Which CBD for back pain?
Lower back pain (or backache), known as the ailment of the century, is a significant public and personal health challenge!
According to a study published in The Lancet medical journal, nearly 540 million people suffer from chronic lower back pain. Imagine, over 10% of the population lives with back pain. In France, almost 9 out of 10 people have experienced back pain at least once in their lives.
Do you or someone you know have to deal with this pain? This article is for you!
Traditional treatments can relieve pain, but they often have undesirable side effects. That's why more and more people are turning to natural alternatives, such as cannabidiol (CBD).
We invite you to discover the benefits of cannabidiol, a natural molecule derived from cannabis, its different administration methods for treating muscle pain and joint stiffness, as well as practical tips to maximize its effects.
The benefits of CBD oil for relieving lower back pain
CBD is a compound found in cannabis which, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), does not produce psychoactive effects. Several studies have shown that CBD has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and muscle-relaxant properties, making it a promising candidate for the treatment of chronic pain.
How does cannabidiol act on chronic lower back pain?
CBD acts on our body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that regulates various physiological functions, such as pain, inflammation, and sleep.
More specifically, it stimulates CB1 and CB2 receptors. These are present throughout the body, including in the muscles and tissues of the back. CBD indirectly binds to these receptors and modulates pain sensitivity.
Stay with me, I'll briefly go into the "technical" details.
One of the neurotransmitters in our body is called anandamide. Its role is to help regulate pain and inflammation (among other things).
Once the message (transmitted by neurotransmitters) is received by the cells, there is a kind of "cleaning" that takes place in the body to recover the neurotransmitters and prevent them from continuing to send messages. This process is called reuptake.
In the case of anandamide, reuptake means that its effect on pain and inflammation is time-limited. And this is where it gets interesting!
CBD prevents this reuptake! To be precise, it can inhibit the activity of an enzyme (FAAH) involved in the degradation of anandamide [excerpt from The Little Book of CBD, Prof. Nicolas Autier]. Anandamide stays longer in the body and has a greater effect on pain and inflammation. It's a bit like CBD giving anandamide a boost so it can do its job better: helping you manage pain.
As you will have understood, CBD does not only target the lower back, but it can be very effective in relieving pain associated with low back pain.
The advantages of CBD compared to traditional back pain treatments
Unlike traditional prescribed medications, CBD has few side effects and a low risk of addiction.
Traditional treatments, often prescribed for sciatica or other lower back pain, can cause gastrointestinal problems, ulcers, and bleeding. Some can even be highly addictive and lead to respiratory depression.
CBD, on the other hand, is generally well-tolerated and only causes mild and reversible side effects, such as drowsiness, nausea, dry mouth, or dizziness. These effects are mostly linked to incorrect dosage (read our article on the subject here).
The benefits of this solution seem obvious.
Just a quick reminder: it is absolutely essential to prioritize CBD from organic hemp plants, grown without pesticides or chemicals.
Scientific studies on the effectiveness of CBD in managing lower back pain
Although few studies have specifically focused on the effectiveness of CBD in treating back pain, the results of studies conducted on other subjects suggest that CBD could be a solution for people suffering from chronic pain, particularly sciatica. Indeed, some studies have shown that CBD can help reduce neuropathic pain, which is a type of pain resulting from nerve damage, as is the case with sciatica.
Several other preclinical and clinical studies have highlighted the beneficial effects of CBD on pain and inflammation in general. For example, a study, conducted on humans and published in the journal Pain, showed that the use of an oral spray containing CBD and THC significantly reduced neuropathic pain in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Different forms of CBD administration to relieve muscle and joint pain
CBD capsules: a practical and effective alternative
CBD capsules are a practical and discreet option. They allow for precise and consistent dosing, which facilitates dosage tracking. Moreover, they are easy to transport and take, whether at home or on the go. It is important to determine the appropriate dosage and especially to check for any drug interactions.
The pharmacist prepares the capsules according to a precise dosage. Your doctor can assist you; describe your symptoms to them and inform them if you are taking any medication.
The only drawback is that CBD capsules generally take longer to act because they must be digested and metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream. However, their effects last a long time, making them an interesting option.
Sublingual oils: how to optimize their absorption for targeted action on the lower back
Full-spectrum CBD oils are another popular solution for relieving aching backs. They contain not only CBD, but also all other hemp cannabinoids including THC, as well as terpenes and flavonoids, which act synergistically to enhance the effects of CBD.
