How to use CBD to tackle back pain

Back pain is one of the most common ailments in the UK, with around one third of the population estimated to be affected each year – is CBD the solution?

It is unclear what causes back pain, although it’s rarely anything serious; age, poor posture and minor injuries are all thought to play a part.

However, while the underlying causes may be nothing to worry about, the pain itself can be debilitating, and sufferers can find themselves reliant on prescription medication.

However, there could be another solution; CBD.

Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, cannabis-based medicines can help manage back pain by rebalancing the body’s natural endocannabinoid pain-processing system and soothing inflamed body tissues.

Additionally, the compound can also ease the anxiety often associated with long-lasting or chronic back pain, as well as improving sleep and aiding relaxation.

However, it is important to choose the right product, administered in the right way, to get maximum benefit.

Topical application

Like medicines such as ibuprofen, CBD can be applied topically as well as taken orally. CBD-infused creams and gels are absorbed by the skin, which makes them a good solution for back or neck pain, and they have been shown to reduce inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

The products are simple to use and target the direct source of the pain, meaning it may take effect quicker.

Additionally, some topical CBD treatments may also contain other pain-relieving ingredients such as essential oils and menthol.

As with any product to be applied to the skin, a patch test is essential; a small dab on the inside of your wrist should be enough.

Edibles

Probably one of the easiest ways to use CBD is via edibles, where the oil has been used as an ingredient in baked goods, gummies, drinks or chocolates.

However, some experts discourage taking CBD edibles because dosing is unreliable, and they are appealing to children but do not come in childproof containers. Like any medicine, edibles should be secured out of sight and reach of children.

Tinctures

A tincture is an alternative way of ingesting CBD. It is made by soaking cannabis flowers in alcohol for an extended period of time. This process will extract the CBD into a more concentrated form than found in most CBD oil products. Tinctures are taken by the drop, and can be used on their own or mixed with food or a drink.

Like anything, choosing the correct CBD product to alleviate back pain may be a process of trial and error before you find the correct delivery method and dosing.

As with other natural products, there is the 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.

Despite this, for those looking for relief from back pain without the side effects or potential for addiction or reliance that accompany many prescription medications, may benefit from trying the more natural approach.