Using CBD Oil For Back Pain
Most people suffering from back pain would do anything to make it stop, especially if they have already exhausted all the conventional treatments.
Today, more people are turning to alternative treatments, such as CBD oil, to ease pain and improve their quality of life.
However, some are still unaware of how to use CBD oil for back pain properly.
Back pain is widespread in the United States; in fact, studies estimate that 50% to 80% of US adults will experience back pain in their lifetime. The same study also estimates that it affects between 15% to 20% of adults every year.
For such a common condition, there is a need for a solution with manageable or better yet, no side effects.
Current treatments may be ineffective or lead to worse complications like dependence and addiction.
Is CBD Oil Good For Back Pain?
Research and anecdotal evidence suggests that it is.
A 2019 survey by Gallup reported that 14% of American adults had used CBD products, with up to 40% using it for pain relief. This suggests that this non-psychoactive cannabinoid may have something to offer when it comes to back pain relief.
Many people do not realize how complicated and costly back pain can get. According to the American Chiropractic Association, this seemingly common condition accounts for more than 264 million lost workdays each year, which is about two days for every full-time worker.
But it is not only about losing precious workdays, but it is also expensive, costing Americans at least $50 billion in health care costs annually.
Back pain is set to become more common as our lifestyles become more sedentary.
How CBD Works For Back Pain
When CBD is delivered into your bloodstream, it interacts with the cannabinoid receptors of the ECS to cause most of its touted benefits such as mood improvement, sleep, pain relief, and general feelings of wellbeing.
The ECS is responsible for maintaining balance in the body, including regulating temperature, appetite, pain signaling, among other functions.
CBD interacts with the CB2 receptors of the ECS to bring about its benefits. But to effectively target back pain, you must know how to use CBD oil for back pain.
3 Reasons Why CBD May be Good for Back Pain
Whichever type of back pain you are experiencing; you may benefit from the following properties of CBD:
1. Analgesic (Pain Relief)
Pain is the primary symptom of back pain. It is characterized by a stabbing, burning, or dull ache in different regions of your back. The pain can range from dull to debilitating pain.
Research has shown CBD’s potential in alleviating pain.
Several studies, such as this and this one, have suggested that CBD may be useful in the management of difficult to treat pain, such as back pain.
2. Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is one of back pain’s main symptoms; many patients are prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease this condition.
However, CBD may have the same anti-inflammatory benefits.
A 2010 study review observed that cannabinoids have potential as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. It also found that CBD may significantly inhibit or delay inflammation in a preclinical model.
Another preclinical study also found that CBD provides lasting protection against the effects of inflammation in MS.
3. Sleep And Stress Improvement
One study estimates that between 50% to 80% of patients with chronic back pain suffer from insomnia and sleep disturbances.
While lack of sleep may not be the cause of back pain, it makes the symptoms worse.
Research suggests that besides soothing pain and anxiety, CBD may help you improve sleep quantity and quality.
CBD also has other benefits that may help manage your back pain.
For instance, it’s a known muscle relaxant that may come in handy if your back pain is caused by a muscle strain. Some studies also suggest that it may help protect against vertebral disc degeneration.
How To Use CBD Oil for Back Pain?
CBD comes in different types, potencies, and compositions, therefore, there are several ways to deliver it into your system.
To use CBD oil effectively, you must choose the best type.
Choosing The Best CBD Type
CBD is available in three types, full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolates.
Full-spectrum CBD is the full hemp plant extract; it contains all the cannabinoids (including 0.3% THC), all the terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds.
This type of CBD oil is the most effective because of the “entourage effect.”
The entourage effect is a mechanism in which CBD and other compounds and terpenes work synergistically and provide more significant health benefits than one cannabinoid used alone.
Broad-spectrum CBD contains all the plant compounds; cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, but it’s taken through an extra processing step that removes THC.
This type of CBD oil is best for those who would like to enjoy the entourage effect but avoid THC.
Isolates contain only CBD. The purity of these CBD products is up to 99%.
How To Use CBD Oil – Administration
There are numerous ways to consume CBD oil for back pain. Here is how to use different CBD products;
CBD oils and tinctures – These are the most popular because they are easy to use.
All you have to do is apply a few drops under your tongue and hold for up to 90 seconds and swallow. This method is called sublingual application.
It is the best way to take CBD oil for back pain as the effects kick in faster than edibles. You will feel the effects within 20-30 minutes.
CBD oils such as this 3500MG Full-Spectrum CBD Oil available from CBD BioCare are best for back pain.
CBD Edibles
Most people prefer using edibles for their taste and convenience.
You can buy ready CBD infused edibles, or you can make them at home by mixing CBD oil or tinctures with food and drinks.
CBD taken in edibles, however, takes longer to reach the bloodstream as it’s exposed to the digestion process and the “first-pass effect” where the liver breaks it down.
The benefits kick in between 1 to 2 hours.
CBD Capsules
You can also take CBD oil capsules for back pain.
This method is best for those who don’t like the taste of CBD oil or want something discreet and easy to use on the go.
Pick this 25mg Full-Spectrum CBD Liquid Capsules at the CBD BioCare online store.
CBD Topicals: Creams, Balms, Ointments
CBD oil is now available infused in products designed for topical application.
CBD topicals such as this 500mg CBD Pain Relief Balm for back pain have several advantages when applied to the skin.
Topical application is easy to target the source of the pain, it is fast, and it also has benefits to the skin.
To apply CBD topicals, clean the area where you are experiencing the pain, with one or two fingers, place a small amount of CBD cream on the center and rub it in evenly spreading it across the area.
Take Away – How to use CBD Oil for Back Pain
There are many ways to use CBD for back pain.
You can use it orally, sublingually, or you can apply it directly to the skin. However, the most important thing is whether it will work for you. Fortunately, results from early and ongoing research are encouraging.
More clinical studies are still required before CBD oil can be used as a treatment for back pain. Currently, the FDA has not approved any CBD product for use as a pain reliever.
If you are experiencing severe back pain, ensure you seek medical assistance.
Consult with your doctor before using CBD if you are already on a treatment plan.
