Can CBD help professional athletes who suffer from chronic pain?
According to a new study, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, yes it can. The research assessed the effects of topical CBD for chronic pain from acute lower extremity injuries in 20 former elite athletes in US/American football, track and field or basketball.
Participants had careers of between four to 10 years and have been dealing with chronic pain for a minimum of three months. They also tried various other treatments – from surgery and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to opioids as well as chiropractors and massage therapists, among others.
According to the authors, this is thought to be the first study of its kind to research the effect of CBD among elite athletes.
Study Key Takeaways
Participants were given topical CBD (10mg) twice a day by controlled dispenser;
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Over 6 weeks, participants’ tolerability, pain and daily living activities were assessed through self-report;
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Of the individuals who completed the study (70%), some 50% confirmed minor side effects and the other 50% reported none.
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The most common side effects were dry skin (43%) and skin rash (some 21% of participants who completed the study);
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Results revealed a significant improvement in self-reported pain levels and pain-related disability, including family and home duties, life support activities, occupational activities, recreational activities, self-care, sexual…
