Will CBD Oil relieve your back pain?

In Western medicine there seems to be a pill available for almost every ailment under the sun. The problem with chemical based medication is that it isn’t always effective, and often comes hand in hand with a host of undesirable side effects.

While we’ve all heard bits and pieces about CBD, for many the plant-based medicine is still shrouded in mystery, and even dismissed as mumbo jumbo by the most intellectual among us. So what does science have to say about CBD oil, and can it provide pain relief without leaving you spaced-out?

Most law-abiding citizens remain somewhat sceptical of CBD, with the mere mention of the cannabis derivative conjuring up images of billowy curling smoke. Unfortunately there are a lot of misconceptions about CBD oil, and it is commonly thought that ingesting one drop will leave users couch-locked in a stoner coma for days. This myth is completely false, and prevents a number of patients from experiencing the miraculous healing properties of CBD oil, most noteworthy of which is pain relief. I can personally testify to the effectiveness of this natural painkiller, which in my experience was far more potent than even schedule 3 prescription medication.

If you are suffering from crippling back pain, you should know that CBD oil has been proven a potent and effective alternative to chemical-based pain relief.

What are the most common causes of back pain?

Back pain is pretty common and affects about 80 percent of adults at least once during their lifetime. The injury can have a serious impact on quality of life, and is a leading contributor in missed work days among the US population. Conditions such as arthritis, skeletal irregularities, osteoporosis and ruptured spinal disks are frequently linked to back pain. However the single most common cause of back pain is without a doubt muscle or ligament strain. In my case I had been moving house solo-style, and the strain of single-handedly carrying all the heavy boxes (and furniture) left me struggling to bend down and pick up a sock.

How do I know if my back pain is serious?

It’s no secret that going to a doctor is an incredibly costly affair. Like most people, I waited until it was beyond crystal clear that the expense was unavoidable. The flipside to waiting is that your symptoms and health could spiral rapidly out of control, so it’s always a tossup because we all know prevention is better than cure. As the mental battle raged I found myself in a mild state of panic, scrolling through various horrific ailments that could potentially have been the cause of my suffering.

In the case of back pain you need to see a doctor if you have experienced a traumatic injury, coming down with a fever, feeling numb or tingling sensations. You should make an appointment if you have a history of cancer, osteoporosis, a suppressed immune system or even chronic steroid usage. If you notice your foot dragging while you walk, this could be a sign of a nerve problem which would also be considered cause for concern. Unexplained weight loss, persistent pain and old age also warrant further investigation.

CBD Oil: A natural pain reliever

While qualitative statistics reflect the effective reduction of pain that CBD is famous for, the actual scientific explanation is still in early stages of research. According to Medical News Today CBD has been found to prevent the body from using anandamide (the pain regulation compound). This means that the levels of anandamide in the bloodstream are raised, which is one theory as to how the pain-relieving properties of CBD work. Another hypothesis is that Cannabidiol has the ability to reduce inflammation in the nervous system and brain, which is thought to have a positive effect on patients suffering from back pain or pain of any kind.

Can CBD oil help with back pain?

Pain relief is the number one reason that more and more people are turning to CBD every day. In a survey taken from the Hawaii Journal of Medicine and Public Health, 97% of CBD users confirmed that they used it for pain relief, and reported a 50% improvement in symptoms. In my experience, CBD was the only effective source of relief for my torn rhomboid (upper back muscle). Another scientific study, taken from the European Journal of Pain has shown that CBD applied to the skin seems to assist in reducing arthritis-induced lower back pain and inflammation.

What are the side effects of CBD?

Before we address any potential side effects of CBD oil, let’s clear up any stigmas surrounding the plant and put the myth to bed once and for all. The cannabis species can be divided into two families: the Hemp family and the Marijuana family. The general confusion is centred on the idea that CBD oil contains THC (a psychoactive compound found only in marijuana). While CBD oil is a derivative of the cannabis species, in reality CBD contains zero marijuana, and is an extract of the hemp plant (which has no THC).

In recent years scientists have confirmed the incredible medical benefits of benefits of CBD oil, and the World Health Organisation has approved the plant medicine as safe to take in large doses. One in a hundred people may suffer from a cannabis allergy, in which case they will experience the typical symptoms associated with allergic reactions. While there are no known side effects to CBD oil, if you are taking any other form of medication it is recommended to consult your doctor to ensure compatibility.

CBD oil for back pain dosage guide

It is better to ingest CBD to experience the full spectrum of benefits. You may need to experiment a little before you find the perfect dosage for your unique biological makeup. Factors such as bodyweight and of course the amount of pain you are experiencing, all affect the dosage. Generally it is recommended to start anywhere between 8mgs and 28mgs, based on your individual needs. Stick with using the same dosage, four times a day, for a week. After the first trial week, you can up the dosage by 5mgs and repeat the process. You should get to a point where you can notice a dramatic difference in your symptoms, so continue to up the dosage (5mgs per week) until you find the dose that works for you.

Best CBD oils for pain relief

These days there are a number of “watered down” versions of CBD oil available which are not 100% pure CBD. Be careful of these brands, as they may contain harmful chemicals and ineffective properties. I did my research on the various types of CBD available and found that RE Botanicals as well as Elixinol were both reliable medical options. While all of these pure oils will provide effective pain relief, you should focus on finding the ones with the highest content of CBD. I personally would recommend the RE Botanicals’ Classic Hemp Tincture , which is a great option for effective pain management.

Elixinol

Final verdict: Should you use CBD to treat back pain?

CBD is an effective and efficient way to effectively relieve back pain. The current statistics and research strongly suggest that hardcore evidence will soon emerge to quell any and all remaining doubts. In the meantime, the qualitative data provided by surveys and early stage research is swaying toward the positive. CBD is a completely natural and safe alternative to chemical-based medication that is known for its potential to become addictive. In my personal experience I found CBD to be an inexpensive and effective alternative to prescription painkillers. As an added bonus to a noticeable relief in discomfort, I noticed a major improvement in my overall mood.

While you shouldn’t depend entirely on CBD for the treatment of any underlying cause, you can count on the plant extract to considerably soothe your suffering. If your pain is persistent or you notice other symptoms accompanying the back pain, it would be wise to get checked out in case the situation is serious. Also remember to ask your doctor if you can use CBD in conjunction with any other medications or supplements that may react. On the whole it’s safe to say that CBD is a tasty and convenient alternative to traditional Western medicine, and promotes the well being of your body, mind and soul.

Now it’s your turn

If you have a story about CBD oil or anything cannabis related, drop a comment and help add to this educational forum. Many people enjoy reading reviews for the sake of qualitative research and yours could be the one that makes a real difference in their decision to try CBD.