Muscle spasms can occur for a variety of reasons: stress, muscle fatigue, over-exercising, and lack of sleep, among others. They are described as painful contractions and the tightening of your muscles, which can be involuntary and uncomfortable. There are certain ways to prevent or reduce the symptoms depending on the cause of them; this can include stretching before a workout, getting more sleep, reducing stress, and even staying more hydrated. Since muscle spasms are a common occurrence, we were motivated to look deeper into alternative ways to handle the symptoms, such as the use of CBD. To understand how CBD can play a role, we must also look at the endocannabinoid system.

The Endocannabinoid System & CBD

The endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short, is a complex cell-signaling system that regulates different functions in the body, including hormones, sleep cycle, memory, appetite, and more. This system works to keep the body balanced, otherwise known as the state of homeostasis. When something happens to the body, such as an injury or stress, the ECS works to help the body recover.

Just as the cannabinoids in the ECS, cannabinoids in the hemp plant also interact with the body in a similar way. In fact, CBD and other hemp-derived cannabinoids help support the ECS and regulate it by binding to its CB1 and CB2 receptors. When this interaction occurs, many benefits can occur, such as pain relief, reduced inflammation, better sleep, and even a reduction of muscle spasms.

Muscle Spasms & CBD

Now that we know that CBD helps regulate the ECS, we can better understand how it affects muscle spasms. When CBD interacts with the ECS, it can potentially reduce the frequency of the spasms by relaxing the muscles and, therefore, reducing the negative symptoms that accompany them. This is because CBD works to solve the underlying problem.

As mentioned, both stress and bad quality of sleep can cause muscle spasms. As a natural sleep aid and anxiety and stress reliever, CBD can help reduce these triggers. This can help decrease the frequency of muscle spasms, and also works to break the cycle that often exists between stress, lack of sleep, and muscle spasms. 

Even more, CBD is known as being a great muscle relaxant. Instead of numbing the pain as many medications do, CBD works with the body to get to the root of the problem. It does so by engaging with the enzymes and hormones in the ECS, resulting in higher concentrations of anandamide and 2-AG, which can reduce muscle tension. This also supports muscle recovery, which is crucial for those who experience muscle spasms as a result of exercise or other forms of physical activity.

How to Use CBD for Muscle Spasms

Although there are different variations of CBD products, CBD oil is a great choice because it can be used in various ways. To use it topically, the user applies it to the desired area, which can be done with only an oil or an oil mixed with a carrier of their choice. CBD oil can also be consumed orally; while some people consume the oil as is, many people enjoy mixing it into their favorite beverage or cup of coffee. Another option are CBD salves, which can be applied directly to the body, where they will absorb into the skin and interact with the cannabinoid receptors.  The topical salves at Vitality combine natural hemp extracts with other beneficial components to soothe your skin and provide maximum benefits.

Regarding the dosage, the amount of CBD required to reach the desired effect will vary from person to person. That’s why it’s recommended to start with a small amount and gradually increase if necessary. That said, we have dosage suggestions on this page to better help you understand the general guidelines.

The benefit of using CBD oil rather than muscle relaxants is that CBD is non-habit forming and doesn’t have the harsh side effects that some medications cause, such as drowsiness, weakness, nausea, and even depression. For those interested in using CBD to help reduce or prevent muscle spasms, using high-quality products is key. At Vitality, our CBD oil is USDA-certified, organic, full spectrum, and 3rd party lab tested. By only using the best ingredients, it allows our product to integrate better with the endocannabinoid system, therefore helping to reduce and prevent muscle spasms.