CBD for Back Pain

Ways CBD Treats Back Pain

There isn’t much research into the use of CBD for back pain, but a 2018 study did show positive results in treating pain from spinal cord injuries with a combination of CBD and THC ^{4 Cannabinoids and spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of failed back surgery syndrome refractory pain Mondello, E., Quattrone, D., Cardia, L., Bova, G., Mallamace, R., Barbagallo, A. A., Mondello, C., Mannucci, C., Di Pietro, M., Arcoraci, V., & Calapai, G. (2018). Cannabinoids and spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of failed back surgery syndrome refractory pain. Journal of pain research, 11, 1761–1767. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S166617 Mondello, E., Quattrone, D., Cardia, L., Bova, G., Mallamace, R., Barbagallo, A. A., Mondello, C., Mannucci, C., Di Pietro, M., Arcoraci, V., & Calapai, G} .

When looking more specifically at CBD, animal studies have shown CBD to have potential in otherwise difficult to treat pain—a category back pain, particularly neuropathic back pain, can often fall into ^{5 Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Therapeutics Russo E. B. (2008). Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Therapeutics and clinical risk management, 4(1), 245–259. https://doi.org/10.2147/tcrm.s1928 Russo E. B.} . And topical applications of CBD have been found to reduce inflammation and pain in rats with arthritis ^{6 Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. Hammell, D. C., Zhang, L. P., Ma, F., Abshire, S. M., McIlwrath, S. L., Stinchcomb, A. L., & Westlund, K. N. (2016). Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. European journal of pain (London, England), 20(6), 936–948. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.818 Hammell, D. C., Zhang, L. P., Ma, F., Abshire, S. M., McIlwrath, S. L., Stinchcomb, A. L., & Westlund, K. N.} .

Most researchers link CBD’s potential pain management benefits to its anti-inflammatory properties and the endocannabinoid system’s involvement in pain regulation ^{7 Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 9(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9010021 Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. 8 Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials Larsen, C., & Shahinas, J. (2020). Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials. Journal of clinical medicine research, 12(3), 129–141. https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4090 Larsen, C., & Shahinas, J} . But there is still a great deal we do not know.

There is obviously a need for more research into the potential benefits of CBD for pain management, particularly when it comes to back pain. Researchers in Australia are hoping to forge that path with a recently announced study into the use of cannabis for the treatment of spinal injuries. But there will remain a long way to go from there before doctors and scientists can definitively call CBD a beneficial treatment option for back pain sufferers.

Still, there are plenty of anecdotal stories touting the benefits of CBD in treating pain. At this point, everyone knows someone who swears by the use of CBD. And the good news is, CBD has a relatively high safety profile— especially when compared to more commonly prescribed pain medications ^{9 Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials Larsen, C., & Shahinas, J. (2020). Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials. Journal of clinical medicine research, 12(3), 129–141. https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4090 Larsen, C., & Shahinas, J.} . So if you have been suffering, there are very few reasons not to give CBD for back pain a try.

Cautions About Taking CBD for Back Pain

While CBD has a favorable safety profile, it is always important to talk to your doctor before adding CBD to your medication routine ^{9 Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials Larsen, C., & Shahinas, J. (2020). Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials. Journal of clinical medicine research, 12(3), 129–141. https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4090 Larsen, C., & Shahinas, J.} . Remember: your doctor isn’t there to judge you or talk you out of this effort. In fact, most medical professionals are coming around to recognizing the potential benefits of CBD. But there are reasons to have them monitor your progress, especially in the case of possible drug interactions.

It’s also important to keep in mind that some CBD products, particularly full-spectrum products, may contain traces of THC. If you are subjected to drug testing where this may be a problem, you’ll need to consider your options carefully.