NFL and NFLPA Back CBD in Groundbreaking Pain Management Studies
The National Football League (NFL) and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) have made a historic move to fund research into cannabidiol (CBD) and non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation (nVNS) as innovative pain management solutions. The two organizations are jointly awarding $526,525 to independent medical researchers at the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) and Emory University.
Investing in New Pain Management Methods
The NFL and NFLPA’s support comes in the wake of a societal shift towards natural alternatives to traditional pain medications. These innovative studies aim to benefit NFL players and society by investigating the potential of CBD and nVNS in managing concussion symptoms and sports medicine injuries.
Exploring CBD and nVNS
Researchers at ASPN will study refractory post-concussion headache pain, a common but often inadequately treated result of concussions or traumatic brain injuries. Their investigation will focus on CBD and nVNS, promising alternatives to traditional pain medications. Meanwhile, Emory University will delve into mindfulness-based interventions to optimize outcomes for patients with sports injuries.
Advancing Player Health and Safety
The NFL and NFLPA’s joint investment reaffirms their commitment to fostering players’ health and safety. NFL Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Allen Sills, emphasized the league’s dedication to exploring every potential treatment for its players. Concurrently, the NFL-NFLPA Pain Management Committee hopes these studies will lead to advancements benefiting NFL players on and off the field.
No Impact on Substance Abuse Policies
While these studies could inform innovative pain management strategies, they won’t affect the jointly administered Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse under the current NFL-NFLPA collective bargaining agreement. NFL players are prohibited from participating in the studies, which will instead involve elite athletes from outside the NFL.
In committing to these exploratory studies, the NFL and NFLPA are ushering in a new chapter in pain management within sports and beyond. Their support for CBD research symbolizes a significant leap towards a future where pain management is effective, innovative, and natural.
