CBD for back pain - everything you need to know!
In the last ten years, the number of people suffering from back pain has risen sharply. It is estimated that 50-80% of all Swiss people are affected by back pain. For many people it is a short-term condition, while for others it becomes chronic and permanently affects the upper or lower back.
Therefore, many are looking for a gentle and effective alternative to relieve this pain. Many of us have not had good long-term experiences with conventional painkillers from the pharmacy and their side effects.
In the case of classic complaints in the spine area in particular, it often happens that painkillers are not sufficiently effective. This article is about the cannabinoid CBD and its possible uses for back pain.
Back pain and its causes
Signs of wear and tear in the spine are often the cause of pain. Osteoarthritis is a typical degenerative disease of the spinal joints. It usually manifests itself as pain that occurs when you start moving again after a period of rest.
Bonded fascia and muscle tension can also cause severe pain. Fascia is the connective tissue surrounding muscles. When this connective tissue is hardened, the sufferer often feels pain in that specific area. In some people, the spinal vertebrae also become stiff or the tissues become hypermobile, which can lead to back pain.
Back pain can also be caused by:
- multiple sclerosis
- fibromyalgia
- Rheumatism and various muscle diseases
These systemic diseases usually result in chronic pain conditions due to the formation of inflammatory sites in different areas of the back.
CBD for back pain
When talking about products containing cannabis, a distinction must be made as to which cannabis varieties are meant. Medicinal cannabis usually refers to prescription products that contain not only CBD but also THC.
Researchers have found that the cannabinoid CBD can bind to specific receptor sites in the human body. Everyone has their own endocannabinoid system, made up of receptors that connect to specific chemical messengers, leading to specific sensations and states.
These messenger substances can, for example, trigger pain or reduce the sensation of pain. The endocannabinoid system consists of the messenger substances anandamide and 2-AG as well as the receptors CB1 and CB2. These two receptors interact with the corresponding messenger substances and can help with the following symptoms:
- stress
- Fear
- Sleep
- depressions
- inflammation and pain sensitivity
In conclusion, back pain is a widespread problem that can cause both short-term and chronic discomfort. Many people are looking for gentle and effective alternatives for pain relief, particularly due to the potential side effects of traditional pain relievers.
CBD has received a lot of attention in recent years as a potential option to treat back pain. Although scientific research in this area is ongoing, there are promising findings and positive experiences from individuals. Studies have shown that CBD and medicinal cannabis could be promising options for treating chronic back pain.
However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of CBD for pain relief may vary from person to person as everyone's body reacts differently. It is recommended to start using CBD products with a low dose to avoid possible side effects and to test the effects on your own body.
Despite the limited data, it is worth trying CBD as a possible treatment option for back pain, especially given the low side effects compared to traditional painkillers. It is advisable to consult a doctor or specialist before using CBD or medicinal cannabis for back pain, to take into account individual needs and possible drug interactions.
Ultimately, it is important for each individual to find out for themselves whether CBD products or medical cannabis are an effective option for back pain relief. Further research in this area will help gain more insight into the effectiveness and optimal use of CBD for back pain.
