CBD AND BACK PAIN: DOES CANNABIDIOL REALLY RELIEVE PAIN?
Back pain affects many people of different ages, whether it is caused by lifestyle, age or injury. In search of effective and safe solutions, many turn to alternative treatments. One substance that has been gaining popularity in recent years is CBD - one of the natural substances in cannabis. Cannabis has been used medicinally for thousands of years, but can CBD really relieve back pain? Is it better to use CBD oil or CBD ointment? And what dose to use? Continue reading to find out how CBD really works and if it has positive effects on back pain.
What is CBD and how is it used in medicine?
CBD is one of more than 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis. Unlike THC, the main psychoactive substance in cannabis, it has no psychoactive effects. This means that CBD does not cause a feeling of intoxication. However, it has many therapeutic effects.
Cannabis has a rich history of use in traditional medicine that goes back thousands of years. In ancient civilisations such as China and Egypt, cannabis was considered a valuable medicinal plant and was used to treat a wide variety of ailments, from pain to inflammation.
However, it was not until the 20th century that CBD was first identified as a specific compound in cannabis. Since then, it has been the subject of detailed studies due to its potential therapeutic effects.
How does CBD affect the human body?
The human body contains an endocannabinoid system that controls many bodily functions, including mood, sleep, pain, and immune responses. The ECS consists of receptors (CB1 and CB2) that CBD acts on, endocannabinoids, and enzymes that produce and break down endocannabinoids.
CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and regulate functions such as movement coordination, pain, mood and appetite.
CB2 receptors are found primarily in the immune system and affect inflammation and pain. Unlike THC, which binds directly to CB1 receptors, CBD acts more indirectly, often by increasing the levels of endocannabinoids such as anandamide and preventing their breakdown.
As a result of these interactions with various receptors and systems in the body, CBD has the potential to influence a wide range of physiological processes, leading to its use as a potential treatment for a number of medical conditions.
How does CBD help with back pain?
- Anti-inflammatory effects: CBD has been shown to have the ability to dampen inflammation by acting on certain receptors in the endocannabinoid system. By reducing inflammation, CBD can help relieve back pain associated with various inflammatory conditions.
- Analgesic effects: CBD can act as an analgesic by affecting the receptors that influence pain perception in the body.
- Muscle relaxation: in some patients, CBD can relax muscles and reduce muscle spasms, which can be another cause of back pain.
- Improving sleep: chronic back pain can interfere with sleep quality. CBD can help improve sleep by acting on the endocannabinoid system, which can relieve pain.
How does CBD work for different types of back pain?
Acute back pain:
- Cause: this is pain that lasts less than 6 weeks, often caused by muscle strain, improper movement, a fall or an accident.
- Action of CBD: CBD has anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve pain.
Chronic back pain:
- Cause: this is pain that lasts longer than 3 months and may be caused by conditions such as degenerative disc disease, arthritis, scoliosis or chronic inflammation.
- Action of CBD: CBD can help relieve chronic pain by acting on the endocannabinoid system and regulating pain and inflammation signals .
Back pain caused by nerve compression ( e.g. sciatica):
- Cause: a hernia, narrowing of the spinal canal or tumors can compress nerves and cause pain.
- Action of CBD: CBD can relieve pain and inflammation associated with this condition due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Back pain caused by inflammatory diseases (e.g. Bechterew's disease):
- Cause: an autoimmune reaction of the body that causes chronic inflammation of the spinal vertebrae.
- Action of CBD: CBD has anti-inflammatory effects that can help manage the inflammation and pain associated with this disease.
The best CBD products for back pain
CBD is available in many forms and can be taken in many different ways. For back pain, many people choose between the following types of CBD:
- This is probably the most common form of CBD. The oil is made by extracting CBD from hemp and then mixing it with a carrier oil such as hemp, coconut or olive oil.
- How it helps: the oil is usually taken sublingually (under the tongue) so it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. It can provide overall relief from pain and inflammation in the body.
- These are topical preparations that contain CBD and other active ingredients.
- How they help: applying it directly to the affected area can provide quick relief from pain and inflammation. They are especially good for topical pain and muscle spasms.
CBD patches:
- These are CBD patches that stick to the skin.
- How they help: they gradually release CBD directly into the painful area over a long period of time. They are good for long-term pain relief.
- This is a solid form of CBD that usually contains a clearly defined amount of CBD.
- How it helps: capsules guarantee a uniform dosage and are suitable for those who do not like to ingest oil.
- These are edible products such as candies, chocolates or drinks that contain CBD.
- How they help: the effects of edibles may take a long time to take effect, but on the other hand, they can provide long-lasting relief, which may be useful for some back pain sufferers.
- This is a high concentration of CBD in the form of crystals.
- How they help: these concentrated forms may be suitable for those who need higher doses of CBD to relieve pain.
How to dose CBD for back pain relief?
The dosage of CBD may depend on the specific product you are using. Different products may have different concentrations of CBD and may require different dosages. Below is an overview of popular CBD products and their recommended dosage:
CBD oil/tincture:
- Dosage: start with 5-10 mg of CBD once or twice a day and gradually increase the dose as needed.
- How to use: the oil is usually applied under the tongue (sublingually) and allowed to absorb for about 1-2 minutes before swallowing.
CBD ointment/cream/gel:
- Dosage: the amount depends on the concentration of CBD in the product. Apply a reasonable amount to the affected area as often as needed.
- How to use: massage into the skin in the painful areas.
CBD patches:
- Dosage: one patch usually lasts 24 hours and the CBD is released gradually.
- How to use: apply to clean, dry skin at the site of pain.
CBD capsules:
- Dosage: depends on the concentration of CBD in one capsule. Common doses range between 10-50 mg of CBD per capsule.
- How to take: take with water, just like any other capsule or pill.
CBD edibles:
- Dosage: depends on the amount of CBD in the product, often containing 5-25 mg of CBD per serving.
- How to take: consume the edibles according to the directions on the package.
CBD crystals:
- Dosage: these products are highly concentrated and you should be careful with the dosage. Even small amounts can contain high doses of CBD.
- How to use: you can add them to food or apply them directly to your skin.
A few words in conclusion
CBD has become the focus of attention in recent years in the field of natural treatments for painful conditions. Especially for back pain, many people are looking for alternative ways to deal with these pains while avoiding the side effects of certain medications. Research suggests that CBD may be an effective treatment for back pain due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Even so, it is important to approach CBD with caution and consult a doctor before starting treatment.
If you suffer from back pain and are looking for a natural treatment, it's time to try our high-quality CBD products. Don't wait for the pain to get worse. Order CBD products today and see how they work.