Migraine and cannabis

Headaches are the most common cause of pain. They account for many days of absences from work and school each year and represent a significant economic and personal burden.

Most people experience headaches from time to time, but for some, they occur regularly. They can also range from mild to completely debilitating.

In addition, chronic headaches can be difficult to treat. In fact, some medications can actually cause headaches to become more frequent when patients use them regularly.

That’s why many people are looking for more natural ways to relieve pain. In this article, we’ll take a look at cannabis and CBD oil for headaches. Here’s everything you need to know.

Types of Headaches

There are more than 150 types of headaches. Some of them are primary, meaning they occur independently of any other medical condition. Others are secondary, meaning they result from another illness, including:

• Stress
• Infections
• Sinus Problems
• Tumors
• Strokes
• nervous disorders

To keep things simple, we'll focus on four of the most common types of headaches: tension headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, and medication-overuse headaches.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are extremely common. They are caused by tension in the muscles of the shoulders, neck, scalp, and jaw.

They are often related to stress and tend to affect the forehead, temples, or the base of the skull. Patients with TTH describe the pain as a tight or band-like sensation.

Migraine

Migraines are another common type of headache. They are usually one-sided, and the pain is throbbing in nature. Migraines may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as sensitivity to bright lights and nausea.

Some migraine sufferers also experience an «aura» before the onset of an attack, characterized by flashing lights, zigzags, or other sensory changes. A migraine can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours from start to finish.

Cluster headache

Cluster headaches (CH) are a type of severe headache that usually occurs around one eye. Patients describe the pain as piercing, sharp, or burning.

Cluster headaches can occur every day for weeks or months. Each headache can last between 15 minutes and three hours.

Headaches Caused by Overuse of Medications

Some prescription and over-the-counter headache medications can worsen symptoms if the patient takes them too frequently. This phenomenon is known as medication-overuse headache (MOH) or «rebound headache.».

What causes headaches?

In many cases, the exact cause of headaches is unknown. However, scientists believe that the dilation and constriction of blood vessels play a role in certain types of headaches, particularly migraines and cluster headaches. Certain areas of the brain, including the hypothalamus, may also be involved in certain types of headaches.

Food, odors, or other environmental changes can trigger headaches. In women, monthly hormonal changes can also be a factor.

Some people find that certain foods, smells, or other environmental changes can trigger headaches. For women, monthly hormonal changes can also play a role.

Conventional Treatments for Headaches

There are many treatments for headaches. The most appropriate treatment depends on the type and severity of the symptoms, as well as the suspected cause.

For mild, everyday headaches, over-the-counter medications may be enough to provide some relief. However, for more severe or recurring headaches, preventive treatment may be necessary. This may include medications such as beta-blockers, certain antidepressants, or anticonvulsants.

However, many of these medications can have side effects, especially if used regularly. That is why many people are turning to natural remedies such as cannabis.

Cannabis for Headaches

Humans have been using cannabis to relieve headaches for thousands of years. Ancient Assyrian manuscripts state that it can «soothe the temples.» Similarly, ancient Ayurvedic texts recommend it for «ailments of the head.».

Reports on the use of cannabis for headaches have appeared throughout history, particularly in Greek, Persian, and Arabic texts. Western physicians have also encouraged its use, notably Dr. John Russell Reynolds, Queen Victoria’s personal physician.

In general, doctors recommended low doses for the prevention and treatment of headaches. The goal was to achieve symptom relief with minimal intoxication. Throughout the 19th century and into the early 20th century, numerous reports documented the successful treatment of headaches with cannabis.

How does cannabis affect headaches?

Certain types of headaches appear to involve a system known as the trigeminal-vascular pathway. This is a network of nerve cells that supply the blood vessels in the head. The process involves a variety of neurochemicals, including calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and nitric oxide (NO).

When this system becomes overactive, blood vessels dilate and constrict abnormally, which can lead to headaches and migraines. Other factors, such as the release of serotonin and inflammation, may also play a role.

All of these factors may have a complex relationship with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining the body’s balance using chemicals called endocannabinoids. Scientists have hypothesized that a deficiency in these endocannabinoids could be an underlying cause of migraines.

Scientists have hypothesized that an endocannabinoid deficiency could be an underlying cause of migraines.

For example, people with migraines appear to have lower levels of endocannabinoids in their cerebrospinal fluid. They may also have higher-than-average levels of CGRP and NO.

Cannabis has a significant impact on the endocrine system because it contains molecules that mimic the action of endocannabinoids. As a result, it can affect some of the various factors that contribute to headaches and migraines.

Other potential mechanisms by which cannabis affects headaches include its impact on serotonin release and its ability to reduce inflammation. However, we are only beginning to understand this complex relationship. Much more research is needed before we can fully understand the link between headaches and the CNS.

CBD for Headaches

If you don't have access to medical marijuana for headaches, another option is CBD oil. CBD can be extracted from cannabis or hemp, and hemp is widely available throughout the country.

CBD is just one of the medicinal compounds produced by cannabis, and it offers many of the benefits of the whole plant. The main difference is that it does not cause users to feel “high.” CBD is known for its many benefits, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.

When it comes to using CBD for headaches, it appears to improve the function of the endocrine system by slowing the breakdown of endocannabinoids. It also interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain. Although there is no specific research on CBD oil for headaches, it may be worth a try.

Most experts consider it safe and believe the risk of side effects is minimal. As a result, it is legal in most places. However, there is a risk of interactions between CBD and other medications, so some caution is necessary.

It is also important to note that the CBD market is not well regulated at this time. As a result, many brands sell low-quality products with little to no cannabinoids. It’s advisable to do thorough research before buying CBD oil to relieve headaches to ensure you choose a reputable brand.

CBD for Headache Relief: Final Thoughts

Although there is insufficient research on cannabis and CBD oil for relieving headaches, there is a great deal of anecdotal evidence supporting their use. In fact, doctors around the world have been recommending marijuana for headaches for centuries.

Before you start, be sure to consult a healthcare professional. Some reports suggest that cannabis may worsen headaches, particularly cluster headaches. It is therefore essential to use it in moderation. It is also important to get an accurate diagnosis to ensure that your headaches are not a sign of a serious underlying condition.

Finally, remember to use cannabis responsibly and always check your state’s laws before using marijuana or CBD oil to relieve your headaches.