Can CBD Help Tension Headaches?

When doing your research, you may have come across cannabis products and discovered links to help relieve the pain of headaches. Indeed, this is something that should be explored as it may be beneficial for you.

What is a Tension Headache?

First of all, it is important to recognise that there are many different types of headaches. When you understand the headache you have, you can figure out the best way you can prevent your symptoms.

A tension headache or a stress headache is when you experience a dull pain or pressure on the back of your head or forehead. It is very common for adults with busy lifestyles and difficult careers to suffer from tension headaches. They are often described as a squeezing pain or like something is tightening around your head.  They do not normally stop you from your daily activities but they can be irritating and an inconvenience. Tension headaches should not affect your balance or vision. Other symptoms can include tiredness but trouble sleeping, problems with concentration and irritability. 

In particular, there are two types of tension headaches to be aware of.  The episodic tension headache is one that you experience fewer than 15 days every month. They often build throughout the day and are worse at night. Chronic tension headaches are headaches that you experience more than 15 times in a month. You may find that the pain is more intense and that it is there constantly throughout the day.

People who experience tension headaches can often identify their triggers. This could include not getting enough sleep, being hungry, dehydration, anxiety and mental stress, caffeine, poor posture and eye strain.

Can CBD Help Tension Headaches?

If you are someone that suffers from a lot of tension headaches, you may be looking for a quick way to prevent the symptoms. For instance, some people try meditation or take painkillers that you can get from the local store. Unfortunately, these methods do not work for everyone and you may be growing tired of the constant headaches.

However, you may be interested to learn if cannabis or medical marijuana can help with your tension headaches. Indeed, there has been research and trials to suggest that it can be beneficial to take cannabis for tension headaches. This can be from stopping them from occurring in the first place to helping to reduce the discomfort from which you suffer as a result of the headache pain.

It is important to remember that cannabis is a plant. It contains a variety of compounds that are linked to decreasing the effects of tension headaches. Namely, this includes tetrahydrocannabinol or THC and cannabidiol or CBD. Both of these compounds will work with the CB1 And CB2 receptors that are present within the body.

For instance, the CBD present in cannabis products may help you feel calmer and more relaxed. If stress and anxiety are triggers for your tension headaches, CBD products might stop them from occurring. Alternatively, if you have a headache already, there is a suggestion that CBD and THC can allow some pain relief. This can help you get on with your day and stay productive.

Consider how you want to take cannabis products. Tinctures will produce a fast response when they enter the bloodstream. While topicals can be relaxing and soothing, they might take longer to kick in. The same can be said about edibles and capsules. But their effects can be enjoyed for longer.

For example, one study found that patients who inhaled cannabis reduced the severity of their headache by 47.3 percent. This is encouraging data and this suggests that it could work for you. But you should also be aware of possible side effects. While they are reported to be minimal, CBD can cause dizziness, a dry mouth, and low blood pressure. If you experience any of these side effects, it may be best to avoid cannabis products.

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