Compare the Best CBD Oil for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in 2022

How CBD May Help With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

CBD (cannabidiol), a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, has been shown to have a broad spectrum of actions, including analgesic, neuroprotective, anti-epileptic, anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, and anti-anxiety effects^(1-2). 

CBD and other cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) work with the ECS (endocannabinoid system) to maintain homeostasis⁽³⁾. Unlike THC, cannabidiol does not give users a euphoric high⁽⁴⁾. 

Meanwhile, homeostasis is a process by which living organisms maintain stability while adjusting to environmental conditions⁽⁵⁾.

The ECS regulates numerous bodily functions, including inflammatory and immune responses and pain control⁽⁶⁾. It consists of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids, and enzymes⁽⁷⁾. 

CB1 receptors play a significant role in pain sensation, while CB2 receptors stimulate an anti-inflammatory response⁽⁸⁾. Although CBD has a little binding affinity with these receptors, the compound may antagonize them in the presence of THC. 

CBD may reduce the efficacy and potency of THC and also regulate the perception of pain⁽⁹⁾. 

Although no specific study has been done on CBD for CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome), several research studies have been done on cannabidiol for pain and neuropathy. 

Neuropathy refers to the dysfunction or damage of one or more nerves that usually leads to numbness, muscle weakness, tingling, and pain in a particular area⁽¹⁰⁾. 

Meanwhile, the carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by ligaments and bones on the palm side of the hand. 

CTS is experienced when the median nerve is compressed⁽¹¹⁾. The median nerve is the primary nerve of the front of the forearm.

Carpal tunnel syndrome involves nerve pain⁽¹²⁾.  

Benefits of Using CBD for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A randomized controlled trial from the journal Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology examined the effectiveness of topical CBD oil in the symptomatic relief of peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities⁽¹³⁾. 

The study involved 29 patients with symptomatic peripheral neuropathy. About 15 patients were randomized to the CBD group, receiving 250mg of CBD. On the other hand, 14 participants were randomized to the placebo group. 

The researchers measured pain biweekly through the NPS (neuropathic pain scale) to assess the mean change from baseline to the end of the treatment period.

The results showed that the transdermal application of CBD oil may achieve significant improvement in pain and other sensations in patients with peripheral neuropathy⁽¹⁴⁾. 

Transdermal application is an administration route wherein active ingredients are delivered across the skin for systematic distribution. 

A 2018 study from Current Pain and Headache Reports suggested that medical cannabis may be as effective and tolerable as current neuropathic agents⁽¹⁵⁾. 

Cannabis refers to products from the Cannabis sativa plant⁽¹⁶⁾. Aside from CBD and THC, more than 100 cannabinoids may be found in the cannabis plant. 

CBD may also be effective in chemotherapy-related neuropathy⁽¹⁷⁾. 

An experimental study from the British Journal of Pharmacology examined the combined effects of THC and CBD in a murine model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain⁽¹⁸⁾. 

The results indicated that CBD may help prevent the development of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and its clinical usage may be enhanced by co-administration of THC in low doses⁽¹⁹⁾. 

A 2020 study from the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology hypothesized that the potential pain-relieving effects of CBD are condition-specific⁽²⁰⁾. 

Hence, CBD may help with some types of chronic pain. However, the non-psychoactive compound may not provide universal pain relief. 

A 2019 review from Current Opinion in Rheumatology examined how cannabinoids like CBD may help with rheumatoid arthritis⁽²¹⁾.

The study mentioned that CBD may have antiarthritic effects independent of cannabinoid receptors⁽²²⁾.  

Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune disease that can affect your joints and damage a wide variety of body systems and organs, including the lungs, heart, blood vessels, and eyes⁽²³⁾. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is common among people with rheumatoid arthritis⁽²⁴⁾. Hence, using CBD may benefit those who have CTS. 

However, a direct study examining the efficacy and therapeutic benefits of CBD on carpal tunnel syndrome is still warranted.  

How to Take CBD Oil Products for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

For carpal tunnel syndrome, you may take CBD topicals like lotions, salves, and creams. Topicals are applied to the skin for localized relief. 

CBD has been shown to help with inflammation and muscle tightness when applied topically⁽²⁵⁾.  

When CBD and other cannabinoids are applied to the skin, they do not enter the bloodstream or become available to the body as a whole⁽²⁶⁾. 

Instead, CB2 receptors in the skin absorb these cannabinoids. They are then absorbed locally to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief in a specific area⁽²⁷⁾.  

