‘I have neck pain’, “My neck is inflamed”, or “My neck hurts”… How many times have we said or heard these phrases?

In reality, the cervical spine is not a part of the body, but rather a localised pain in the posterior region of the cervical spine and is defined in medical terms as ‘cervicalgia’. In Italy and the rest of the West, it is a widespread pathology known to many, the result of stress, poor posture and sedentary lifestyles.

Affected are the upper vertebrae, located along the cervical spine, i.e. those that perform the task of supporting the neck and head.

This disorder, characterised by muscle stiffness, pain and limited mobility of the neck, requires self-management education in order to be counteracted.
In this article, we will make our contribution by talking about an often overlooked natural remedy to cope with neck discomfort: CBD-based products.

What is neck pain?

The agreed definition in the scientific literature, about neck pain, is dictated by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and the Neck Pain Task Force, which describes the problem according to anatomical criteria. The definition reads ‘cervicalgia is pain localised in the posterior region of the cervical spine from the superior nuchal line to the line passing through the spinous process of the first dorsal vertebra’. 

In short, cervicalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder affecting the neck region and involving the cervical vertebrae (designated C1 to C7), muscles and surrounding tissues. 

The pain we are talking about, specifically, consists of medium/light discomfort, which in severe cases can reach acute, sometimes excruciating thresholds. For some individuals the discomfort is intolerable, so much so that they have to lie down all day.

Neck pain can be constant or intermittent and in some cases can also involve the shoulders, arms (cervico-brachialgia) and cause headaches.

The causes of the disorder generally involve incorrect postures while working, resting or driving. Usually, therefore, cervicalgia is triggered by accidents that have altered the structure of the spinal column in the neck. 

But more on this in the next section.

What is neck pain due to?

Cervicalgia is closely linked to repeated or sudden mechanical stress, such as:

• Whiplash;
• Dental malocclusion;
• Postural disorders (e.g. scoliosis and flat feet);
• Dysfunctional thoracic breathing;
• Slow or impaired metabolism;
• Non-ergonomic postures;
• Muscle overload from intense or incorrect physical activity;
• Muscle tension caused by emotional or psychological stress;
• Inadequate management of daily stress;
• Hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system;
• Other neurological problems.

Causes of neck pain include cold, dampness, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, poor posture and the use of unsuitable pillows. All of these conditions can lead to overstrained muscles that affect the health of the cervical spine.

The causes of neck pain can also be interconnected with certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or herniated cervical discs.

All of these triggers are so deleterious for some individuals that there is much scientific research underway. Among those already completed are ‘Cervical Radiculopathy: Incidence and Treatment of Neck Pain in A 10-Year Population-Based Cohort Study’, a study examining the incidence and treatment of neck pain, including cervical radiculopathy, and ‘Effectiveness of physical therapy in patients with tension-type headache: literature review’, which explores the effectiveness of physical therapy in patients with tension-type headache, which is often related to cervical pain.

What are the symptoms of neck pain?

The symptoms of neck pain vary not only from person to person but also according to the type of cervicalgia. Among the best known forms are pure cervicalgia (the most common), cervico-brachialgia and cervico-cephalgia.

Let’s look at the typical symptoms of each of them:

• Pure cervicalgia: typical pain localised in the central region, mainly in the neck area, on the neck or on the upper part of the spine. This cervicalgia, generally of a muscle-tensive nature, often has contractures or trigger points active on the trapezius, the splenius muscle of the head and neck, the elevator muscle of the scapula or the cervico-dorsal paravertebral muscles;
• Cervico – brachialgia: with cervico-scapular pain in the upper limbs that in some cases can reach the extremities of the hands. There is also a deficit of strength and paresthesias;
• Cervico-Cephalgia: sensory neurological disorders such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sleep disturbances, lack of lucidity, swallowing disorders, scotomas (visual disturbances) and hearing disorders.

Importantly, the diagnosis and management of cervicalgia must be supervised by a physician, who will determine the most appropriate cause and treatment for each patient.

The use of CBD for neck pain

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, so much so that one often hears CBD and neck pain as a winning synergy.

Unlike NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), a class of drugs commonly used to treat pain, inflammation and fever, CBD has no side effects, making it ideal for those who cannot take other medications or are looking for a natural alternative.

Due to its anti-inflammatory and muscle-relieving properties, it can relieve pain quickly, leading to more than decisive results.

In relation to CBD’s powers, we can speak of anti-inflammatory properties as CBD inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines and regulates the immune response, thus reducing chronic inflammation that can contribute to pain.

Cannabidiol therefore represents a promising natural option for those seeking effective and safe relief from neck pain and inflammation, while avoiding the side effects typical of conventional drugs.

Of course, it is always the doctor who must determine whether and how much it is appropriate to remedy neck pain with cannabidiol-based products.

CBD as a painkiller

If we talked about the anti-inflammatory properties earlier, it is now time to talk about the analgesic properties.

CBD is known for its analgesic effect, which helps reduce pain naturally. It works by influencing pain receptors in the nervous system, modulating the perception of discomfort and reducing sensitivity to painful stimulation. 

This makes CBD a popular choice for the relief of chronic pain such as that associated with neck pain, without the drawbacks typical of other remedies.

Being an excellent analgesic, CBD can also be used to counter problems such as:

• Mood disorders: There is scientific evidence that CBD may have positive effects on mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, acting as a natural anxiolytic;
• Sleep disorders: many people use CBD to improve sleep quality, reducing insomnia and improving sleep duration;
• Neurological diseases: CBD may be useful in the treatment of neurological diseases such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease;
• Muscle spasms: CBD may help reduce muscle spasms, which can occur in conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

It is important to note that while there is anecdotal and some scientific evidence of CBD’s efficacy for these conditions, it is always advisable to consult a health professional before using CBD as part of the treatment for any health problem.

CBD products for neck pain

CBD, it is now clear, is an effective remedy in reducing inflammation and relieving chronic pain by reducing muscle soreness without the risk of side effects. 

Although CBD cannot eliminate the problem of neck pain, a study conducted in 2021 describes CBD as an anti-inflammatory remedy with muscle-relaxing properties, ideal for making pain more bearable.

Among the most commonly used CBD-based products to relieve neck pain are CBD oil and creams, which are excellent for local massages. These topical treatments offer an effective way to apply CBD directly to the affected area. 

As far as tolerability is concerned, CBD is appreciated by even the most sensitive skin. In particular, it is appreciated for the absence of psychotropic effects, making it a safe choice for many.

In addition to being a valuable ally in the conditions described so far, it is an excellent aid in a wide range of health conditions, including anxiety, depression and convulsions.

If you are looking for CBD products for neck pain, stop by and see us. 

In our CBD shop you can find specific items such as oils, creams and herbal teas, all formulated to provide relief. Each product is based on certified legal hemp, grown organically and without the use of chemicals or pesticides.

Our staff is available to provide personalised advice and answer any questions you may have on the use and benefits of CBD for neck pain and beyond.