CBD For Back Pain- Does It Work?

CBD For Back Pain

Millions of Americans suffer from back pain, and you may be looking for relief. If you're looking for natural options, you might wonder whether CBD oil could help your back pain.

You can try many things to deal with back pain, from massage therapy to acupuncture and chiropractic care. But CBD for back pain has become a popular option for many people in the U.S. Not sure if it's right for you? Let's look at the science behind using CBD or Cannabis for back pain relief.

What Can CBD Be Used To Treat?

CBD oil relieves pain and reduces inflammation naturally. Inflammation is often the underlying cause of back pain, which is why it may help reduce it. CBD oil is also an anti-anxiety and antidepressant, so if you're suffering from anxiety or depression due to your back pain, CBD may also alleviate those symptoms. For depression, CBD products with high levels of CBD and low levels of THC are the most effective.

Some users have even reported that CBD has helped them manage their insomnia because it helps them relax and fall asleep faster at night.

How CBD Works For Pain?

Before understanding how CBD can be used to relieve pain, we have to know how pain works. The experience of pain is both physical and emotional. When the body is injured or threatened, it responds. Essentially, it protects the body from further damage. The release of chemicals called pain receptors causes pain. The body releases these chemicals in response to an injury or a threat. As a result, the nerves send pain signals to the brain.

These pain signals are interrupted as pain. This process helps us avoid dangerous situations like removing a hand from a hot object. 

CBD is a non-intoxicating compound that works with your body and may help reduce inflammation and ease pain.

CBD is a cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant, which also gives us Marijuana. Unlike THC, it does not make you feel "high" or euphoric. Instead, CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system to benefit your body. This system needs to be balanced; if there's too much or too little of something affecting the endocannabinoid system (cannabinoids or other compounds), it can cause dysfunction.

The endocannabinoid system is a brain system composed of neurotransmitters and receptors that regulate mood, memory, and appetite. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for the body's response to pain and stress to some degree. The pain that the endocannabinoid system can regulate is mainly related to chronic pain and stress-related signals. 

How can I use CBD for Back Pain?

Some of the most common ways to use CBD for back pain is through topical creams, tinctures, and capsules.

  • Topicals are applied directly to the skin and absorbed through the pores. Ointments or balms are rubbed into muscles, joints, or other areas of discomfort to help reduce swelling and inflammation.

  • Tinctures are created by extracting CBD from its original form (usually a plant), then diluting it in an alcohol solution that can be taken orally with a dropper or mixed into food or drink. These sublingual drops are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through your mouth's mucous membranes; they provide quick relief without waiting for digestion as edibles do.

  • Unlike pills, capsules contain a powdered form of CBD that's easy to swallow. This works well for people who have trouble swallowing.

Types of CBD products

CBD products are available in a few different types, including:

Results may vary depending on the method of ingestion. 

Cannabis May Be a Promising Chronic Pain Therapy, but More Research Is Needed

Chronic pain can be difficult to treat. We know that cannabis may be a promising regular pain therapy, but more research is needed to understand the risks and benefits of cannabis.

There is evidence that cannabis can help with chronic pain, such as neuropathy. However, other studies have shown that cannabis can cause harm when used chronically or by younger people who haven't been exposed to it.

A recent study by The University of Haifa and Rabin Medical Center found that THC-rich therapy was more effective than CBD sublingual extract therapy for treating back pain. Overall the evidence is mixed, but Cannabis products do show some positives. 

For A Safe and Reliable Option, Consider Medical Marijuana

As we continue to learn more about cannabis, more people are beginning to realize its potential benefits. Many people prefer CBD oil because it doesn't have the same psychoactive effects as Marijuana and can be legally purchased in most states. CBD might be worth checking out if you're looking for a natural way to treat your back pain. The science on the benefits of Marijuana is still ongoing. Mostly due to Marijuana's early classification as a dangerous drug. As time moves on, expect more information to be known about the Marijuana plant.  

If you are a Virginia resident suffering from back pain, you might consider medical Marijuana as an option. Consult your doctor for information regarding treatment, and look at our conditions page for more info.

Headshot of Steven Fiore, MD

This article has been reviewed by Steven Fiore, MD.

Previous
Previous

How To Store Your Medical Marijuana

Next
Next

Cannabinol: The Potential Benefits and Side Effects(CBN)