People use cannabidiol (CBD) for a lot of reasons, including pain relief. This compound found in cannabis plants is a cannabinoid similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but it doesn’t get you “high.”
While research into the benefits of CBD is ongoing, what we know so far is promising. Evidence suggests that CBD may help with chronic pain and neuropathy. This may be good news if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by compression of the median nerve in your hand.
In this article, we look at the research on CBD for carpal tunnel syndrome and list some expertly vetted CBD picks you might want to try.
No specific research has been done on CBD for carpal tunnel syndrome, but research has taken place relating to CBD for pain and neuropathy. And since carpal tunnel syndrome involves nerve pain, CBD may help.
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The participant pool was relatively small, with just 29 people in total. Still, a significant portion of the participants using CBD reported a reduction in severe pain. Compared with the control group, they also reported a reduction in neuropathy-related sensations, like cold and itching.
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According to the review authors, evidence suggests cannabis may help with neuropathic pain. But they also explained that the existing studies had short durations and were limited by small participant pools. They concluded that more research is needed, especially into the potential long-term effects of medical cannabis use.
CBD may also help with chemotherapy-related neuropathy. A
Some people also claim that CBD helps with chronic pain, and research suggests that there’s merit to these claims.
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For example, one 2021 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 136 people with hand osteoarthritis or psoriatic arthritis found that both the placebo group and the CBD groups experienced similar levels of pain reduction. The study suggests that CBD did not have any significant effect on pain intensity for either type of arthritis.
All this to say, more research is needed on how exactly CBD affects carpal tunnel. It may be worth trying since some people have experienced pain relief while using CBD.
When shopping for CBD, you’ll find it comes in many forms. You can choose from:
If you’re looking for a product to help with carpal tunnel syndrome, you may want to try a topical you can apply directly to the affected area. Topicals tend to work quicker than edibles, so they might be a good choice if you’re looking for instant pain relief.
Ingested products are another option. These are taken orally and typically provide full-body effects, so they should work for general pain relief, too. However, they may take longer to kick in than topical products.
Research suggests that CBD works best with THC for neuropathic-type pain. That means that a full-spectrum product is probably the best choice for dealing with carpal tunnel-related discomfort.
One study on CBD for peripheral neuropathy specifies that participants were treated topically with a formula containing
We chose these products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. Each product in this article:
- is made by a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
- is made with U.S.-grown hemp
- contains no more than 0.3 percent THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
- passes tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA
As a part of our selection process, we also considered:
- the company’s certifications and manufacturing processes
- product potency
- overall ingredients
- indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
Pricing guide
- $ = under $50
- $$ = $50–$100
- $$$ = over $100
Best full-spectrum CBD oil for carpal tunnel
CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 5,000 mg per 30-milliliter (mL) bottle
- COA: available on product page
This oil from CBDistillery is a good option for people who need a stronger product that doesn’t contain any genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
And despite the steep price tag, customers think the potent oil is worth it. Some even say they’ve used it for several years with success.
Still, if you aren’t happy with your purchase, CBDistillery offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on their CBD products.
Use code “healthline” for 20% off.
Best CBD isolate oil for carpal tunnel
Lazarus Naturals THC Free CBD Oil Tincture
- Price: $
- CBD type: isolate
- CBD potency: 750 mg per bottle
- COA: available on product page
This oil is a good choice if you want to avoid THC. It’s also flavorless, making it a good pick for people who want the freedom to mix their CBD oil into food or drinks. Each dropper contains about 50 mg of CBD isolate.
Lazarus Naturals also has a rewards program for frequent shoppers and an assistance program for veterans, people with disabilities, and low-income households.
Best CBD salve for carpal tunnel
Joy Organics Organic CBD Salve
- Price: $$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 1,000 mg per 2-ounce (oz.) container
- COA: available on product page
Joy Organics Organic CBD Salve is a potent topical that contains CBD and ingredients like beeswax and eucalyptus oil to help moisturize skin. The broad-spectrum product is a good choice for people who prefer to stay away from THC but still want the benefits of other cannabinoids and terpenes.
Reviewers say the product helps with joint pain and stiffness. However, one customer notes that the consistency is a bit thick and tough to work into the skin.
