What are some of the top CBD creams for back pain?

A person with back pain may experience a stabbing sensation, muscle soreness, or a continuous dull ache in one or more areas of the back. To relieve symptoms, some people may consider using a cream containing cannabidiol (CBD).

To alleviate back pain, some people use topical medication, such as creams. Some companies now include CBD as an ingredient in such products because there is evidence to suggest that it may help treat pain and inflammation.

However, although pain medication may help, the causes of back pain can vary. In some cases, the pain could be a sign of a problem that requires medical treatment.

The products that we list below are of high quality, and their manufacturers can provide proof of independent, third party testing. We advise that individuals do their own research before purchasing any CBD product, though.

It is important to note that the writer of this article has not tested these products and that the review is research-based.

Read on to find out more about CBD cream, which CBD creams may be useful to alleviate back pain, and alternative treatments for back pain.

What is CBD cream?

CBD cream is a product for topical application that uses CBD, alongside other ingredients. Depending on the particular product, its goal may be to reduce inflammation, hydrate the skin, or alleviate pain.

CBD creams typically contain CBD oil. CBD oil involves mixing CBD with a carrier oil. The carrier oil dilutes the CBD, creating a diluted version of the product.

CBD effects

CBD comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. People and companies can infuse it into a range of products, including:

creams
sprays
pills
shampoo
makeup
tinctures

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the compound, or cannabinoid, responsible for the “high” that people associate with cannabis. Producers can isolate CBD from the Cannabis sativa plant and THC compound. CBD alone will not cause a person to feel high.

Some CBD products may contain up to 0.3% of THC, but this is unlikely to affect a person.

Benefits

An older study examining the effects of CBD on the body found that it may reduce pain. More recent research has continued to show the benefits of CBD for this symptom.

A 2019 review of CBD concluded that it may have both anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, a 2015 study looking at arthritis in rats highlighted that the application of a CBD gel alleviated the animals’ inflammation and pain.

Risks

As the incorporation of CBD into health products is a relatively recent development, there is a lack of scientific research examining the long-term risks of using it.

A person should do a patch test prior to using CBD cream on their skin. If at any point a person experiences complications from using a CBD cream, they should stop using the product and contact a doctor.

Anyone on medication who is considering using a CBD cream should discuss it with a doctor or qualified CBD clinician. These professionals will be able to advise whether CBD will interact with the medication.

CBD creams for back pain

If the cause of a person’s back pain is an underlying condition, CBD cream will not treat the issue. Instead, it may help by numbing or alleviating the pain. A person should consider seeing a medical professional to assess the cause of their back pain.

This section lists a few CBD creams that a person may wish to try for back pain.

Lazarus Naturals Soothing Mint Full Spectrum CBD Balm

This product contains full spectrum hemp extract. This means that this balm contains all the cannabinoids that occur naturally in the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC. The manufacturers claim that half a teaspoon of the product contains 50 milligrams (mg) of CBD.

As well as CBD, this product contains menthol and organic mango butter. Research has shown that both menthol and mango have pain-relieving properties.

Vertly Relief Lotion

The manufacturers of this product claim that it uses full spectrum hemp extract.

Some of the other ingredients in this product include aloe vera, which has moisturizing properties, and arnica flower, which may help reduce inflammation.

The product also contains magnesium, which the manufacturers claim helps with muscle recovery. However, scientists have not yet proven that applying magnesium topically can provide the same benefits as taking it orally.

Vertly can provide the test results for the CBD oil in their products to customers upon request. However, the company test the final product only for potency.

Harmonious CBD Oil Pain Salve — Full Spectrum (500 mg)

This salve contains full spectrum CBD oil. The manufacturers state that a person should apply the oil as and when they believe it is necessary.

The product contains many ingredients, including eucalyptus oil and arnica oil, both of which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. These ingredients mean that the product may be useful for soothing muscle aches.

Consumer comments regarding the product state that it is effective in relieving pain. This product is also suitable for vegans

Alternatives

If a person does not want to try a CBD cream for their back pain, or they want to use it alongside other treatments, they may consider the following:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into specific points on the body. The authors of a 2015 review examining the benefits of acupuncture for chronic lower back pain conclude that it may provide short-term pain relief.

Massage

A 2016 case study examining a man with chronic back pain suggests that four massages over a 20-day period improved his chronic back pain.

However, more research is necessary to explore the benefits of massage for treating chronic back pain.

This therapy may be more suitable for people who have exercise-related muscle soreness in their back.

Spinal manipulation

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health suggest that spinal manipulation may be useful for relieving sciatica, lower back pain, and neck pain.

Exercise

Research suggests that engaging in exercise that strengthens the back may alleviate chronic back and neck pain.

Summary

CBD creams are products that a person applies to their skin. CBD creams may reduce pain and inflammation in people experiencing back pain.

Although CBD creams may provide some pain relief, a person should visit a healthcare professional to assess the underlying cause of the pain and receive medical treatment.