CBD for Tension Headaches - How it Helps & Products
No matter who you are, the occasional bout of stress is a fact of life. Unfortunately, for some, so are the tension headaches that follow. Manifesting itself in dull aches, tension headaches are most commonly triggered by general stress, muscle tension, and poor posture.
Old-school lines of thinking may have you reaching for the pill bottle every time a tension headache strikes, but perhaps it is time to explore other options (especially if you’re a regular sufferer).
CBD, for example, can potentially prevent tension headaches by helping users de-stress. Already suffering from a dull ache? CBD can help relieve tension headaches through its pain-alleviating benefits.
What are tension headaches, and what typically causes them?
So what do tension headaches feel like, anyhow? While the specific sensations can vary from person to person, they often manifest as a dull, constant ache or a tight, squeezing sensation around the temples and across the back of the skull.
While they commonly don't have the intense symptoms of migraines—like nausea or sensitivity to light—they can still be incredibly disruptive. Many people experience persistent pressure from tension headaches impacting both sides of the head, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to several days.
Tension headaches can be spurred by a whole host of activities, from stressful commutes to long hours at a computer or simply worrying about tasks at hand. Other culprits of tension headaches include anxiety, dehydration, eye strain, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, and any activity that causes the neck and scalp muscles to contract or tighten.
Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption (or withdrawal from them), can also play a significant role in causing tension headaches. Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during menstruation or menopause, and even certain foods or skipped meals, can also trigger or worsen this discomfort.
Identifying the specific triggers is key to managing and preventing these headaches, allowing for more targeted and effective treatment strategies.
How CBD Can Help Tension Headaches
CBD helps dull physical pain and inflammation
First, let’s explore how CBD can provide comfort to any current tension headaches you may be experiencing.
One of the primary ways CBD helps tension headaches is by targeting inflammation—a common cause of headaches. When inflammation occurs in the brain, blood vessels, or surrounding tissues, it usually leads to pain. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties provide a natural way to manage headache discomfort by calming the body’s inflammatory response.
CBD also offers relief by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors that regulates functions such as pain perception. Through binding with cannabinoid receptors located throughout the brain and body, CBD blocks pain signals from reaching the brain. By decreasing inflammation and alleviating pain, CBD can help ease muscle stiffness and promote relaxation, which are essential for reducing tension headaches.
CBD helps alleviate stress
Tension headaches are often caused by muscle stiffness and stress before the physical symptoms of a throbbing headache occur. Topical or sublingual CBD oil can help alleviate these headaches by alleviating stress mentally, physically, and emotionally. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD provides powerful anti-anxiety and stress-relieving effects, helping to address the underlying causes.
CBD is also a popular choice for preventing and treating headaches because of its mood-boosting and anxiety-relieving benefits. It can help increase the production of serotonin, one of the impacting factors in anxiety and stress symptoms. By mitigating these responses in the body, CBD can lessen potential triggers before symptoms start.
CBD can help relax muscles
CBD is masterful at regulating the central nervous system, which is key in relaxing both the body and the brain. The interaction of CBD with endocannabinoid receptors helps calm muscle tension, reducing muscle tightness and spasms and allowing for whole-body relaxation.
Another important asset CBD brings to headache relief is its impact on neurotransmitters in your brain. CBD impacts the levels of serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), both of which have calming effects on the nervous system when in balance. When these are kept in harmony, the result is reduced muscle tension and a more relaxed state, both of which help prevent and treat tension headaches.
CBD can assist with sleep problems that can contribute to tension headaches
Because of its natural de-stressing benefits, CBD has gained popularity as a natural sleep aid. Research also shows that regular use of CBD may help regulate the sleep-wake cycle by influencing melatonin production, promoting a more balanced and restful sleep pattern. So what does this mean for tension headaches? CBD can help you start your day off on the right foot and enhance concentration so you’re better equipped to handle potential sources of stress that could lead to your tension headaches.
Keep in mind that, unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive effects and won't cause you to feel intoxicated or high.
How CBD Compares to Common OTC Pain Meds
Both CBD and over-the-counter pain medication have advantages when it comes to providing tension headache relief. Here is an overview of the pros and cons of each:
Pros and Cons of CBD for Tension Headaches
- Most people experience little to no side effects with CBD, even with regular usage
- It’s extremely difficult to “overdose”
- Non-addictive
There really aren't any significant cons to trying CBD for headache relief. If experienced, side effects are generally mild and can potentially include fatigue, dry mouth, or an upset stomach. Another potential deterrent can be costs, as OTC tends to be more affordable.
Pros and Cons of OTC for Tension Headaches
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin are quick and effective options for an occasional headache. These medications are widely available and affordable, which is definitely an advantage. Many OTC options have been studied and deemed safe for short-term use; however, there are many risks associated as well.
Using over-the-counter medications on a regular or long-term basis can carry serious consequences, including kidney and liver damage. Use of OTCs also poses risks such as gastrointestinal issues, allergic reactions, and potential cardiovascular risks, especially with prolonged or high-dose use.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, taking OTC medications more than twice a week for a headache puts you at risk of medication overuse. Dependance on these medications is also a common issue for those who suffer from chronic headaches.
While over-the-counter medications may provide quick relief, they are not always the safest option compared to natural alternatives like CBD.
The Most Effective CBD Options for Tension Headaches
Sublingual application vs. other options
There are several methods of using CBD for tension headaches, such as rubbing CBD cream on the painful areas of your head and neck or taking CBD capsules or gummies. While these methods may offer mild relief, sublingual CBD administration ensures a faster onset, delivering quicker relief from headache symptoms, such as pain, inflammation, and muscle tension. For anyone who is seeking fast and effective headache relief, sublingual CBD oil can be a game-changer.
When CBD oil is placed under the tongue and held for 30-60 seconds before swallowing, CBD is absorbed directly through the capillaries in your mouth. Sublingual administration allows CBD to enter the bloodstream immediately, bypassing the digestive system.
Sublingual application also enhances bioavailability, meaning a higher percentage of the CBD is absorbed into the body, leading to stronger and more immediate results. The fast-acting effects and increased potency of sublingual CBD make it an ideal choice when it comes to headache pain.
Full-spectrum CBD
So now that you have learned why CBD is such an effective option for tension headaches, the question is, what type of CBD is best?
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the beneficial components of the hemp plant, including terpenes and flavonoids. With trace amounts of THC—0.3% or less—full-spectrum CBD delivers the entourage effect, where the combined benefits of all the hemp plant’s components work together to enhance the overall effectiveness of this type of CBD.
This combination not only maximizes relief from pain and inflammation but also supports overall wellness, making it a great CBD choice for those seeking wide-reaching benefits beyond just tension headache relief.
Seek Elixirs With Higher Concentrations of CBD
Opt for elixirs with at least 1,000+ milligrams of CBD; the more that’s used within the serum, the greater its effectiveness and the less amount you have to use to achieve relief for your tension headache.
Check out the Elite Elixir From Botanika Life
When you shop with Botanika Life for the Elite Elixir, you choose a potent 1,500mg full-spectrum CBD that surpasses most competitors in strength. Made from organically grown hemp in the USA, it’s carefully crafted for purity and quality. Moreover, the Elite Elixir is third-party tested to ensure it's free of pesticides and chemicals, giving you a product you can fully trust.
By Emily Wegener
With a unique background as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Masters Degree in Teaching and experience in Psychology, Emily spends much of her time researching and trying out new holistic healing modalities.
