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Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the recently discovered treatments to counter back pain. Although no solid medical research has proved the effectiveness of CBD as a back pain treatment, many research and experiments have indicated positive results. CBD is available in various forms ranging from oils to creams and has shown promising results in managing back pain, primarily by reducing inflammation. However, more research is required to determine the exact effects and side effects of Cannabidiol.
What is Cannabidiol?
Cannabidiol is extracted from Cannabis Sativa, a plant with more than 100 types of cannabidiols. CBD is a chemical compound that possesses several health benefits, primarily anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The Cannabis Sativa plant is available in two main variants: (i) THC variant and (ii) industrial variant. The THC variant consists of THC, a psychoactive substance that produces a “high” effect. The industrial variant contains less than 0.03 percent THC and has various industrial applications in clothing and building industries.
The non-THC variant of the Cannabis Sativa plant is known as hemp and has no psychoactive properties. Since THC does not interfere or contribute to medical benefits, both THC and non-THC variants have equal medical benefits. However, since the hemp plant does not have psychoactive properties, it is legal in various states and countries all over the world.
Cannabidiol for Back Pain
Several pieces of research have indicated the benefits of CBD in reducing back pain. You write post discusses the applications of CBD in treating chronic pain conditions, as mentioned below.
- Cannabidiol has anti-inflammatory properties; therefore, it reduces inflammation, which is one of the significant causes of back pain.
- CBD helps in combating anxiety that is generally associated with chronic pain conditions.
- Cannabidiol improves sleep quality and promotes overall relaxation of the body.
Cannabidiol is considered as a full body treatment; therefore, it does not attack the back region specifically.
Does CBD have any side effects?
Cannabidiol is considered safe, even if taken in high amounts, making it one of the favorite choices of patients of chronic pain conditions. However, CBD can have some side effects if taken inappropriately or in excessive amounts. These side effects are:
- dizziness and drowsiness
- low blood pressure
- dry mouth
Some severe side effects of CBD also exist. These effects are infrequent but can happen if the consumer is allergic to CBD or consumes CBD with other drugs. Some severe side effects of CBD are:
- Confusion
- Vomiting and Diarrhoea
- Nausea
CBD, like other natural products, is generally safe but can have side effects if taken with other medications. The consumption of blood thinner medicines with CBD should be avoided.
CBD can have adverse effects if taken during surgery. Before undergoing surgery, inform your doctor or surgeon about your CBD consumption. Studies suggest that patients that consume CBD regularly can show a varied response to medications and sedatives.
Some Precautions before Taking CBD for Back Pain
Since CBD is safe to consume, you don’t need to worry about side effects unless you have an allergy to CBD or consume it in excessive amounts. However, the CBD industry is on the rise, and many CBD retailers have entered the market. Therefore you should look for the testing and labeling elements before purchasing CBD products.
Types of CBD Products for Back Pain
Since CBD is a full body treatment, there are no CBD products that specifically treat back pain. CBD products come as generalized products that can be used for various purposes. Some commonly available CBD products are discussed below.
- CBD Oil: CBD oils are one of the most commonly used and readily available CBD products. CBD oils can be vaporized, ingested, or mixed with food or other eatables. Othe CBD products like CBD creams and sprays are made of CBD oil, but CBD oil can be consumed directly as well. If you want to consume CBD in a controlled or determined dosage, you can also consider CBD oil-filled capsules.
- CBD Tinctures: Tinctures are made by soaking a cannabis flower in alcohol for a long time. Tinctures are more concentrated and contain more CBD compared to CBD oils and oil-based products. Tinctures are supplied in specially designed bottles that come with a built-in dropper. Tinctures can either be taken orally or mixed with other foods or eatables.
- Edibles: CBD edibles are gaining popularity because the taste of pure CBD is not good. CBD can be mixed in beverages or foods to consume CBD in a tasty manner. You can make CBD edibles at home by mixing CBD tincture into drinks or meals. Some common CBD edibles include gummies, chocolates, and goods.
- Gels and Creams: If you don’t want to take CBD orally, you can use CBD infused creams and gels. Like any other body lotion, CBD creams can be applied to the affected area. The cream or gel is absorbed by the skin to treat the painful area, making them excellent treatment options for inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
CBD for Other Types of Pain
As mentioned earlier, CBD is a full body treatment and helps treat almost all kinds of painful conditions. Some common chronic pain conditions for which CBD is used are mentioned below.
- arthritis pain
- migraine
- fibromyalgia
The reason why CBD is useful for pain relief is because of its anti-inflammatory properties. A vast majority of pain conditions are due to inflammation, and CBD does an excellent job of reducing inflammation and providing relief from pain. In the case of migraine, CBD alone is not effective in reducing pain but is effective if combined with THC.
Conclusion
Although there is no conclusive data to prove than cannabidiol can be the primary line of treatment for chronic pain conditions, initial research and experiments look promising. One of the most significant advantages of CBD as a pain relief medicine is that it has little to no side effects. People that consume painkillers regularly are always concerned about the side effects of pain medications. But with CBD offering similar benefits with no intoxication and addiction, chronic pain patients no longer have to rely on synthetic painkillers.