Managing Radiculopathy with CBD & Cannabis

Radiculopathy is Pinching My Nerves! 😡

I’ve been living with occasional pins and needles and tingling in my left arm and left leg for years. It’s been like that for so long, that I barely notice it anymore. Sometimes it gets bad and feels like a burning sensation (that one, I’ll never get used to lol) but I’ve never felt like I couldn't manage it, especially since I try to take good care of myself and use CBD to manage symptoms. Unfortunately, a few days ago I had what's considered a “flare up”. It was worse than normal. It was so bad that I rushed to see my physician. I had now developed weakness and that worried me, so I wasn't taking any chances. 

That experience inspired me to write this post. I know there are a lot of people out there experiencing the same difficulties. I’ve been fortunate to have been able to manage my symptoms well so it’s only right that I share what I’ve learned with y'all. We’ll explore radiculopathy, how it presents, the demographics most affected, and the various treatments available, including the potential benefits of cannabis and CBD in treating it.

What Is Radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy, often called a "pinched nerve," is a condition caused by the compression or irritation of nerve roots as they exit the spinal cord. This disruption interferes with the communication between the brain and the body, leading to a range of symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root is compressed or inflamed, often due to conditions such as herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis. Depending on the location of the affected nerve, radiculopathy is classified into three types:

• Cervical radiculopathy, which affects the neck.

• Thoracic radiculopathy, impacting the upper back.

• Lumbar radiculopathy, targeting the lower back.

The causes of radiculopathy vary, ranging from degenerative spinal changes to traumatic injuries. Even lifestyle factors, such as prolonged poor posture or repetitive physical activities (in my case playing football, lifting heavy weights to maintain my swole), can contribute to nerve irritation.

How It Presents: Symptoms and Progression

The symptoms of radiculopathy depend on the affected nerve root but generally include pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling. For example, lumbar radiculopathy often causes pain radiating down the leg (commonly referred to as sciatica), while cervical radiculopathy can lead to similar symptoms in the arms.

If left untreated, the condition may progress to chronic pain or even permanent nerve damage. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term complications.

Pearls

• The location of radiculopathy determines its symptoms; lumbar radiculopathy often presents as sciatica.

• Untreated radiculopathy can lead to irreversible nerve damage, making early intervention essential.

Who Is Affected? Demographic Data

Radiculopathy can affect people of all ages but is most commonly seen in adults over 40 due to spinal wear and tear. Men may be slightly more prone to lumbar radiculopathy, while occupations involving heavy lifting or repetitive motions increase the risk for both genders.

Socioeconomic factors also play a role; limited access to healthcare can delay diagnosis and treatment, exacerbating the condition. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, may worsen spinal degeneration, further increasing the likelihood of developing radiculopathy.

Pearls

• Radiculopathy primarily affects individuals over 40 due to degenerative spinal changes.

• Smoking tobacco accelerates spinal degeneration and increases the risk of radiculopathy.

Treatment Options: Traditional and Holistic Approaches

Traditional Treatments

The first line of treatment often includes medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants to alleviate pain and inflammation. For severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be recommended. Physical therapy is another cornerstone of treatment, helping to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and improving mobility.

While these treatments can be effective, they come with downsides. Medications may only offer temporary relief and carry risks like dependency, especially in the case of opioids. Surgical interventions, though often successful, are invasive and carry the potential for complications.

Holistic Treatments

Holistic approaches to radiculopathy focus on treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms. Acupuncture, yoga, and dietary changes have shown promise in reducing pain and inflammation. For instance, anti-inflammatory diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may help mitigate symptoms.

These treatments are generally low-risk and can complement traditional therapies, but they may require consistent effort and time before noticeable improvements are seen.

Pearls

• Physical therapy is often the first-line treatment due to its non-invasive nature and long-term benefits.

• Acupuncture and anti-inflammatory diets can be effective complementary treatments for radiculopathy.

Cannabis and CBD: Managing Radiculopathy Symptoms

Cannabis and CBD have gained attention as potential treatments for managing radiculopathy symptoms. Their ability to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system offers several benefits:

• Pain Relief: Both THC and CBD can reduce nerve pain by modulating pain pathways.

• Anti-inflammatory Effects: CBD helps minimize inflammation, which is often a contributing factor in radiculopathy.

• Neuroprotection: Emerging studies suggest cannabinoids may support nerve health and regeneration.

Routes of Administration

• Topicals: Creams and balms infused with CBD provide localized relief without systemic effects.

• Oral Consumption: Capsules and edibles offer long-lasting relief but take longer to take effect.

• Inhalation: Smoking or vaping delivers rapid relief, making it ideal for acute pain episodes.

Topical CBD products are particularly effective for individuals seeking localized pain relief without systemic side effects. Sublingual oils, on the other hand, provide quicker relief compared to capsules, which may be ideal for acute flare-ups.

Pearls

• CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system to reduce pain and inflammation.

• Topical applications are a preferred option for targeted relief with minimal systemic exposure.

Wrapping It All Up

After seeing my PCP and getting orders for cervical, thoracic and lumbar MRI’s, we confirmed that what I was experiencing was “just” radiculopathy and nothing more serious. Turns out that I am the definition of a person that would suffer from radiculopathy given my age, years playing football, lifting heavy weights and my past history of smoking cigars. Raise your hand if you knew tobacco could contribute to your pinched nerve 🤔 

Although I’m a posterboy, radiculopathy is a challenging condition that affects people of all ages and lifestyles. Understanding its symptoms, seeking timely diagnosis, and exploring a combination of traditional and holistic treatments can significantly improve quality of life. Cannabis and CBD offer promising avenues for symptom management, with various routes of administration that you can cater to your individual needs.

Advice: If you suspect you may have radiculopathy, consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. Consider integrating holistic therapies and exploring cannabis-based options to complement traditional treatments. Resources found in our knowledge section can provide additional guidance on managing chronic conditions.

PS: If you want to try CBD to help calm your nerves, I created products specifically for that- shop confidently here. 😎

Pearls

• Combining traditional treatments with holistic approaches often provides the best outcomes for radiculopathy.

• Cannabis and CBD are emerging as valuable tools for managing symptoms and supporting nerve health.