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Sciatica is a common condition that affects between 10 and 40% of the adult population at any given time.
Thankfully, CBD may be a natural antidote. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting possibility.
- What is sciatica?
- CBD and sciatica research
- CBD and sciatica: CBD massages
- CBD and sciatica: targeting inflammation
- CBD and sciatica: CBD within a healthy lifestyle
WHAT IS SCIATICA?
Sciatica is an inflammatory condition marked by pain throughout the length of the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower back through the hips, then down into each leg.
Sciatic pain can be caused by many factors. It often occurs alongside obesity, inactivity, diabetes, and advancing age. Sciatica usually afflicts one side of the body more than the other. [1]
Thankfully CBD may help — here’s how.
CBD & SCIATICA RESEARCH
Not many human studies have looked into CBD’s potential effects on sciatica. That being said, some animal studies have.
One 2019 study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology delved into sciatica’s effect on nerve pain in mice. The study’s mice were treated with either THC or CBD-infused gummies. CBD was shown to be mildly effective when it came to sciatica-related pain. [2]
Theoretical evidence aside, let’s look at 3 ways you may be able to use CBD to address sciatic pain:
- CBD massages
- Targeting inflammation
- Adding to a healthy lifestyle
CBD & SCIATICA: MASSAGES
While not many human studies have been done on CBD and sciatica, real-world experiences are beginning to outpace the research.
One Canadian woman wrote in the Huffington Post that CBD-infused massage therapy worked to reduce her sciatica symptoms. The article’s writer, Fiona Tapp, explains that she developed sciatica from her desk job — and had been struggling for years to find relief.
But things changed after the CBD massage. “That night, I happily realized that the usual pain I feel when trying to get comfy in bed was missing,” Tapp explains. “I fell into a deep sleep by 9 p.m.” [3]
Whether Fiona’s experience was due to massage therapy, CBD, or some combination thereof isn’t yet clear. The only way to really find out, is to try CBD for yourself to determine whether or not it could help with sciatica!
CBD & SCIATICA: TARGETING INFLAMMATION
According to Dr. Adie Rae, an assistant scientist at Legacy Research Institute in Portland, Oregon, and scientific advisor to Weedmaps, “there is a lack of evidence that CBD oil is effective in treating sciatic pain.”
Dr. Rae further explains, the link between CBD and sciatica relief is indeed a possibility. “In general, CBD is an anti-inflammatory,” Rae explains, “and CBD can theoretically reduce swelling and inflammation, thereby reducing pain.”
Dr. Rae believes that CBD may help with pain relief more than it helps address the root causes of sciatica themselves. The terpenes present in many full spectrum CBD products may help ‘block’ signals of discomfort from reaching your brain, too.
CBD & SCIATICA: A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Attacking sciatica should be a multifaceted process. Don’t neglect the roles that exercise, nutrition, massage therapy, mobility work, and CBD could all play in reducing sciatica and helping you feel better.
CBD dosing is important, too. For best results you may want to take both a premium CBD tincture and a high-strength CBD topical daily. The topical can be applied to any problem areas as needed. We hope CBD provides you with all the health benefits you’re looking for!
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