Cannabidiol CBD
Often, people confuse between muscle relaxants and painkillers. They differ in the way they produce their desired effects. Nowadays, there is a third alternative option in the form of cannabidiol (CBD), mainly derived from the hemp plant. Painkillers work by targeting the pain perception area in the central nervous system, muscle relaxants produce their effect at the site of discomfort, and CBD stimulates the ECS. This variation in their mechanism of action leads to a difference in their quality of effects. Read on to know how CBD oil is useful as a muscle relaxant.
Is There A Difference In How Muscle Relaxers Work?
Neuromuscular blocking agents or muscle relaxers work at the actual site of muscle discomfort. That is, they cut the transmission of nerve signals at the acute musculoskeletal level. On the other hand, painkillers block the transmission of pain signals from the brain, i.e. it works in the central nervous system. This is the reason that they pose the risk of developing an addiction on long-term usage, and this is especially true for opioid painkillers.
One of the main CBD health benefits is that it is useful for relieving pain. CBD oil produces the muscle relaxing effect in two ways. Firstly, it works on the central nervous system through its positive influence on the endocannabinoid system; secondly, it works as an acute neuromuscular blocking agent. Finally, unlike opioid painkillers, it does not pose the risk of developing an addiction in long-term usage.
What Are The Common Muscle Relaxers?
Two of the most used muscle relaxers are Valium and Xanax, and they are benzodiazepines. Although they are used as sleep-inducing or anti-anxiety medications, they also have good muscle-relaxing properties. Some of the other muscle relaxers are the following: Zanaflex, Soma, Flexeril, and Robaxin.
How Does CBD Oil Work As A Muscle Relaxant?
For cannabidiol (CBD) to work as a muscle relaxant, ECS receptors must be present at the site of muscular discomfort. These specific locations are the synapses of neurons that carry signals. This, when coupled with CBD’s influence on receptors responsible for pain perception in the central nervous system results in reduced pain and helps to relax muscles.
Remember that the ECS is a network of complex chemical signaling systems. Cannabidiol (CBD) can produce its muscle relaxant effects because its structure and function are like the endocannabinoid naturally produced by our bodies.
We hope that the details shared above clarified your doubts about the use of cannabidiol (CBD) as a muscle relaxant.
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