People use cannabidiol (CBD) for many reasons, including pain relief. This compound found in cannabis plants is a cannabinoid similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but it doesn’t make you “high”.
While research into the benefits of CBD is ongoing, what we know so far is promising. Evidence suggests that CBD may help with chronic pain and neuropathy. This may be good news if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by compression of the middle nerve in your hand.
In this article, we look at CBD research for carpal tunnel syndrome and list some expertly reviewed CBD options you might want to try.
No specific CBD research has been done for carpal tunnel syndrome, but CBD-related research has been done for pain and neuropathy. And because carpal tunnel syndrome involves nerve pain, CBD can help.
A 2020 study, for example, suggests that topically applied CBD oil may help with neuropathy.
The group of participants was relatively small, with only 29 people in total. However, a significant proportion of participants using CBD reported a reduction in severe pain. Compared to the control group, they also reported a reduction in sensations related to neuropathy, such as cold and itching.
A 2018 review shows that medical cannabis can help with the symptoms of neuropathy. However, it is important to note that cannabis also contains THC, which can help relieve pain.
According to the authors of the review, the evidence suggests that cannabis may help with neuropathic pain. But they also explained that the existing studies were short-lived and limited by small groups of participants.
They concluded that more research is needed, especially on the potential long-term effects of medical cannabis use.
CBD can also help with chemotherapy-related neuropathy. A 2017 animal study suggests that CBD reduces pain levels in mice with neuropathy, but does not prevent it from happening in the first place. However, research also suggests that CBD may work better when combined with THC instead of being used alone.
Some people also claim that CBD helps with chronic pain. And research suggests that these claims have merit.
A 2019 study found that CBD reduced pain levels in people with fibromyalgia by more than 30 percent. This was another relatively small study, with only 20 participants.
A 2020 review of this and other studies indicates that the potential pain-relieving qualities of CBD are specific to the condition. And while CBD may help with some types of pain, it may not provide universal pain relief.
When you buy CBD, you will find that it comes in many forms. You can choose between:
If you are looking for a product to help with carpal tunnel syndrome, you may want to try a cliché that you can apply directly to the affected area.
Ingested products are another option. These are taken orally and usually provide full body effects, so they should also work to relieve general pain.
We have chosen these products based on criteria that we believe are good indicators of safety, quality and transparency. Each product in this article:
- is made by a company that provides third party testing for a laboratory that complies with ISO 17025
- is made from hemp grown in the United States
- does not contain more than 0.3 percent THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
- approves testing of pesticides, heavy metals and molds, according to the COA
As part of our selection process, we have also considered:
- the certifications and manufacturing processes of the company
- product power
- general ingredients
- Indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
Price guide
- $ = less than $ 50
- $$ = $ 50– $ 100
- $$$ = more than $ 100
The best full spectrum CBD oil for carpal tunnel
CBDistillery Full spectrum CBD oil tincture
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: full spectrum
- CBD power: 5,000 mg per 30 milliliter (ml) bottle.
- COA: available on the product page
This CBDistillery oil is ideal for people who need a stronger product that does not contain a genetically modified organism (GMO).
And despite the high price, customers think that the powerful oil is worth it. Some even say that they have used it for several years successfully.
However, if you are not satisfied with your purchase, CBDistillery offers a 60-day money back guarantee on your CBD products.
Best CBD insulated oil for carpal tunnel
CBD Lazarus Naturals oil tincture
- Price: $
- CBD type: isolate
- CBD power: 750 mg per ampoule
- COA: available on the product page
This oil is a good choice if you want to avoid THC. It also doesn’t taste good, making it a good choice for people who want the freedom to mix their CBD oil with food or drink. Each dropper contains about 50 mg of CBD isolate.
Lazarus Naturals also has a rewarding program for frequent shoppers and one assistance program for veterans, people with disabilities and people from low-income households.
Best CBD ointment for carpal tunnel
Joy Organics CBD Organic Salve
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: broad spectrum
- CBD power: 1,000 milligrams (mg) per 2-ounce (oz.) Container.
