How to Use Cannabis for Tension Headaches

Headaches come in many shapes and sizes. Whether it's a slight pain that pops up after a stressful afternoon or a chronic issue that happens daily, it can have a significant effect on our mood, productivity, and overall health. 

Searching for alternative methods to common over-the-counter medication, many doctors have begun to recommend the use of medicinal cannabis to treat the symptoms of headaches. While many studies have been done on the plant's potential to reduce migraines, there is little research surrounding tension headaches, a mild type of headache that over three million Americans suffer from each year. Though a tension headache won't stop you from going about your day, it can be a massive result of stress and anxiety in a person's life. 

As the legalization of recreational cannabis begins to spread throughout the county, more and more Americans have the opportunity to turn to cannabis to help with their chronic pain. This article will show how cannabis can be used to heal the symptoms of tension headaches and leave you feeling healthier, more relaxed, and pain-free.

What is a Tension Headache?

According to the Mayo Clinic, tension headaches are a "diffuse, mild to moderate pain in your head that's often described as feeling like a tight band around your skull." These headaches can be very similar to migraines, mainly if they occur chronically but do not result in visual disturbances or nausea. Additional symptoms include dull head pain, as well as tenderness around the neck and shoulders. 

There are two known types of tension headaches - episodic and chronic. Episodic patients have headaches lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to a week, less than 15 times a month, whereas chronic patients will have shorter headaches that occur more frequently. 

Common causes of tension headaches are:

• Emotional or mental stress
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Poor sleep habits
• Bad posture
• Low iron levels
• Alcohol/drug abuse

How Cannabis Helps Tension Headaches

One of cannabis' best medicinal qualities is its ability to reduce the inflammation around the head, neck, and face muscles, making it an excellent replacement for over-the-counter pharmaceuticals like Aspirin or Ibuprofen. Inhaling just a small amount of cannabis will relax the muscles within minutes, reduce blood pressure, and interact with your pain receptors so that you feel less tension around your skull. 

The plant is also a great reliever of emotional stress and anxiety among headache patients, which is a common contributor to tension headaches. While the psychoactive effects of THC can be intense for some new users, the euphoric feeling can help those suffering from headaches take their minds off of the pain and live worry-free. 

Indica-dominant strains are also effective in improving sleep, drastically reducing the number of chronic headaches that occur. Smoking or using a tincture before bed is a great way to calm down at the end of a long day and get a healthy and sound night's sleep!

CBD vs. THC for Headaches

While the hemp plant contains up to 120 different cannabinoids, its most common are THC and CBD, both effective in treating tension headaches in their way. 

CBD, a non-psychoactive element of cannabis, is exceptionally effective in helping reduce anxiety, which can help prevent stress-related headaches that occur throughout the day. On the other hand, THC causes a psychoactive high in the patient but contains more of the plant's analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Best Cannabis Products for Headaches

Our online store is full of great products to help with your tension headaches! Here are a few recommendations:

20:1 Tincture - Each bottle contains an ideal medicinal blend of CBD and THC, making it an incredible option for patients who may need pain relief and mild relaxation but are not looking for any psychoactive effects. Primarily composed of MCT oil, a natural fat found in coconut oil, one of the fastest sources of clean fuel for the body and brain. 

Rest Distillate Cartridge - Perfect for anyone suffering from tension headaches due to lack of sleep, this distillate cartridge is designed to deliver relief from insomnia and anxiety. It contains an Indica-inspired terpene blend of myrcene and linalool, boasting hints of bright citrus and relaxing lavender!
Chocolate Agave Pure THC Tincture - This tincture contains a concentrated amount of pure THC, providing instant pain relief for people who get tension headaches in the middle of a stressful day. We blend the natural sweetness of blue agave nectar, the cardiovascular benefits associated with cocoa, and the nutritional boost of MCT oil for a well-rounded, luxurious experience.