A wrist fracture may narrow the carpal tunnel and irritate the nerves. Swelling and inflammation triggered by rheumatoid arthritis may also trigger CTS⁽²⁸⁾. 

Therefore, CBD topicals may help with carpal tunnel syndrome. Other CBD forms available in the market include CBD tinctures, vapes, and edibles, like gummies. 

CBD Dosage for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recognize CBD as a medical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, there is no standard CBD dosage for CTS. 

However, a review from the journal Current Drug Safety suggested that chronic use and high doses of CBD up to 1,500mg daily are well tolerated in humans⁽²⁹⁾. 

Additionally, doses between 10mg and 100mg of CBD per day may help with pain, inflammation, and autoimmune disorders⁽³⁰⁾. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, and many people with such a condition also have carpal tunnel syndrome⁽³¹⁾. 

Still, it is best to talk with a healthcare professional experienced in cannabis use for accurate dosing. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

How long CBD takes to help with carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the administration method and several other factors, such as CBD potency and the potential user’s body weight and metabolism. 

Inhaling CBD using vape pens is the quickest method to benefit from the effect of CBD⁽³²⁾. Smoking or vaping CBD usually takes effect within 2 to 15 minutes⁽³³⁾. 

However, extra caution is necessary when using e-cigarettes. Remember that vaping may damage the lungs⁽³⁴⁾. 

Meanwhile, CBD topical products typically take effect within 15 to 30 minutes⁽³⁵⁾. 

The content of topical products is not absorbed into the whole body compared to other forms like vapes⁽³⁶⁾. 

Nonetheless, that could make these products safer, considering how little is known about the long-term safety of CBD⁽³⁷⁾. 

A 2020 randomized controlled trial demonstrated that patients with peripheral neuropathy may significantly improve pain and other sensations through the transdermal application of CBD oil⁽³⁸⁾. 

Transdermal drug delivery or TDD is a painless way of delivering substances systematically by applying a drug formulation onto healthy skin⁽³⁹⁾. 

Transdermal patches and gels usually take effect within 15 to 30 minutes⁽⁴⁰⁾. 

How Long Will CBD Help With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

How long CBD helps with carpal tunnel syndrome depends on its bioavailability. 

Bioavailability is the extent to which a specific substance becomes entirely available to its intended biological destinations⁽⁴¹⁾.

 If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you may feel numbness, pain, and general weakness in your hand and wrist. Some individuals may explore trying CBD topicals to help with such a condition. 

When CBD is applied to the skin, it does not go into the bloodstream or become entirely available to the body. Therefore, its bioavailability is zero⁽⁴²⁾. 

Meanwhile, the bioavailability of CBD via vaping is between 17% and 44%⁽⁴³⁾. 

How to Choose the Best CBD Oil Product for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

Choosing a high-quality CBD product depends on various factors, including your personal preference, the severity of your condition, or the form of CBD you prefer. 

Here are the pertinent factors to consider when choosing the best CBD oil for carpal tunnel syndrome and overall wellness: 

CBD Oil Extracts

A full-spectrum CBD oil product contains all compounds of the cannabis plant, including flavonoids, terpenes, essential oils, and other cannabinoids⁽⁴⁴⁾. Furthermore, the THC concentration is not more than 0.3%.  

Terpenes are the natural oils that give cannabis aroma, color, and flavor. It is believed that terpenes have a synergistic ability to work with cannabinoids, like CBD and THC⁽⁴⁵⁾. 

When ingested or inhaled, terpenes may assist the cannabinoids as they penetrate the blood-brain barrier⁽⁴⁶⁾. These natural oils may also influence neurotransmitters in the brain, affecting serotonin and dopamine production. 

Serotonin is the primary hormone that stabilizes mood. Meanwhile, dopamine is a neurotransmitter that acts as a chemical messenger between neurons. 

On the other hand, flavonoids are active compounds found in cannabis. They contribute to cannabis’ pigmentation, aroma, and flavor, possibly through synergistic relationships with other active compounds like terpenes⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

Broad-spectrum CBD oil is similar to the full-spectrum variant. The only difference is that broad-spectrum CBD is nearly THC-free⁽⁴⁸⁾. Meanwhile, CBD isolates are made of pure CBD. 

A study from the journal Frontiers in Plant Science hypothesized that the entourage effect produced through the consumption of full-spectrum hemp extracts may have better health benefits than pure CBD⁽⁴⁹⁾.  

The entourage effect is the symbiosis of pharmacological effects that occur through the interaction of terpenoids, cannabinoids, and other compounds found in the whole cannabis plant⁽⁵⁰⁾. 

