CBD and sciatica: A natural ally for your aching back
- What is sciatica?
- How is sciatic nerve inflammation treated?
- How CBD works on sciatica
- How to use CBD for sciatica
- Does CBD interact with other medications for sciatica?
- Summary: CBD oil for sciatica
What is sciatica?
Inflammation of the sciatic nerve, commonly known as sciatica, is peripheral neuropathic pain that occurs when the sciatic nerve is damaged, pinched, or compressed. This often occurs as a result of a herniated disc, bone spurs on the spine, or spinal stenosis.
The pain associated with sciatica can take the form of numbness, tingling in the lower back, or sharp pain and can spread down the affected leg. In some patients, even simple muscle contractions, such as sneezing, can trigger acute sciatica pain. Damage to the sciatic nerve can often be easily repaired. However, it can just as easily become a chronic condition that may require surgery. Either way, sciatica is painful and uncomfortable and triggers severe inflammation in the body.
How is sciatic nerve inflammation treated?
Treatment for sciatica usually focuses on reducing inflammation and muscle spasms, managing pain, and preventing future injuries. Although some patients with sciatica require further care, most people can overcome sciatic nerve pain in a relatively short time after visiting a physical rehabilitation center, even with home care.
Treatment for sciatica at home is simple. It involves calming the muscles and reducing inflammation as much as possible. Symptoms can be relieved by warm Epsom salt baths, icing and warming the lower back, and taking anti-inflammatory medications. If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, it is a good idea to consult a doctor about further treatment.
How CBD works on sciatica
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a pharmacologically active component of cannabis. It has been shown to have a wide range of applications in pain management, healthy stress management, and many other areas. CBD relieves pain primarily by acting directly on nerve cells. This makes it particularly suitable for nerve-related pain, such as sciatic nerve inflammation.
How CBD works?
CBD reduces inflammation
Inflammation is one of the main causes of pain. In the case of sciatica, inflammation can cause swelling that pinches or compresses the sciatic nerve in the lower back. To manage pain caused by sciatica, popular treatment methods include suppressing inflammation with heat and cold therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). CBD is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent in its own right because, compared to many anti-inflammatory drugs that target only one enzyme in the inflammatory process, it acts through multiple pathways involved in the inflammatory response.
CBD can bring relief from nerve pain
Treating nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, is difficult, but CBD has been shown to be very effective in treating neuropathic conditions due to its unique interactions with the endocannabinoid system. CBD not only reduces inflammation, but also increases levels of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that binds to endocannabinoid receptors that stimulate well-being, which can help manage pain.
CBD has also been shown to activate vanilloid and opioid receptors, blocking the transmission of pain signals from the nerves to the spinal cord and brain. These findings have been observed both with internal use of CBD (smoking and consumption) and with external application. In a recent study, patients reported a significant reduction in pain and unpleasant symptoms such as itching or cold sensations after using CBD oil for external treatment of peripheral neuropathy.
CBD carries a much lower risk of addiction
Pain is the number one reason why people become addicted to dangerous opioid medications. Some of the medications used to treat sciatica are addictive and quickly build up a tolerance. CBD is most effective at addressing pain from inflammation in higher doses (50 mg of CBD and above).
However, CBD is well tolerated and has minimal, short-term side effects.
How to use CBD for sciatica
There are many different ways to use CBD to treat sciatica. For most people, this stubborn pain requires a fairly aggressive approach. This means applying a highly effective CBD product (topical pain relief) to the affected area and taking a highly effective CBD oil (CBD drops), capsules, or gummies. Some people even report that supplementing these effects with a vaporizer pen helps keep pain under control in the long term.
1. CBD oils in the fight against sciatica
CBD oils come in all possible versions. If your goal is to use it for overall health and well-being, 1000 mg oil should be sufficient. However, if your goal is to use it for difficult-to-treat conditions of neuropathic pain, such as sciatica, you will most likely need something much stronger. Look for a product with at least 60 mg per ml. That means approximately 2000 mg per 30 ml bottle. In general, full-spectrum CBD oils are better than CBD isolates for managing neuropathic pain.
2. CBD candies for fighting the sciatica
Oils and candies serve the same purpose. CBD gummies are a little more pleasant to use and make it easier to get the right dose. Get gummies with a highly effective broad-spectrum or full-spectrum extract. Most gummy candies are made from CBD isolate, which won’t work as well for nerve pain. In addition to CBD, many other cannabinoids have analgesic and neuroregulatory effects.
3. CBD products for external use
Many patients suffering from sciatic nerve inflammation combine both CBD for internal use (such as CBD oils or CBD chewing gum) and external use (CBD ointments, CBD gels, and the like). CBD for external use provides faster relief, but it is not as thorough or long-lasting. The best option is to choose a product for external use with high potency and a full spectrum of effects containing at least 6 mg per ml (more is even better).
4. Other cannabinoids suitable for combating sciatica
CBD is not the only cannabinoid that acts against pain. When it comes to specific neuropathic pain, other options to consider are CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol), legal forms of THC (delta-8-THC) and a new cannabinoid called THCC.
Does CBD interact with other medications for sciatica?
All medications that have a pharmacological effect carry a risk of side effects or interactions with other medications or dietary supplements. CBD is no different in this regard. Although this compound has a very high level of safety and is not known to cause any serious side effects on its own, it could interfere with the effects of other, more dangerous prescription medications.
Common medications for sciatica with potential negative interactions with CBD include:
A) Anti-inflammatory drugs
CBD may interact with anti-inflammatory drugs due to its ability to slow down metabolism in the liver. It is unlikely that this would cause serious side effects, but if you are taking corticosteroids such as prednisone and want to use CBD, it is wise to consult your doctor.
B) Muscle relaxants
All of these medications carry a high risk of side effects. Combining CBD with these medications could (theoretically) lead to a higher incidence of side effects. In practice, however, side effects from this interaction are uncommon. Always consult your doctor before combining CBD with muscle relaxants.
C) Opioid pain medications
Opioids are by far the most common and strongest group of medications used for pain relief. They work for all types of pain, including neuropathic pain conditions such as sciatica. The problem is that opioids commonly lead to side effects, can be addictive, and can cause overdose if used incorrectly.
CBD and opioids have a moderate to low risk of negative interaction, but should only be used together with extreme caution. CBD can slow down the metabolism and excretion of these drugs, which could lead to a buildup of the drug in the body with repeated use. This can be very dangerous. CBD may interact with drugs such as buprenorphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, tramadol, and others.
D) Antidepressants
Depression is a common side effect of any chronic painful condition, including sciatica. For this reason, it is common for doctors to prescribe antidepressants along with other, more direct medical treatments. CBD can interact with all major classes of antidepressants, including SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and tricyclic antidepressants. In most cases, the interaction does not cause any significant side effects, but in sensitive individuals or those taking high doses of both the medication and CBD, these reactions may occur with this combination. If you are taking prescription antidepressants, consult your doctor.
Summary: CBD oil for sciatica
Sciatica is a painful and uncomfortable condition. It is often treated with muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and opioids, but CBD can treat all of the symptoms that these medications seek to correct. CBD can reduce inflammation, calm muscle spasms, and reduce pain associated with nerve damage. Using CBD for sciatica is very simple. Just rub an external CBD product on your lower back and legs or take a CBD product orally. If you are taking any prescription medications to manage your symptoms, approach CBD with caution. Consult your doctor before using CBD to ensure that there are no potential dangers when mixing CBD with your medications.
Author: Elena Moreau
Photo: Shutterstock
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