The brand offers free carbon-neutral shipping and is part of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable. Their products are also cruelty-free.
Use code “healthcbd” for 20% off.
Best CBD balm for carpal tunnel
TheraOne by Theragun Revive CBD Body Balm
- Price: $$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 500 mg per 1-oz. container
- COA: available on product page
Theragun, the company behind the massage gun for athletes, has now entered the CBD market with a line called TheraOne. This balm contains a blend of cooling menthol, essential oils, and turmeric.
Ingredients are also certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are cruelty-free. The brand recommends using a pea-size amount and reapplying as needed.
TheraOne uses hemp sourced from organic farms in Colorado.
The way you use CBD for your carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the type of product you choose:
- You can take gummies or capsules by mouth.
- You can place oils under your tongue or add to food or drinks.
- You can add CBD oil to body lotions and creams.
Using a topical product involves rubbing it directly on the area that’s causing you trouble. In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, that’s probably your hand or wrist.
Dosage varies from person to person. Generally, it’s a good idea to start with a low dose and work your way up. That way, you can see how CBD affects you before you take more.
When picking a CBD product, look at the following:
Potency
People with chronic pain may find a higher potency product works best. Because your skin doesn’t absorb CBD very easily, topical products should contain at least 3 mg of CBD per mL of product.
CBD type
CBD isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum. Which is the best choice?
Isolates are a great pick if you want to avoid THC in your CBD product. But without all the terpenes and other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, isolates may not be as effective. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that any CBD product may contain trace amounts of THC, no matter the type.
You’ll likely get the best results with a full-spectrum product, thanks to the entourage effect. That’s because CBD and THC probably work better together than alone.
Third-party testing
There’s no guarantee that over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products are safe and effective. Currently, the FDA doesn’t vet these products like they do prescription medications.
And without a watchful eye, some companies may take the opportunity to make misleading claims about their CBD products.
So it’s essential to check that a product has been tested by a third-party lab and has a valid COA. The COA will tell you exactly how much CBD and THC is in your product. A COA will also verify that your product has passed tests for contaminants.
Ingredients
When possible, opt for CBD made with organic, U.S.-grown hemp. If you’re buying a topical, carefully read the list of ingredients to check for potential skin irritants.
Most quality CBD products are considered safe, according to a report from the
- fatigue
- weight loss or gain
- appetite changes
- diarrhea
In most cases, these effects are mild.
CBD may also interact with certain medications, especially those with a grapefruit warning.
In general, it’s a good idea to talk with a doctor before using CBD.
If you don’t want to take CBD or find it’s not working for you, other treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome include:
Even if CBD is helping your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, you may want to consider other options for finding relief and support.
Always talk with a doctor before trying at-home treatments. Carpal tunnel syndrome can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying condition like rheumatoid arthritis.
If you’ve tried CBD and aren’t finding relief or your symptoms are getting worse, contact a doctor for an evaluation.
Can CBD really help with carpal tunnel?
There’s currently no available research specifically relating to CBD for carpal tunnel. But relevant research on CBD for neuropathy and other ailments like arthritis and fibromyalgia suggest that CBD may be helpful for certain types of pain.
Is a topical or an ingestible CBD oil better for carpal tunnel?
Because carpal tunnel typically produces pain in a specific area, a topical may be a better option for targeted relief. That said, some people like to take CBD orally and prefer the full-body effects.
What are some other natural remedies for carpal tunnel?
Some natural remedies for carpal tunnel include taking frequent breaks from repetitive activities like typing, wearing a wrist splint, avoiding the cold, and performing stretching exercises to reduce stiffness. During flare-ups, you may also consider taking OTC pain medication.
While there’s no direct research on the benefits of CBD for carpal tunnel syndrome, evidence suggests that it may help with neuropathy-related pain.
And although CBD won’t be a magical solution for your symptoms, it may help give you some relief. Just be sure to talk with a doctor about your carpal tunnel syndrome pain and discomfort before trying CBD.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3 percent THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3 percent THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
Steph Coelho is a freelance writer with chronic migraine who has a particular interest in health and wellness. When she’s not click-clacking away on her keyboard, she’s probably nose-deep in a good book.
