Nearly every person will experience some back pain during their lives. The American Chiropractic Association says that it’s as much as 80 percent of the adults in the nation. The American Academy of Pain states that “more than 26 million Americans between the ages of 20 – 64 experience frequent back pain.”
That’s a lot of people suffering from back pain!
There are plenty of pain medications out there to help, but the habit-forming side effects of opioids are well known, while Tylenol and the like might not be strong enough or might not last long to suffice. Plus, most pharmaceuticals have a whole host of other negatives that come with them as well. You’ve noticed the long list of side effects at the end of every medicine commercial.
A good alternative for pain management is cannabidiol (CBD) oil. CBD is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana that’s been found to have many therapeutic effects—pain relief being one. It won’t get you high, that’s tetrahydrocannabinol’s (or THC’s) job. You can smoke it, take it as a capsule, or rub it on the problem area to help with the pain. So, if you are suffering from back pain and are considering CBD oil to help manage it, here is everything you should know. Remember to also speak with your doctor to see if CBD is an option of your particular condition.
Types of Pain – Acute vs. Chronic
Pain comes in two forms: acute and chronic. Ever stubbed a toe or hit your knee on the corner of a table? That’s acute pain. It’s sudden and quick. Usually, it doesn’t last too long. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is pain that persists over time. For instance, arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia, and many more diseases and afflictions can cause chronic pain.
CBD oil is ideal for chronic pain because acute pain usually heals with rest and time, while chronic pain can last for more than 12 weeks (sometimes years) and often needs to be managed with medicine or through other means. Nearly 20 percent of people affected with back pain report that it’s chronic and have to deal with it through physical therapy, medications, or even surgery. Often, it’s a combination of the three, which can be expensive, time-consuming, and painful. The research is still in its infancy, but the results are promising that CBD can be useful in pain relief with little to no side effects nor any addiction potential.
What Can Cause Back Pain?
Back pain is prevalent because there are a plethora of causes for it. Let’s look at the most common reasons here:
- Being Overweight – All of the excess weight puts extra strain on the spine over time. It also can cause pain in the knees.
- Aging – Ordinary wear and tear from Father Time.
- Sleeping on the wrong mattress – A lousy bed can curve the spine in unnatural positions, causing pain, especially in the lower back.
- Bad Posture – Spending years hunched over (especially while sitting) will give you back pain.
- Injury – Usually caused by years of hard work, lifting, or a previous traumatic injury.
- Arthritis – Arthritis in the back is called osteoarthritis. It’s caused by the degradation of the cartilage on the spinal bones.
- Sciatica – Sciatica is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the butt down the back of one leg.
- Fibromyalgia – A condition characterized by fatigue and pain throughout all muscles.
There are many, many more causes for back pain. The truth of the matter is it’s a complicated situation, and sometimes the root cause is mysterious. There might not be an apparent reason why your back is hurting, but it is. CBD oil is unique in that it works in synergy with the body. Let’s take a look at how CBD works for back pain.
CBD Oil & Back Pain
First, let’s get a little into the science. Pain is felt through signals sent from the nerve endings (called nociceptors) to the brain. It doesn’t matter whether the pain is physical or chemical, the process is the same, and it’s called nociception. That’s the sweet and straightforward explanation.
Also, present within the body is the endocannabinoid system. It’s a naturally occurring network of receptors and endocannabinoids throughout the nervous system, brain, muscles, and organs. Endocannabinoid means that the compound is similar to those found in cannabis like THC and CBD. In addition, the endocannabinoid system’s primary function is keeping everything in balance.
There are two primary receptors called CB1 and CB2. Both CBD, THC, and the other cannabinoids and endocannabinoids bind to these receptors, which, in turn, give the desired effects. The receptors are everywhere, including the cells located in the spine and back. CBD is not only beneficial for pain relief, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties as well. Thus, it’s good for something like arthritis.
Overall, it can help with most conditions and has a wide range of therapeutic effects. For instance, it’s been shown to help with the lack of appetite, pain, and vomiting associated with undergoing chemotherapy. Alongside pain relief and it being an anti-inflammatory agent, CBD shows promise in helping with acne, epilepsy, insomnia, anxiety, muscle spasms, glaucoma, and the list goes on. That’s why everybody is so excited about CBD. The possibilities are endless. As more research is conducted and money is spent, CBD’s true potential as medicine will come to light.
Check out “Mixing CBD and Caffeine (Benefits and Risks)” for tips on ways you can mix (or not mix) your CBD oil.
Is CBD Oil Safe, and What Are the Side Effects?
Most research and anecdotal evidence points to CBD being unharmful, and there seem to be little to no side effects. The few there may include changes in appetite or weight, fatigue, and diarrhea. There’s a chance it may interfere with other medications as well, so be sure to check with your primary care provider before beginning to use CBD if you are new to it.
CBD doesn’t appear to be habit-forming either. This is mainly due to the fact you don’t build a tolerance to CBD. Another reason CBD is safe thanks to the endocannabinoid system. It binds with the cells and readily reacts with the body. It has receptors already fitted to accept them. Other medications can appear foreign in the body, causing an adverse reaction. CBD is generally thought of as having benefits that far outweigh the risks. Thinking of getting some CBD oil for your back pain? Check this oil out that we found for you.
How Do You Use CBD Oil For Back Pain?
The best method of use will depend upon the cause of your pain. If it’s the muscles, then a topical is the best choice. You can rub a cream or the oil directly to the area, and the effects will begin within 30 minutes. If the pain is due to inflammation in cartilage in the spine from something like arthritis, then vaping or eating, maybe a better option. The oil can be taken orally either in a capsule or sublingually under the tongue. It can even be cooked into food and consumed that way as well.
Currently, there isn’t a universally accepted dose needed for pain relief. With the differences in potency and quality in CBD (due to variance in the plants themselves), and the individual differences in a person’s genetics, metabolism, fitness level, and then the variety in ailments; it’s impossible to know a specific amount that will work best for everybody in every circumstance. It’s a trial-and-error method to find the right dose for you. If worried, consult with your doctor or primary cannabis caregiver to find the correct amount and method for you.
Is CBD Legal?
On the federal level, the answer is still no. So, truthfully, the Feds and the DEA could come shut everything down tomorrow. Better hide the bongs and papers! Joking aside, they probably won’t (please, Uncle Sam, don’t), but they definitely could if the wrong president or head of the justice department comes along. At the state level, however, the story is much happier and promising. Most states have it legal to some degree. However, only two are still holding out, but the overall goal for complete legal freedom across the board is on the horizon.
CBD Legal Over 21 States (recreational and medical)
- Alaska
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Vermont
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
CBD Decriminalized Recreationally and Legal Medically
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii (as of Jan. 11, 2020)
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Rhode Island
CBD Legal For Medical Use Only- States
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia (decriminalized in some cities such as Atlanta)
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Montana
- New Jersey
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
CBD Illegal States
- Idaho
- Nebraska (decriminalized for the first offense)
- South Dakota
The times are changing, but be sure to check the legality in your state if you are considering using CBD oil for back pain.
CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning there no intoxicating effects like with opiates. It’s also addiction free. You won’t become dependent or suffer from withdrawals if you aren’t able to “score.” Back pain affects a large portion of the population, and having a safe and reliable treatment is a great benefit. In conclusion, all research points to CBD as the right choice for pain and many other problems as well.
Let us know in the comments below if you’re using CBD oil for your chronic back pain. Also, be sure to check out “CBD Oil & Depression: Everything You Need to Know” or “From Hit to Kick: Time For CBD Oil to Take Effect” for more helpful info regarding your CBD oil.
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