlled dosage, CBD edibles may be a good choice. However, they take longer to start working since they need to be digested first.
• CBD Topicals: Applied directly to the skin, topicals can be useful for localized pain and inflammation, making them an option for neck pain or tension that often accompanies migraines.

It's crucial to start with a low dose and gradually increase it based on how your body responds. Consulting with a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about CBD is also advisable to ensure safe usage and to avoid any potential interactions with other medications.

Choosing High-Quality CBD Products

To maximize the potential benefits of CBD for migraines, it's vital to select high-quality products. Look for products that have been third-party tested, which helps ensure the accuracy of CBD content and the absence of contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals. Additionally, opting for full-spectrum CBD products may provide enhanced benefits due to the entourage effect, where all the compounds in the plant work together more effectively than they would in isolation.

Possible Side Effects and Considerations

While CBD is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects such as fatigue, changes in appetite, or gastrointestinal issues. It's also important to consider how CBD might interact with other treatments you are using for migraines.

Conclusion

Researchers need to conduct more studies to fully grasp how effective CBD is for treating migraines. However, preliminary studies and anecdotal reports show promising signs of its potential as a natural remedy. By choosing the right product and consulting with healthcare professionals, migraine sufferers may find a new ally in their battle against this challenging condition.

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FAQ – CBD for Migraines

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The Real CBD for Migraines