- COA: available on the product page
Joy Organics Organic CBD Salve is a powerful cliché that contains CBD and ingredients like beeswax and eucalyptus oil to help moisturize the skin. The broad-spectrum product is a good choice for people who prefer to stay away from THC but still want the benefits of other cannabinoids and terpenes.
Reviewers say the product helps with joint pain and stiffness. However, one client notes that the consistency is a bit thick and difficult to work on the skin.
The brand offers free carbon neutral shipping and is part of the US hemp roundtable. Their products are also cruelty free.
The best CBD balm for the carpal tunnel
Theragun Revive CBD TheraOne Body Balm
- Price: $$
- CBD type: full spectrum
- CBD power: 500 mg per 1 oz. container
- COA: available on the product page
Theragun, the company behind the athlete massage gun, has now entered the CBD market with a line called TheraOne. This balm contains a blend of refreshing menthol, essential oils and turmeric.
The ingredients are also certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are cruelty free. The brand recommends using a pea-sized amount and reapplying as needed.
TheraOne uses hemp from organic Colorado farms.
How you use CBD for your carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the type of product you choose:
- You can take jelly beans or capsules orally.
- You can put oils under the tongue or add them to food or drinks.
- You can add CBD oil to body lotions and creams.
Using a topical product involves rubbing it directly on the area that is causing you problems. In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, it is probably your hand or wrist.
When it comes to dosing, the ideal varies from person to person. In general, it is a good idea to start with a low dose and go up. This way, you can see how CBD affects you before you take more.
When choosing a CBD product, look at the following:
Power
People with chronic pain may find that a higher potency product works better. Because your skin does not absorb CBD very easily, topical products should contain at least 3 mg of CBD per ml of product.
CBD type
Isolated, broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD. What is the best option?
Isolates are a good choice if you want to avoid THC in your CBD product. But without all the terpenes and other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, isolates may not be as effective. Also, it is important to note that any CBD product may contain traces of THC, regardless of type.
You will probably get the best results with a full spectrum product, thanks to the environment effect. This is because CBD and THC probably work better together than alone.
Third party testing
There is no guarantee that over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products are safe and effective. Currently, the FDA does not verify these products as they do with prescription drugs.
And without a watchful eye, some companies may take the opportunity to make misleading claims about their CBD products.
Therefore, it is essential to verify that a product has been tested by a third party lab and has a valid COA. The COA will tell you exactly how much CBD and THC is in your product. A COA will also verify that your product has passed contaminant testing.
Ingredients
Whenever possible, opt for CBD made from organic hemp grown in the United States. And if you’re buying a cliché, read the ingredient list carefully to see if there are any possible skin irritants.
Most quality CBD products are considered safe, according to a report by the World Health Organization. However, some people experience side effects, such as:
- fatigue
- weight loss or gain
- changes in appetite
- diarrhea
In most cases, these effects are mild.
CBD can also interact with certain medications, especially those with a grapefruit warning.
It is usually a good idea to talk to your doctor before using CBD.
If you do not want to take CBD or find it not working, other treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- ferulant
- avoiding activities that worsen your symptoms
- Over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- prescription drugs
- surgery
Even if CBD is helping the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, you may want to consider other options for finding relief and support.
Always talk to a doctor before trying home treatments. Carpal tunnel syndrome can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying condition such as rheumatoid arthritis.
If you have experienced CBD and find no relief or your symptoms worsen, contact a doctor for an evaluation.
Although there is no direct research on the benefits of CBD for carpal tunnel syndrome, evidence suggests that it may help with neuropathy-related pain.
And while CBD may not be the magic solution to your symptoms, it can help relieve you. Just make sure you talk to a doctor about the pain and discomfort of your carpal tunnel syndrome before testing for CBD.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Agriculture Act removed the hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. As a result, some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3 percent THC are federally legal. However, CBD products that contain more than 0.3 percent THC are still under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level but legal under some state laws. Be sure to consult state laws, especially when traveling. Also, be aware that the FDA has not approved over-the-counter CBD products, and some products may be incorrectly labeled.
Steph Coelho is a freelance writer with a chronic migraine who has a particular interest in health and wellness. When you’re not clicking on the keyboard, you’re probably in for a good book.
