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Picture this: you're going about your day, when suddenly a searing pain shoots down your leg, leaving you feeling helpless and immobilised. If you've ever experienced the agony of sciatica, you know how it can turn your world upside down. You might have tried a myriad of painkillers and over-the-counter options in an attempt to relieve sciatica pain, but these are only so effective (and can bring with them a number of unwanted side effects). But what if there was a natural solution? Enter CBD, the increasingly popular compound derived from the cannabis plant.
In this blog article, we delve into CBD oil for sciatica, exploring its potential as a natural remedy for soothing nerve pain. Discover how CBD's therapeutic properties have caught the attention of countless individuals seeking respite from this debilitating condition, and which is the best type of CBD product for your symptoms. So, let’s embark on a journey to unlock the potential of CBD in the realm of sciatica relief.
What is Sciatica?
The term 'sciatica' is commonly used as a catch-all diagnosis, describing pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body. It originates from the lower back, travels through the buttocks, and extends down each leg, branching out into smaller nerves along the way. When the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including severe pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the lower back, buttocks, legs or feet. These symptoms can vary in intensity and location depending on the underlying cause of the compression or irritation but are often localised to one side of the body. Sciatica can be present for a long time, but in many cases, symptoms will have eased within four to six weeks.
Treatment for sciatica typically involves a combination of pain management, physical therapy and addressing the underlying cause to alleviate the pressure on the nerve. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve severe or persistent symptoms. For the management of pain, many people turn to over-the-counter medications, but an increasing number of people have begun searching for a natural, effective alternative which can be added easily to their daily routine.
What Causes Sciatica To Flare Up?
Sciatica can flare up due to various factors. The most common cause of sciatic nerve flare-ups is the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve itself. This compression can result from conditions such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), degenerative disc disease, or even muscle imbalances and spasms. Other factors that can contribute to sciatica flare-ups include:
- poor posture
- prolonged sitting or standing
- lifting heavy objects incorrectly
- sudden movements
- trauma or injury to the lower back or buttocks
- excessive body weight
It's important to note that each individual may have different triggers for their sciatica flare-ups, and identifying and avoiding these triggers can help in managing and preventing future episodes.
Is CBD Good for Sciatica?
Firstly, let’s make it clear: CBD will not cure sciatica. It does not directly address the underlying issues such as compression of the sciatic nerve. However, CBD has the potential to help alleviate some of the symptoms of sciatica due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. CBD is also considered a very safe natural wellbeing supplement, so if you decide to try CBD oil for sciatica, it is unlikely to result in any adverse effects. In fact, CBD may deliver a number of additional positive benefits, including anxiety and stress relief, improved sleep and better energy levels.
While there have been no direct studies on CBD’s influence on sciatica, the science is pretty robust when it comes to the compound’s positive influence on neuropathic pain and inflammation – both of which are elements of sciatica. There is also an abundance of anecdotal evidence from sciatica sufferers who have found relief through regular use of CBD.
Further Reading: Does CBD Help with Pain Relief?
How CBD Works
CBD plays a key role in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) after entering the bloodstream. The ECS, which is made up of receptors in the nervous system, organs and tissues, aims to maintain homeostasis (balance) in the body and influences mood, sleep, pain perception, inflammation, appetite, etc. When CBD enters the body, it stimulates CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain, triggering signals to restore balance. This can result in pain relief, inflammation relief, improved sleep and lowered stress levels, for instance.
What CBD Product is Best for Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Pain and its management are subjective experiences, therefore the best product for sciatica will vary somewhat between individuals. However, we recommend Mission C Relief + CBD Oil for general pain and inflammation relief, better sleep, elevated mood and an overall improved sense of wellbeing. This sublingual, broad-spectrum CBD oil reaches the bloodstream quickly to provide fast action and long-lasting calming effects.
For more localised relief, a high-quality CBD topical such as Mission C Relief + CBD Cream can do the trick. Containing 1000mg CBD plus arnica, camphor and peppermint, soothing Relief Cream relaxes the muscles, minimises swelling and quickly targets localised pain.
Quality and Purity
Purchase CBD products from reputable brands. CBD should be sourced from organically-grown hemp. Furthermore, CBD products should be independently laboratory tested for content analysis; you should be able to find lab reports on the brand’s website which verify the purity of the product.
How to Use CBD Oil for Sciatica Pain
Mission C CBD oils are best used sublingually. This means that the oil is dropped under the tongue and held there for around 60 seconds to allow the cannabinoid to enter the bloodstream. When starting, try a low dose of CBD oil twice a day. You can gradually increase the dosage if required, but ensure this is done gradually until you find your optimal dose.
Side Effects
You may experience side effects as your body becomes accustomed to the use of CBD, but these are often very mild and should subside with regular use. Side effects may include:
- Drowsiness
- Stomach upset
- Dry mouth
- Appetite changes
How Long Will It Take to Work?
If you are just starting your CBD journey then have some patience; improvements can take a while, from a few days to a few weeks. However, some lucky people report instant relief. Results depend on a number of personal factors and also how long it takes you to find your optimal dose. After a month or so of regular CBD use, you should certainly be experiencing some of the benefits for sciatica and your overall wellbeing.
Conclusion
Popular food supplement CBD has emerged as a potential natural remedy for providing relief from the debilitating effects of sciatica. While CBD oil cannot cure sciatica or address its underlying causes, it holds promise in alleviating symptoms such as pain and inflammation. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD have garnered attention from those seeking a safer and more natural alternative to conventional pain medications. Although scientific studies specifically targeting CBD's impact on sciatica are limited, substantial anecdotal evidence and scientific research is supporting its effectiveness in managing neuropathic pain and inflammation—both of which are key components of sciatica.
If you are seeking natural relief for sciatica, CBD oil and CBD topicals could be well worth exploring as part of your pain management strategy.
Want natural, fast-acting relief from sciatica pain? Take a look at our most recommended products for easing aches and pains so you can get back to doing the things you love.
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CBD Oil for Sciatica FAQs
Is CBD good for nerve healing?
CBD shows promise in providing support for nerve healing due to its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Research in this area is still ongoing.
Is CBD legal?
Yes, CBD is legal in the UK, provided that it meets certain criteria. CBD products must be derived from industrial hemp strains approved by the European Union and contain less than 0.2% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
Does CBD work for back pain?
CBD has been reported to help alleviate back pain for some individuals. Its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties may provide relief.
Does CBD get you high?
CBD does not produce a psychoactive high as it is non-intoxicating. THC, another compound found in cannabis, is responsible for the euphoric effects often associated with marijuana. CBD products are generally derived from hemp with low THC content.
