Topical CBD for stress and tension: What you need to know

If you have ever dealt with tight shoulder, a stiff neck or a migraine that creeps in after a stressful day, you’ve probably searched around the internet to help find some form of relief. CBD creams and balms have exploded in popularity and are often marked as the best option for stress and muscle tension, but do they really work?  

This blog will help break down the benefits of topical CBD for stress and muscle tension and what works and what doesn’t.  

What is CBD and how can it help  

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the hemp plant that doesn’t produce a “high.” When applied to the skin, it interacts with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain and inflammation. In theory, this means CBD topicals could help reduce discomfort and soothe sore areas. 

When applied to areas of localised pain and inflammation, CBD cream can be very effective. Depending on strength, CBD works as a natural anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce pain and tension.  

“CBD is a compound found in the hemp plant. It’s one of over 120 phytocannabinoids, but unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive so it doesn’t cause a “high.” CBD works with the ECS (a natural cell signalling system in your body whose function is to keep your body balanced or in “homeostasis”) and regulates many of your body functions, including sleep, pain, stress and mood, among others.”

Professor Mike Barnes
Consultant Neurologist

CBD Cream 

CBD cream can be helpful when it comes to muscle pain and tension. When applied topically, CBD creams are absorbed through the skin and may interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain, inflammation, and muscle function. 

Some studies suggest that CBD can help reduce localized pain and discomfort, particularly from conditions like arthritis, sore muscles, or general tension. When it comes to tension from stress related condition, CBD cream may be able to help soothe the area but will not cure the root cause.  

Shop CBD creams here! 

Massage  

Many people find that massage can be very effective when it comes to relieving stress and muscle tension. Our CBD massage oil comes in 2 different strengths, a 500mg for mild pain and inflation and a 1000mg for painful back and shoulder pain. They come in two different fragrances’, lavender for a relaxing evening or lemon grass for an uplifting morning. Just place a few pumps into the palm of your hand and rub into the desired area (neck, back, shoulders are the best for relieving stress related tension)  

Our CBD muscle balm is also great for massage as it stretches further than the cream, giving you space to massage your body to your heart’s desire. Due to the strength to jar size ratio, the CBD balm is more concentrated than the massage oil, so it is great for especially painful areas.  

Purchase CBD massage oil here! 

You can read more about the benefits of CBD and massage in this handy blog.

CBD Patches 

 Due the smaller molecule size, CBD patches work through transdermal diffusion. This means that while the CBD is helping locally (to the area you put it on!) it also gets into your blood stream giving you pain relief all around the body.

  Transdermal CBD is also great because you are able to reap all the other benefits that CBD has to offer such as stress relief which is perfect if your pain and tension is stress related, targeting pain and it’s root cause may be more effective.  

How do patches work? 

Just place them on the problem area (such as the stomach) and allow the CBD patch to do the work for you. They last for 24 hours and use transdermal absorption to slowly release the CBD into your blood stream which means you can get on with your busy life without having to keep up with your CBD dosage. 

Purchase CBD patches here.  

Not Topical?  

While in some cases, CBD topical can be helpful with stress related tension, if it isn’t working for you, it may be best to move over to a CBD oil. We would recommend a broad spectrum for pain and tension because it contains more cannabinoids which may provide stronger relief.  

Unlike massage oil, balm or CBD cream, CBD oil is ingested and goes into the blood stream which allows us to reap benefits such as stress, anxiety and sleep trouble relief.  

Why Hempwell? 

At HempWell, we pride ourselves on being more than just another CBD brand. Since 2017, we’ve been producing high-quality CBD products right here in the UK, with operations based in York Science Park. As an award-winning CBD retailer, our “seed-to-shelf” approach ensures full transparency and consistency across everything we make. All our products are manufactured in our world-class, SALSA and HACCP certified laboratory, and every batch is rigorously third-party tested for quality and safety. With years of expertise and a reputation you can trust, we’re proud to supply premium CBD across the UK and Europe.