Please note: This post was originally published October 2018.
Will CBD help sciatica pain? This has been one of the biggest questions I've been asked over the years.
But before I answer the question, I wanna share my own personal experience.
Sciatica pain sucks!
I’ve been battling sciatic pain for a decade. The tingling and burning sensation running down my back and leg wasn’t horrible at first, but it was very concerning. Over the years the pain has gradually worsened to the point I considered surgery. There have been days I felt like I’m being punched in the junk and other days it was challenging to even walk.
While I appreciate my primary care physician, he hasn’t been the help I was searching for. Cortisone shots are effective for a few weeks. Muscle relaxers don’t work and only make me feel like a zombie. Stretching is beneficial but doesn’t alleviate the pain. It wasn’t until I started exploring cannabis infused products that I discovered relief.
Fortunately a friend of mine introduced me to a THC infused lotion from Apothecanna. At the time, this was the only product that could provide me any form of sciatic pain relief. The problem is you can’t get the THC infused lotion anywhere. It’s only available in states where medical marijuana or adult use is legal. It’s because of this challenge I turned to CBD.
Will CBD help sciatica pain?
Since sciatica is usually caused by a bone spur or herniated disk pushing on the nerve in your back, Cannibidiol or CBD, cannot cure sciatica. Only surgery is seems to be the option for complete treatment. However, CBD could potentially provide pain free days and much needed relief.
How CBD can alleviate sciatica pain.
Sciatica typically creates two types of pains, neuropathic and nociceptive. Limited research has suggested CBD could potentially alleviate both neuropathic and nociceptive pain. How does this work?
CBD is a molecule that binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your endocannabinoid system, a system responsible for communicating “good and bad signals” throughout your body. When CBD attaches itself to these receptors, it can change the bad signal to a good one, restoring balance or homeostasis in your body.
Cannabinoids have been shown to help your body heal from a variety of health issues. CBD is a cannabinoid that helps fight inflammation and pain. This is why CBD can help sciatica pain.
Currently there’s not enough medical research on treating sciatica with cannabis. The good news is anecdotal evidence is promising!
Using CBD for treating sciatica.
It’s important to state you should consult with your physician before changing any medications or using CBD with current medications. The two best CBD infused products are listed below.
CBD Tinctures
CBD tinctures are oils you place under your tongue, hold for 30-60 seconds, and swallow. The CBD oil will enter your bloodstream and eventually provide you with relief.
I recommend at least a 1000mg tincture due to the strength of the CBD. Start with a lower dosage (half a dropper) and increase from there. Since cannabinoids affect each person differently, be sure to keep on a daily regiment until you find your proper dosage.
CBD Topicals
CBD topicals are lotions or salves you rub onto the affected part of your body. While topicals won’t provide long lasting relief, they can provide immediate relief — usually up to two hours.
Again, I suggest a higher grade product due to the severity of sciatica. My favorite CBD topicals are Extract Labs Muscle Cream and Apothecanna Extra Strength.
It’s important to note that any topicals using menthol are wonderful — but make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after applying. Touching your eyes or your private areas with these lotions will be a very memorable and unpleasant experience.
What about THC Products for Sciatica?
If you live in a state where medical cannabis or adult use of cannabis is legal, THC products are worth checking out. THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that makes you feel high, but it’s also great for pain and inflammation.
There are times when I use THC edibles to help fight back pain and sciatica, in addition to CBD products. I certainly don’t like the couch lock high or super anxiety that comes with high dose stuff, but it's super chill to pop a 5mg gummy.
If you choose to incorporate THC into your sciatica treatment, always remember to GO SLOW.
If you get too fucked up, remember you won't die. Using CBD tinctures will help bring you down but always remain calm.
Always use responsibly.
CBD infused products are a great choice.
Using CBD to help sciatica pain is an awesome choice because these products are healthy and have rare side effects. It’s definitely a better option than opioids that cause harm to your body and organs.
If you have any questions about CBD or cannabis, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We'll do our best to provide you with the right answers or will guide you to resources to help.