Migraines – Pain Intensity and Seizure Frequency – Can CBD Help?
Most migraines are an annoying everyday part of life for about every 1 in 10 people. Women struggle with it about 3 times as often as the men and, although this can also be seen in children, it is most frequently seen in the ages between 20 and 45 years of age.
Unfortunately, even today’s modern medicine hasn’t gotten beyond tackling the symptoms of migraines. Moreover, a real cure isn’t expected anytime soon. So, usually, the best migraine sufferers can hope for is some kind of pain relief, and many are looking to natural alternatives for said pain relief. That’s where we come in!
As CBD oil and hemp oil online has enjoyed the recent popularity it’s had for many other reasons, there are increasing reports of positive experiences with CBD oil for migraines and your usual headaches. This blog is intended to give a brief read of the current benefits of CBD for headaches and migraines, and to provide reasons as to why it might be useful to try CBD oil for relief.
Common Causes and Symptoms of Migraines
A lot of the issue is the ever-so-uncomfortable pulsating/stabbing pain, which can become more intense as the migraine goes on, especially when people who experience constant migraines exert themselves, so be sure to remember to try and take it easy if you have a migraine coming on!
For most people, the pain is generally lessened by resting and low light situations, like after sunset. The symptoms usually include (but are not limited to) headaches, which can extend over a wide range of time (from 1 hour, to 3 days in extreme cases), nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, excessive sensitivity to light and noise, or a lack of balance. Not a nice experience for those who have them, which is why a little help can go a long way for most.
The things that lead to the migraine aren’t fully understood. However, we know it seems to be an event that depends on many factors, which could also explain the many different triggers. Three main factors known for causing migraines are:
- Changes in blood flow
- Overstimulation/mental exhaustion
- Inflammation of the brain
To what extent any of these are involved with migraines cannot be said with 100% accuracy, but rather appears to be a culmination of them all. More research is needed.
The Endocannabinoid System and Chemical Messengers
In the course of scientific research, and studies into cannabinoids found online, including CBD and hemp oil online, scientists discovered that the human body has a system with cannabinoid-like substances, the majestic endocannabinoid system, which we’ve already touch on previously.
We’re going to get a bit sciencey on you, so try and stay with us. Pain is conveyed via so-called ‘neurotransmitters’, which control the signals from nerve cells to the brain. Stay with us here. In this process, the neurotransmitters connect to certain receptors, then the neurotransmitter fits onto the receptor in a key-hole mechanism, whereby this neurotransmitter-receptor changes the effect on nerve cell activity. Sensations and physical reactions are controlled this way, which is why you feel pain, or touch, or basically anything. Pretty straight forward, right? Again, if not, can always check here.
What Do Cannabinoids Do Exactly?
Plant cannabinoids, above all, have the ability to connect to various receptors in the human nervous system and thus to change body conditions and may provide many positive effects, such as pain relief.
Initially, only THC was described to give pain relief. But, it was later discovered that scientists recognized the effect of CBD on the human endocannabinoid system had similar effects…Without the, you know, whole ‘getting high’ aspect.
A scientific study carried out in the USA in 2016 showed that CBD can significantly reduce the frequency of migraines. A significant reduction in the number of seizures per day / month was stated by 85% of those who were apart of the study. Which, at the time, was an incredible breakthrough!
Conclusion
In the case of CBD and hemp oil online, more and more studies are being run to more fully understand the benefits of CBD, and results have been promising thus far. Realistically, it is not to be expected that such studies carried out in the foreseeable future will ever find a ‘cure’ for migraines, but we can hope for more effective tools for dealing with them in your day to day life.
However, at least in a recent studies, CBD has been shown that it can keep up with a drug that is used for standard in migraine relief in terms of effectiveness. The result of this study does not surprise us at all, who deal with CBD on a daily basis, and have seen what it has done for our customers! The well-known anti-inflammatory effect of CBD may play an essential role in it being used more seriously by companies, and people alike. At least we can hope!
As always, however, consult with your health professional prior to trying any new treatments. And, if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below if you’re reading this on our website, or email us here. We’re always happy to help.