Source of Hemp 

For hemp-derived CBD products, it is crucial to determine the source of hemp. 

Some CBD products may have irritants and other contaminants that may put your health at risk.

Hence, ensure to opt for a CBD brand that is transparent with its farming practices. The CBD company must provide sufficient information about its hemp products.

If possible, you should look for organic hemp or non-GMO CBD products. 

Extraction Methods

There are different extraction methods used to obtain cannabis oil and hemp extracts. These techniques include the use of natural solvents and ethanol, steam distillation, and carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction. 

A frequently used technique is carbon dioxide extraction. In this method, compressed CO2 is utilized as the extraction solvent⁽⁵¹⁾. 

Meanwhile, extraction methods using hexane or butane may leave harmful residues⁽⁵²⁾. 

Third-Party Lab Testing 

Another pertinent factor to consider when selecting the best CBD product is whether a CBD company enlists the services of a third-party lab. 

The CBD brand you choose must provide lab reports or COAs (certificates of analysis) of all their products on their official website. These reports are essential to confirm that the CBD products meet the specifications advertised on their labels. 

CBD and THC Content 

Before purchasing any CBD product, you must first know the amount of CBD and THC in it. The dose of most CBD products is expressed in milligrams (mg). 

Thus, make sure to check the COA to determine the accuracy of the declared CBD potency and concentration.

Carrier Oils  

After extracting cannabidiol from the hemp plant, CBD manufacturers infuse the compound into a carrier oil to enhance a product’s bioavailability.

The most commonly used carrier oils are hempseed and coconut oil. Most people use hemp oil and hempseed oil interchangeably. However, they have significant variations. 

Hemp oil is an essential oil that comes from the leaves and flowers of hemp plants. Meanwhile, hempseed oil is made from the pressed seeds of hemp plants. 

Hempseed oil does not contain CBD. Still, it is rich in fatty acids and nutrients⁽⁵³⁾. 

The CBD Brand’s Reputation

  There are various CBD products available on the market, especially online. Therefore, verifying whether a specific CBD brand is authorized to manufacture and sell CBD items is crucial.

Research the CBD company to know if it is a trusted brand. Visit its official website, social media platforms, and read customer reviews to get more insights into the brand and its products.

The Possible Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), CBD is relatively safe and well tolerated in humans and animals⁽⁵⁴⁾. Still, CBD may induce some risks and minor side effects, including⁽⁵⁵⁾:  

• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Reduced appetite
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue 

Another cause for concern is how CBD may interact with other medications. 

The cytochrome P450 group is a family of liver enzymes that metabolize approximately 60% of the pharmaceutical drugs people consume⁽⁵⁶⁾. 

At high doses, CBD may inhibit the activity of these enzymes, increasing the duration of action and effect of prescription drugs metabolized by the cytochrome P450⁽⁵⁷⁾. 

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) use the cytochrome P450 enzyme system⁽⁵⁸⁾. 

For instance, over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen may help relieve pain from carpal tunnel syndrome for a short period⁽⁵⁹⁾. 

However, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you are considering using CBD simultaneously with any prescription drugs to manage symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. This way, experts can advise you regarding possible drug interactions. 

Legality of CBD

The U.S. Congress ratified the 2018 Farm Bill, decriminalizing the commercial use of industrial hemp and products obtained from hemp plants⁽⁶⁰⁾. 

The bill states that Cannabis sativa L. and other derivatives of cannabis with no more than 0.3% THC content on a dry weight basis are considered legal under federal law⁽⁶¹⁾. 

The Federal Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 created a drug schedule to classify substances into five categories based on the potential for drug abuse and possible medical use of various substances⁽⁶²⁾.

Some states have passed individual laws allowing recreational and medical marijuana⁽⁶³⁾. Nevertheless, these state laws do not change the fact that, under federal law, marijuana is still listed as a Schedule I drug. 

Substances listed as Schedule I drugs have a high abuse potential with acceptable medical use. For this reason, medications under this category may not be dispensed, prescribed, or administered under federal law. 

Rules and regulations regarding medical cannabis may be confusing. Hence, consumers should familiarize themselves with various state laws. 

Before, hemp and CBD oil were illegal in South Dakota⁽⁶⁴⁾. However, on October 25, 2021, the South Dakota Department of Health formed medical cannabis establishments⁽⁶⁵⁾. 

Mount Rushmore State aims to deliver a safe and responsible medical cannabis program. Hence, Governor Noem and the South Dakota Department of Health allowed the printing and issuing of the first medical cannabis patient cards on November 18, 2021⁽⁶⁶⁾.