Everyone, at some point in their life, experiences back pain. But for those with chronic back pain, it can be a battle to find a solution. Every year thousands of Canadians search the pharmacy shelves for painkillers and spend countless hours in doctor and physiotherapy offices trying to find the right fix for their pain. But more Canadians are looking to other ways to control their pain. The use of CBD oil as an alternative or complementary therapy to traditional medicine is on the rise. Research continues to show promising results providing back pain sufferers with hope for a more long term prescription free alternative.
Research Overview
According to Statistics Canada, back problems are one of the most common chronic conditions among Canadians with four out of five adults experiencing at least one episode of back pain during their lifetime.
The highest rates of back pain are between ages 30 to 50, with both men and women suffering at equal rates.
There are many reasons people experience back pain including
- Herniated disks
- Sciatic nerve pain
- Degenerative discs
- Inflammation
- Injury
- Age
But for many people, there is no apparent reason. The back pain seems to begin on its own and can leave people relying on painkillers or costly physical therapies. Relying on painkillers can also lead to secondary issues such as medication addition.
Research indicates that CBD positively interacts with the endocannabinoid system which sends signals to the brain and immune system, telling the body to create an anti-inflammatory response to pain.
According to a January 2020 research paper published by the Mayo Clinic, CBD was an effective therapeutic option for chronic back and neck pain, and that evidence showed that CBD played a greater role in managing chronic spine pain and curbed the use of opioids.
It was also noted that most research has been conducted through animal studies and that more human trials needed to be done to provide more conclusive results.
Benefits of CBD Oil
CBD oil is now a medically accepted treatment for back pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Due to its non-addictive chemistry, it also makes a great alternative for people who no longer want to rely on prescription medicine for pain management.
There are many benefits to choosing CBD oil over as a back pain solution:
- No High – CBD does not have the same chemical properties as THC meaning there is no risk of getting high. Users feel a sense of euphoria and relaxation but are not high.
Variety of product options – Rather than simply relying on pills, CBD users have a variety of choices for pain management including creams, edibles, capsules, and tinctures. Consult with your physician to find out which method of ingestion is right for you. - Affordable – Unlike costly prescriptions, CBD oil is available at a variety of price points.
- Non-Addictive – Many people who suffer from back pain end up addicted to their pain medication. According to the Canadian Institute for Health information, from January 2016 to June 2018, more than 9,000 Canadians died from apparent opioid-related harms. CBD does not have addiction causing properties, making it a safe alternative to prescription drugs and acceptable for long term use.
- Complementary Treatment – Unlike prescription drugs which can leave you feeling ‘out of it’, CBD allows you to continue to function normally and can be used complementarity with other forms of treatment such as physiotherapy, acupuncture, or massage.
Don’t forget, CBD can also have unexpected benefits such as relieving secondary health issues related to back pain such as anxiety, stress, and sleeplessness. CBD offers a multi-pronged approach to overall back pain management that many other types of care can not provide.
How to Take CBD Oil For Back Pain
There are a number of ways to take CBD for back pain. It is important to consult with your physician or CBD expert prior to taking it for pain.
CBD can be taken in several forms depending on the nature of the pain and the preferred method of the sufferer.
- CBD Oils Tinctures – Tinctures are extracts of hemp (in liquid form) combined with a mixture of alcohol, glycerin, or cinnamon/peppermint oil. Tinctures are usually taken sublingually and generally have a lower potency of CBD.
- Edibles – CBD is mixed with food and is generally sold in a ‘candy’ form.
- Capsules – CBD is suspended in something similar to coconut oil and put in capsules for easy ingestion.
- Creams – CBD is blended with traditional lotions or creams and applied to the skin in a similar fashion to other pain-relieving topical ointments.
Your medical professional can help you decide which form of ingestion is best for you. Not all options have the same level of potency and it is important to know how your body may respond to treatment.
CBD Oil Back Pain Risk
There are many reasons why CBD is a great choice for people suffering from back pain, but like with any treatment, it is important to be aware of the risks.
CBD oil can provide a feeling of calm and relaxation, which can affect your performance at work. Make sure to talk with your physician before taking CBD oil to ensure it will not have an adverse effect on your day to day life.
Talk to your doctor prior to starting any treatment to ensure that all possible causes of your back pain have been ruled out. Traditional tests such as x-rays or MRIs should not be avoided as more serious health issues could be causing your pain.
CBD oil does come with limited side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, fatigue, and low blood pressure. Consult with your physician to ensure CBD oil will not conflict with any medications you may already be taking.
Final Thoughts
The medical profession continues to explore the many benefits of CBD oil in the treatment of back pain. Ongoing research shows many applications for pain relief such as reducing inflammation and alleviating stress and anxiety associated with back pain.
Do your research and talk to your doctor about the risks associated with any before starting any treatment for back pain.
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PureOrganix Canada does not intend to give this as professional medical advice. Do not attempt to self-diagnose, or prescribe treatment based on the information provided on this page. Always consult your physician before making any decision on the treatment of a medical condition.