This is called the entourage effect: each cannabinoid and compound interacts with the others to amplify each other's effects.
There are also broad-spectrum oils. They are also very effective. Being THC-free, they are suitable for people sensitive to this molecule.
To optimize the absorption of CBD oil and target its actions on the lower back, it is recommended to take it sublingually. Most often sold in a bottle with a dropper, its use is quite simple. Just place a few drops of oil under the tongue, let them act for about 30 to 45 seconds, then swallow. This method allows CBD to enter the bloodstream directly through the mucous membranes under the tongue. The effects are felt more quickly than with capsules, and their duration of action is similar.
For dosage, start by taking 5 or 10 mg per day then increase the dose every 3 or 4 days until you get the desired effect. Consult your doctor to check for any drug interactions and validate the dosage with them over time.
The bonus with CBD oil: its uses are multiple! You can use it in cosmetics, for example, on the skin or hair.
CBD-infused drinks: an innovative approach to relieve lower back muscle tension
CBD-infused drinks are an innovative and pleasant alternative for people seeking to relieve their aching backs while enjoying a pleasant taste experience.
There are several CBD drinks available; you will most frequently find infusions, but more and more products are emerging, such as fruit juices or even CBD-flavored waters.
Infusions are popular because they are often combined with other plants or fruits with bactericidal, relaxing, antioxidant, diuretic properties (lemongrass, cardamom, mint, chamomile...). Ideal for digestion, for example, or before going to bed.
While CBD drinks are an attractive option, it's important to note that their effects may be less intense than other forms mentioned. They remain a natural solution to incorporate into your daily habits to aid digestion after meals, as a detox cure, or for your sleep routine.
Practical advice and tips for maximizing the effects of CBD on your back pain
You have chosen the form of CBD to treat your painful symptoms, or are still hesitating, here are some tips to help you maximize the effects (and/or confirm your choice!).
Specific massage techniques using CBD oils to soothe lower back pain
Massage is an effective method for relieving lower back pain by relaxing muscle tension. The use of CBD oils during massages can enhance these effects, thanks to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the cannabinoid. The effect will be local and very precise. However, it often lasts less long than with a capsule or sublingual oil.
To maximize the effects of CBD during a massage, it is recommended to use a full-spectrum CBD oil to benefit from the entourage effect. However, broad-spectrum oil remains an interesting solution. Being THC-free, it contains all other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids to give you the entourage effect.
Apply the oil to the painful area and gently massage in circular motions. Even better: get someone to massage you, you'll combine pleasure with relaxation!
Whether you choose the broad-spectrum or full-spectrum solution, make sure your CBD oil comes from organic cannabis plants, grown without pesticides or chemical additives.
The importance of relaxation and stress management
As you probably know, stress and anxiety can exacerbate lower back pain by causing muscle tension and disturbing sleep. CBD, thanks to its anxiolytic properties, can help reduce stress and anxiety, thereby promoting relaxation and sleep.
To maximize the effects of CBD, you can practice relaxation techniques. In pain management, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing are natural solutions that have proven effective.
Taking CBD in conjunction with one of these practices (or all of them!) is a very good solution to help you relieve your pain.
Summary of best practices to adopt for optimal CBD intake in cases of low back pain
The 5 points you should remember for optimal CBD intake in case of low back pain:
- 1. Choose a form of CBD adapted to your needs and lifestyle,
- 2. Determine the optimal dosage based on your weight, the severity of your pain, and your tolerance to CBD.
- 3. Incorporate massage and relaxation techniques into your daily routine to enhance the effects of CBD,
- 4. Be patient and persistent, as the effects of CBD may take several weeks to fully manifest,
- 5. Consult a healthcare professional. They can check for potential drug interactions. They can also monitor you and note improvements and/or the appropriate dosage.
CBD could be a natural and promising alternative for the treatment of chronic back pain, thanks to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and muscle-relaxant properties.
The different forms of CBD available offer users varied options. By following the practical advice presented in this article, you will be able to maximize the effects of CBD on your back pain and regain a better quality of life.
Organic and quality first and foremost!
Remember to consult a healthcare professional before starting to use CBD to treat your pain, to ensure that this therapeutic approach is suitable for your situation and health condition.
