Are you plagued by lower back pain? You are not alone. Experts estimate 80% of people in the U.S. will have lower back pain at some time during their life. There are several options to treat back pain. Opioids are not effective for lower back pain. Yet, doctors continue to prescribe them. This has contributed to a growing opioid epidemic. But, can CBD cream help back pain? Let’s dive into the facts.
CBD for Chronic Pain Management
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is a compound extracted from the Cannabis sativa or hemp plant. CBD does not produce the same psychotropic effects as tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. In other words, CBD does not get you high, but THC does. Research has shown CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. This can help reduce the inflammation found with joint pain.
It can also help relieve:
- Post-workout pain and discomfort
- Slow the progress of Multiple Sclerosis
- Neurological pain
- Anxiety
- Fibromyalgia
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- System-wide inflammation
CBD also helps improve sleep quality. These properties make it effective in the treatment of chronic pain. Chronic pain is ongoing and usually lasts at least six months. It can continue long after an injury, surgery, or illness has healed or gone away.
Back pain is one of the conditions that is linked to chronic pain. People with chronic pain may also experience emotional effects. Some of these emotional effects include depression, anxiety, and anger. The pain and accompanying effects can lower your productivity and quality of life.
Can CBD Cream Help Back Pain?
Back pain comes in different forms and different levels of severity. Some people experience nagging pain, but others may become disabled. Back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work and visit their doctor. Most people recover, but a recurrence is common. Low back pain costs America up to $100 billion every year. This includes medical care and lost wages.
Sitting for long periods of time raises the risk you may have back pain. Sitting increases stress on your back, arms, hips, and core muscles. And it adds pressure to the spinal discs. It is important we seek out alternative approaches to managing chronic pain. This can help increase our productivity and lower the risk of drug addiction.
Research into the use of CBD to manage chronic pain increased when hemp became legal in the 2018 Farm Bill. There is some evidence suggesting CBD can change how we perceive pain. When taken by mouth, CBD works over the whole body. This means it does not target back pain specifically.
But, when administered topically (on the skin), it can target the underlying structures. This is one of the reasons using CBD cream or oil directly over the area helps best for localized pain. This includes lower back pain. When taken by mouth, it takes longer to work because the CBD must first pass through the digestive system. This is called the first-pass metabolism.
When applied to the skin, the CBD does not go through the first-pass metabolism. This increases the effectiveness of joint pain relief. There are no specific CBD products for back pain. Some of the common products used for lower back pain can include CBD oil, tincture, cream, and lotion.
CBD Works With the Endocannabinoid System
In the 1990s, scientists found the human body has cannabinoid receptors. This also means the body produces cannabinoids to interact with these receptors. This is called the endocannabinoid system. The primary role is to establish a balance in the biological systems.
Evidence shows people with a deficiency may experience several health conditions. These can include migraines, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and other neurological conditions. CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system. These receptors are found in the brain, spinal cord, peripheral organs, and tissues.
We can support our endocannabinoid system. This improves the action of CBD oil and topical creams. These strategies include reducing stress, avoiding pesticides, regularly consuming caffeine, and exercising. Remember that caffeine can make it difficult to fall asleep. So, it’s important to stop all caffeinated drinks after 2 pm.
Using CBD Oil Vs CBD Cream For Pain Relief
Knowing which CBD product to use for long-term pain relief can be challenging. We have many choices, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. Most CBD oils are infused in a carrier oil, which helps with absorption into our bodies. The most effective carrier oils have a higher omega and fatty acid content, for example hemp oil or MCT oil.
We use hemp oil in all of our sublingual oils as CBD infuses and bonds with its oil of origin the best. Most CBD oils are taken sublingually for the quickest effects. The quickest way the CBD can be absorbed is by placing it under the tongue and holding it there for approximately 2 minutes. It is absorbed directly into the bloodstream without going through the first-pass metabolism.
CBD cream and lotions are also infused with CBD. The difference in creams and lotions lies in the consistency of the product. Creams are slightly thicker and may benefit people with dry skin. Getting the right dose of CBD from creams and lotions is not as straightforward as using oil. But it is simple to start with a low dose and gradually increase the amount of cream until you get pain relief.
It’s important to remember that CBD works in harmony with your endocannabinoid system. A bigger dose of the product may not give you better pain control. Instead, it may create an imbalance in the body.
Instead, try using a smaller amount more frequently throughout the day. This may give you greater pain relief. It may also help you avoid getting too much at one time. Keep in mind that it can take time to find the strength, dose, and timing that works best for your joint pain relief.
Choose the Right Product
Can CBD cream help back pain? Research evidence and case studies have shown that it can. When we’re in pain, the first response may be to choose the first product we can buy. But, to experience the best pain relief, it’s important to get the best product for the situation. Contact our team if you have questions about what strength or product will work for your back pain.
We have first-hand knowledge of how CBD can make a significant and positive impact on your life.