How CBD Could Help Alleviate Chronic Back Pain

Did you know that constant back pain affects people regardless of their age? From adolescents to the elderly, no one is entirely safe. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) reports that 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their life.

Regarded the world over as the most common cause of disability, chronic back pain is a relatively common medical condition that causes extreme discomfort that hinders the sufferer’s physical activity. Causes of back pain range from simple to more severe. They include:

• Muscle strain
• Ruptured disc
• Arthritis
• Blood clot or Kidney infection

Fortunately, cannabidiol (commonly referred to as CBD) could possess possible benefits that may help persistent back pain. This article looks at how CBD could be used as a relief for constant back pain.

What Is Cannabidiol (CBD)?

Cannabidiol is a component of medical marijuana derived directly from the hemp plant. The hemp plant is closely related to marijuana (scientifically referred to as cannabis sativa). However, CBD does not have the same ‘high’ characteristics associated with marijuana. Thus, one can use CBD without getting high because CBD has less than 0.03% of THC content. THC content is the marijuana component responsible for the ‘high’ feeling one gets when using marijuana.

Cannabidiol is also safe to use, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), since people who use it exhibit no signs of dependence or abuse. The same WHO report also indicates no evidence so far of any public health conditions linked to using pure CBD.

CBD can be in the form of oils or tinctures.

How CBD Could Help Alleviate Back Pain

Even though cannabis sativa is currently gaining massive recognition in the medical world, it has been used for centuries for its potential medicinal properties. Below are ways cannabidiol, an extract of cannabis sativa, could help with chronic back pain.

May Reduce Inflammation

Studies have proved that CBD could help support pain relief by affecting the activity in the endocannabinoid receptors. The Endocannabinoid receptors are found in the body’s endocannabinoid system and are responsible for various body processes such as pain sensation, memory, appetite, and mood.

CBD may help alleviate both chronic and acute inflammation. According to studies done on rats, CBD was found to potentially reduce inflammation among rats that had osteoarthritis.

Could Combat Anxiety

As far-fetched as it may seem, emotional or mental distress like anxiety can cause back pain. CBD could possibly help alleviate back pain by combating the anxiety that often comes with persistent back pain. Studies show that CBD potentially alleviates anxiety by affecting serotonin levels, a chemical found in one’s brain. Serotonin is involved in digestion, sleep, mood, and behavior.

Potential to Help With Sleep and Relaxation

A night of good sleep and relaxation can help reduce your persistent back pain. High levels of cortisol hormone cause a lack of sleep. Usually, the cortisol hormone picks up in the morning, but people who have insomnia usually have high cortisol levels during the night, when they are supposed to sleep. This high level of cortisol hormone is responsible for the numerous awakenings at night that people with insomnia experience.

Studies found that taking CBD oil could possibly reduce cortisol levels, thereby allowing one to sleep better.

Conclusion

Several studies have shown that CBD might affect how one perceives pain. However, more research is needed to prove the case. CBD is widely regarded as having potential to benefit the whole body, with pain alleviation being one of its possible benefits.

CBD advocates also believe that CBD could be used to help with other medical conditions, apart from long-term back pain and anxiety. However, researchers are yet to prove this.