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Handling Potential Migraine Symptoms with CBD

CBD for Migraines

There are headaches, and then there are migraines.  Every migraine sufferer knows that the two are very different, although they’re often referred to as the same thing.  One thing that makes migraines unique is that they’re unbelievably debilitating and can come with a wide host of symptoms aside from typical headache pain.

One major issue with migraines is that the medical community does not offer many options to the sufferer.  This is especially upsetting for those who suffer from frequent migraines, as many people find that they experience them at least once a month.  It goes without saying that migraine sufferers are more than desperate for a treatment option that consistently works, although options are limited at the time.

Today, we’ll be discussing the research surrounding CBD and migraines.  Many studies have been performed recently in order to determine whether or not this plant-based compound is capable of providing relief to those who suffer from migraines, regardless of the severity and frequency.  This can help you decide whether or not you wish to start a CBD regimen in order to alleviate migraine symptoms while also reducing their frequency.

What Exactly Defines Having Migraine?

A migraine is a type of headache that is known to be more debilitating than most.  The pain that it causes is extremely severe and can interrupt one’s ability to go on with their daily routines.  Most people who experience a migraine have no choice but to lay in a dark room until it goes away.  Migraines tend to produce a throbbing pain that wraps around the head, and often, one side of the head feels worse than the other.

Why Do Migraines Even Occur?

It’s hard to determine an exact cause for migraines, as there as so many contributing factors.  We now know that chronic stress is a very popular contributing factor, as excess cortisol levels can lead to inflammation in this area of the head.  People may also experience migraines due to food allergies, injuries, hormonal imbalances, alcohol consumption, high sugar consumption, excess caffeine, withdrawal from certain drugs and underlying illnesses.  Women who suffer from migraines often find that they become more severe during the PMS stage of their cycle.

Symptoms Associated with a Migraine

The leading symptom of a migraine is severe pain, but other symptoms typically accompany it.  Common symptoms include:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Fainting
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • A loss of appetite
  • Vomiting,
  • Lack of coordination
  • Seeing auras in one’s peripheral vision

How’s a Migraine Treated?

There are a few reasons why migraines are so difficult to treat.  One reason is because migraines can have a number of causes and determining the underlying causes can be challenging.  Also, migraines are, by nature, unpredictable, so it’s hard to prevent them. 

Those who experience frequent migraines will likely be told to take a pain medication as needed or daily by a doctor in order to prevent them from occurring.  Depending on the severity of the pain, they may be prescribed a prescription medication, or told to take an over-the-counter drug.  Sometimes, opioid drugs are prescribed, but this is becoming less and less common due to the addictive nature of these types of drugs.

Can Migraines Be Harmful in the Long-Term?

Migraines themselves aren’t harmful in the long-term in terms of putting a person’s life in danger, but they do come with complications.  For one thing, frequent migraines can interfere with a person’s quality of life and cause mood problems.  Additionally, migraines can indicate an underlying illness that requires medical attention.  And, migraines can be unpredictable which makes them dangerous.  For instance, if someone experiences a sudden migraine while driving, it can impair their driving abilities.

Could CBD Potentially Alleviate Migraine Symptoms?

CBD is a chemical compound that’s native to the hemp plant.  CBD is unique in that it has many properties associated with pain relief, according to studies.  Additionally, CBD works directly with the body’s endocannabinoid system that is responsible for the regulation of bodily processes, including pain levels, hormone levels and inflammation levels throughout the body.  The endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid receptors that exist throughout the body, including areas that are affected by migraines.  CBD gives these receptors cannabinoids so that they may regulate the processes associated with their corresponding locations. 

According to one study, taking CBD for migraines is nothing new.  For centuries, people have been using CBD as a natural way to alleviate the pain associated with migraines.

Now, science has shown us that CBD contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in high volumes.  Analgesics and anti-inflammatories are known pain relievers.

Other research has found that CBD may alleviate stress and anxiety, and we know that stress and anxiety can contribute to migraines.

What to Know About Taking CBD When Dealing with a Migraine

Many migraine sufferers use CBD on a regular basis.  CBD can be taken two ways: as needed or daily.  It seems that daily use is best for preventative care, as CBD accumulates in the body and becomes more potentially effective with each dose. 

Before taking CBD for migraines, tell your doctor as they will want to know what you are taking, and may be able to offer suggestions so that your treatment is more effective.  Also, it’s imperative that you opt for a high-quality CBD product from a trusted company.  Look for lab results on a company’s website to make sure that the CBD is pure, potent and high in quality.

Those dealing with more severe symptoms will likely benefit from a higher potency, as higher potency levels provide the body with more properties found within CBD’s compounds.  Choose the administration method that works best for you depending on your needs. 

  • CBD Tinctures: Tend to act within thirty minutes and can last for a couple of hours.
  • Vape Oils:  work within minutes, and are short-lived, but can provide more potent effects. 
  • Edibles: last for several hours but may require one to two hours before the effects are felt within the body.
  • Topicals: Can provide fast, long-lasting effects, but may not be as potent.

We suggest starting with the recommended dosage for two weeks.  From there, you may increase it as needed.

Safe to Say Migraine Sufferers Deserve Relief from this Almost Crippling Condition

If you decide to take CBD when dealing with a migraine, use the guide above to go about it in the right manner.  And, feel free to check out all of the fascinating studies regarding CBD and pain, as they are abundant.