Introduction
For those who struggle with neck or back pain, the list of treatment options attempted is likely to be lengthy. Traditional treatments for pain, including opioids, come with consequences. Looking for safer alternatives, people are increasingly turning to Cannabis, hemp, and products containing cannabinoids (such as cannabidiol, also known as CBD) to treat back pain. You can also try the CBD cream UK pain.
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Cannabidiol, often referred to as CBD, is a brand unstudied and new method to treat back pain. Research suggests it could reduce inflammation, which is commonly an issue in back pain that is chronic.
CBD is available in various forms: topical creams, creams, and gels have demonstrated promising results in reducing neuropathy and inflammation, which could make them an ideal option for neck and back discomfort.
In this blog, we will discuss the ways that Cannabis aids in treating discomfort. We will be looking into its side effects as well. Continue reading!
The Problem Of Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain has various symptoms that a myriad of possible causes could bring on, and if you’ve had the unfortunate experience of LBP, you’re not the only one. According to the most recent published information from Stats Canada, 4 out of 5 Canadians suffer from lower back pain during their lives. For 85 to 90 percent of people who suffer, the root of the problem is not evident, and the consequences are often painful for those looking to get relief.
Patients complain of the sensation of dull throbbing pain or shooting pain in the leg and spasms of the low back muscles. The pain may hinder everyday activities. It makes basic chores like cooking or cleaning up seem daunting. The pain and limitations it creates can cause the sufferer to develop mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Therefore, finding the right lower back treatment for pain is of the most crucial importance.
What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis, Also called marijuana, among other names, is a psychoactive substance made from the Cannabis plant. Originating from Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, people consume Cannabis as a drug both for medicinal and recreational purposes and in many traditional remedies for many centuries.
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The plant’s dried leaves, seeds, oil, and other components to enjoy recreational and medical purposes. It has a relaxing effect and helps ease the symptoms of various ailments, including chronic pain.
Certain of the components in Cannabis can be psychoactive (mind-altering); however, others aren’t. The potency and quality of the ingredients can vary depending on how the producer cultivates and processes the plant.
Role Cannabis Plays In Your Spine Health
- Muscle Spasms
Spasticity is among the most frequent side effects of people suffering from Spinal cord injuries. There are numerous studies into how Cannabis treats spasms than other SCI consequences. In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Manitoba, they utilized a cannabis-based synthetic drug known as “Nabilone” on people experiencing muscle spasms and not only those suffering from SCI. In this study, they observed 95% of patients noticed a decrease in their muscle spasms following the use of the drug.
- Motor Function
Researchers from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil looked into the effects of CBD in motor functioning following an SCI. They found that CBD helps enhance motor function. The study was on rats who received injections of placebo as well as CBD. The injections were given within 3 hours of surgery and every day for six days following surgery. Researchers have concluded that CBD is a natural substance, that CBD is best within the first few days following the injury.
- Overactive Bladder
After a spinal injury, bladders may be overactive because they receive no guidance from the brain. A study carried out at the Switzerland Centre for Spinal Cord Injury in 2001 found that Cannabis, if placed into the rectal area, can create an enormous difference in the muscle spasticity that people experience every day.
How Does Cannabis Help In Treating Lower Back Pain?
Cannabis can ease numerous back pain symptoms as a wide array of symptoms are associated with back pain. Here are a few ailments that medical marijuana can ease:
- Pain and Muscle Spasms
Marijuana can help reduce muscle spasms. Certain studies have shown an increase of 45% in the severity of pain after 20 minutes of inhalation. Additionally, it’s efficient in treating back spasms. Several states have approved medical marijuana use to treat muscle spasms.
For instance, in Pennsylvania, Medical marijuana can be recognized for:
- Chronic or severe pain of neuropathic cause
- Chronic or severe pain that is intractable
- Nausea and Vomiting
One of the main benefits of marijuana is the ability to lessen nausea and vomiting. The traditional medications used for back pain and other chronic conditions are opioids and related drugs. Since Cannabis can treat nausea and pain, a lot of people prefer marijuana over other medicines. In addition, chronic pain can lead to depression. Medical Cannabis, however, can trigger depression and help improve sleep.
Many states have endorsed medical marijuana for treating nausea as well as vomiting. Cancer patients have utilized marijuana for several years to increase appetite and as an antiemetic. It can also reduce the side consequences of chemotherapy.
- Inflammation
Cannabis is a potent anti-inflammatory drug. It is a naturally-occurring substance for treating arthritis-related inflammation and degenerative changes to the cervical, lumbar, or thoracic spinal spine. The majority of neck and back discomfort is due to degenerative changes to the spine. A majority of patients use marijuana to relieve their pain due to inflammation.
Are There Any Side-effects?
- If Taken Orally
Cannabis can be a risk when consumed in large quantities or for an extended period of duration. Cannabis with high levels of THC (50 mg and above) is associated with psychosis, anxiety, heart attack, and irregular heartbeat. Consuming large quantities of Cannabis for a long time could result in the disorder known as cannabinoid-hyperemesis syndrome, also known as CHS.
- If The Spray Put Into The Mouth
A specific spray of cannabis extract (Sativex, GW Pharmaceuticals) is POSSIBLY safe when applied to the tongue. The side effects could include dizziness, headaches, dry mouth, drowsiness, nausea, thoughts of paranoia.
- When Inhaled
Cannabis can be dangerous if taken in large quantities or over a prolonged period of duration. Vaping or smoking cannabis could result in breathing problems such as coughing and wheezing. E-cigarettes and other vaping products that contain THC often damage the lungs in a few people.
Conclusion
While there is substantial research on the use of cannabis-based products to treat ailments, including those treating chronic pain, further focused clinical research on their effectiveness as an analgesic treatment for low back discomfort and other related issues must be investigated.
Your physician will have to examine the advantages and disadvantages of this natural treatment and what they recommend for your specific problem. Consider each aspect.
