Best CBD Products for Sciatica Nerve Pain
Published July 31, 2021.
The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in the human body, originating in the lower back and running down both legs. When this nerve is aggravated - usually, but not exclusively, as a result of a herniated disk- it can lead to inflammation, pinching, or compression of the sciatic nerve, resulting in a chronically painful condition called sciatica.
The most common symptoms of sciatica are a moderate to severe nerve pain and numbness in any area inhabited by the sciatic nerve.
The condition usually goes away on its own after time but can have its symptoms eased with medication, which is where CBD comes into play. With the growing body of evidence to support the fact that CBD exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, more individuals are turning to CBD products.
In this article, we will be discussing the effectiveness of this and how best to go about using CBD oil for sciatica.
How to Take CBD Oil For Sciatica
There are a growing number of products that contain CBD oil, all with their different methods of application, which gives you a lot of room to choose which CBD products you'd like to try.
Using Hemp, CBD Oils and Tinctures for Sciatica Nerve Pain
Probably the most widely used form of CBD, oils or tinctures applied sublingually have the best balance of bioavailability, time of onset, duration of the effect, and low risk.
The only CBD form that has a higher bioavailability than sublingual application is vaping or smoking, but the added risk to your respiratory system is not advised.
Does CBD Cream Help Sciatica?
Although topical CBD products (balms, lotions, and oils) have relatively low bioavailability, you might still find some benefit from using them for sciatica. Rubbing CBD balms or creams onto the affected areas in addition to taking CBD oils sublingually can potentially treat the sciatica pain and inflammation in a local area.
What is the Best Dosage and Strain of CBD for Sciatica?
As is always the case with CBD products, there is no recommended dosage, and it varies greatly depending on the individual, the product, and the condition. The only advice you can get on this topic is to start low and go slow until you find what works for you.
As for the strain, Indica and Sativa are terms often used to differentiate the different types of cannabis flowers that are purchased for their varying THC content (the psychoactive compound of cannabis). The terms don't really apply to refined CBD products as most, if not all, have the THC removed.
Are There Possible Drug-to-Drug Interactions?
Both analgesic and anti-inflammatory meds are prescribed for sciatica. Although CBD seems to exhibit the same effects as these drugs, they operate with different mechanisms.
However, the three substances are metabolised by the liver in relatively the same way, and so taking them in conjunction could potentially slow the rate at which the pharmaceuticals are metabolised and therefore increase the risk and severity of their associated side effects.
A Final Thought
CBD has been used for millennia as a treatment for pain and inflammation, and so could potentially be an effective treatment for sciatica. However, there is no documented evidence of interactions between prescribed sciatica medication and CBD.
What this means is that you should first contact your doctor before intending to implement CBD into your life as they can give you more insight into your particular situation.
