Chronic Low Back Pain? CBD Could Be the Solution
Share
Low back pain, also known as lumbago or back pain, is an extremely unpleasant condition that affects millions of people worldwide and negatively affects their well-being. This pain can limit the mobility, productivity and quality of life of those who suffer from it. Although there are various treatment options, low back pain often proves resistant to conventional therapies. The potential of cannabidiol (CBD) as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of low back pain opens up new treatment options.
What is low back pain?
Low back pain is localized pain in the lumbar region of the back, the area from the lower ribs to the gluteal region. In 2020 alone, an estimated 619 million people worldwide were affected by low back pain, a number that is expected to increase significantly over the years. This highlights the urgent need for effective treatment strategies.
The causes of this type of pain can be varied, including poor posture, repetitive trauma, and poor sleeping habits. However, approximately 90% of cases are non-specific in origin, with no clearly identified cause.
There are various factors that can increase the risk of low back pain. Some of them are controllable, such as a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, obesity, and work-related stress. Other factors include underlying diseases, injuries, and pain reflected from other systems that manifest as back pain.
Low back pain can range from acute episodes to chronic conditions that significantly impact daily life.
Despite its temporary nature, low back pain can have serious consequences for emotional well-being and quality of life. It limits mobility, disrupts daily activities, and can lead to social isolation and psychological distress.
Although they can occur at any age, they are most common between the ages of 50 and 55 and affect women more often than men. Symptoms range from a dull or mild ache to a sharp, intense, throbbing pain.
In some cases, acute episodes of low back pain resolve spontaneously, while in others they progress to chronic pain requiring complex treatment strategies.
Conventional treatment for low back pain
Effective treatment of low back pain requires a personalized, multidisciplinary approach that addresses the underlying cause and promotes overall well-being. Treatment strategies vary depending on whether the pain is specific or nonspecific, with interventions aimed at relieving symptoms and restoring function.
For specific low back pain, treatment is directed at the underlying cause through surgical interventions, medications, or specialized procedures to promote healing.
On the other hand, treatment of non-specific low back pain focuses on relieving symptoms and restoring function through physiotherapy, psychological support, and lifestyle changes.
Medications can be used to relieve symptoms, but they should complement other therapies and be used with caution. Comprehensive clinical assessments, covering both physical and psychosocial aspects, are essential to tailor care to individual needs and optimize treatment outcomes.
CBD for back pain relief
Because conventional treatments are sometimes not enough to provide relief, cannabinoids, and specifically cannabidiol (CBD), are emerging as a potential intervention worthy of investigation.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound extracted from the cannabis plant that has attracted the attention of researchers, doctors, and patients. The potential of CBD as a therapeutic agent for treating low back pain represents a shift in pain management strategies and offers a new avenue for relief.
CBD is particularly known for its potential therapeutic effects, including modulating pain and inflammation.
Difference between CBD and THC
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana, CBD does not cause intoxication, making it a suitable option for people seeking pain relief without psychoactive effects.
Potential Benefits of CBD for Treating Back Pain
The therapeutic potential of CBD in treating back pain goes beyond symptom relief to include:
- Improve sleep quality
- Improving mood
- Reducing dependence on conventional analgesics
CBD's diverse mechanism of action, combined with its favorable safety profile, positions it as a promising complementary or stand-alone treatment for people with chronic low back pain.
Scientific research on CBD for back pain
Research on the efficacy of cannabinoids for acute low back pain is limited. For example, the CANBACK study compared 400 mg of CBD with placebo in 100 participants with acute low back pain. After two hours, pain levels and length of stay in the emergency room were similar between the two groups. However, the study has limitations, such as subjective assessment of pain and lack of information on prior treatment.
Conclusion
CBD shows significant potential as an effective remedy for chronic low back pain. While future research may expand our understanding of its actions, current data supports its role as a safe and reliable choice for complementary care.
