The herniated disc is a common back injury that often results in pain and discomfort. While traditional treatments like physical therapy, medications, and even surgery can be effective, they may not be the best option for everyone. Cannabis is emerging as an alternative treatment option for herniated discs, with some studies showing that it may provide relief from the pain and discomfort associated with this injury. In this article, we will explore the current research on cannabis as a treatment option for herniated discs, as well as potential risks associated with this approach. We will also discuss the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional before beginning any type of treatment.
What evidence exists to support the use of cannabis for herniated disc?
There is evidence from clinical studies that medical cannabis could be effective in managing pain associated with herniated discs. This includes a 2017 study that found that cannabis significantly reduced pain in participants with herniated discs. Additionally, a 2018 study found that cannabis was effective in reducing sciatica pain resulting from herniated discs.
How do the various forms of cannabis consumption affect the treatment of a herniated disc?
Cannabis can be consumed in various forms, including oil, capsules, tinctures, ointments, edible products like gummies, and inhalation of smoke or vapor. Each form of cannabis consumption has a different effect on the treatment of a herniated disc. For instance, cannabis oil can be taken orally to reduce inflammation and pain, while tinctures and ointments can be applied directly to the affected area for quicker relief. Inhalation of cannabis smoke or vapor can provide immediate relief from pain and inflammation, while edible products can be used for more sustained relief over a longer period of time.
Are there any potential risks associated with using cannabis to treat a herniated disc?
Yes, there are potential risks associated with using cannabis to treat a herniated disc. Cannabis may interact with other medications, and it can cause drowsiness, confusion, and anxiety. Additionally, smoking cannabis can cause respiratory problems, and consuming cannabis can lead to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. It is important to consult a doctor before using cannabis to treat a herniated disc.
What types of cannabis are best for treating herniated disc?
The best type of cannabis for treating herniated disc is a strain that has both high levels of CBD and THC. CBD is the non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, and THC is the psychoactive compound. These two compounds work together to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms associated with herniated disc. Additionally, indica strains are typically better for treating herniated disc than sativa strains due to their higher levels of CBD and THC.
How quickly can a person expect to see results after using cannabis to treat a herniated disc?
It is difficult to predict how quickly a person can expect to see results after using cannabis to treat a herniated disc, as it largely depends on the individual and the severity of their herniated disc. Generally, people may start to experience some relief from pain within the first few days and can expect to see further improvements over the course of a few weeks.
Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is a new and relatively understudied treatment for pain, including back pain. Studies suggest it may help relieve inflammation, which is often a factor in chronic back pain. CBD is available in many forms topical creams and gels have shown promising results for inflammation and neuropathy, which may make them a good option for back and neck pain. See Medications for Neuropathic Pain. CBD requires more research in order to prove and explain its effectiveness as well as to better understand potential side effects especially long-term and potential drug interactions. CBD oil is derived from a plant called cannabis sativa. The plant has over chemical compounds, called cannabinoids, that have a range of effects, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic pain relieving qualities. CBD does not come with the high or psychogenic effects of marijuana. Some studies suggest that CBD can have an effect on how an individual perceives pain, but more robust research is needed. CBD is generally considered a full-body treatment, which means that it does not target back pain specificallyexcept in the case of topical productsbut contributes to an overall feeling of relaxation and pain relief. Advocates of CBD believe it can be used to treat a range of conditions in addition to back pain, such as anxiety-related disorders. As with other natural products, there is potential for adverse reactions when taken with other medications, especially those that come with grapefruit warnings, such as certain blood thinners. These warnings indicate that certain medications should not be taken with products containing grapefruit. Before having surgery, all cannabis use, including CBD and marijuana, should be disclosed to the surgeon or anesthesiologist. A recent study suggests that cannabis use may have an effect on medications used to sedate patients. Pulled Back Muscle Treatment. Medications for Back Pain and Neck Pain. Early Treatments for Lower Back Pain. You are here Treatment Alternative Care. Peer Reviewed. What Is CBD? The cannabis sativa plant has two main varieties that are grown for specific purposes THC content. Industrial non-drug uses. This form of the plant contains trace amounts of THC less than. This variation of the cannabis plant is called hemp. Burstein S. Cannabidiol CBD and its analogs a review of their effects on inflammation. Bioorg Med Chem. Epub Feb 7. Topical preparations for pain relief efficacy and patient adherence. J Pain Res. Published Dec Russo EB. Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Ther Clin Risk Manag. Crippa, J. Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol CBD in generalized social anxiety disorder a preliminary report. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 25 1 , Perm J. J Am Osteopath Assoc. Editors Top Picks. Health Information Sponsored.
Updated on April 7, Medical content reviewed by Dr. Joseph Rosado , MD, M. A, Chief Medical Officer. Back pain is quite prevalent, with as many as 90 percent of people experiencing it at some point in their lives. One chief cause of back pain is a herniated disc. These can be repetitive and disabling, particularly for individuals who do a lot of heavy lifting. Fortunately, medical marijuana promises relief. Cannabis can be an effective back pain treatment , according to studies published in journals like Current Neuropharmacology. The main components of cannabis, CBD and THC , have documentation regarding their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Medical weed also has anti-spasm, anti-anxiety and sedating effects beneficial for back pain treatment. Cannabinoids , in particular, are useful in treating nerve injury pain. A PLoS One- published study shows CBD administration, which is non-psychoactive and well-known for its potential therapeutic benefits like pain reduction and inflammation , could be helpful in decreasing intervertebral disc degeneration damage. Herniated discs seem to have an inflammation association. A lot of patients report marijuana and herniated disc treatment treated their back pain as well as other related symptoms. In fact, they say it works better at providing symptom relief than pharmaceuticals with substantially fewer side effects. Medical pot might also effectively treat related symptoms of insomnia, muscle spasms, depression and anxiety. Good cannabis strains for herniated discs are those that tackle not just the pain associated with herniated discs, but the other symptoms as well, such as the inflammation, insomnia, depression and more. They also should help tackle some of the negative side effects of the treatments for herniated discs, like nausea, lack of appetite, mood changes, fatigue and more. Here is a list of strains of cannabis for herniated discs you can try or talk to your medical marijuana or budtender about. Use cannabis and herniated discs treatment internally or topically for symptom relief. Common methods of delivery include.