Sciatica: Let’s talk about how Cannabis & CBD Can Help

Sciatica: Can Cannabis & CBD help with that pain in the a** (legs, calves and toes 😡)?

I’ll tell ya’ll something…I’ve been going through it recently 🙁. From radiculopathy (which I discussed here), to pudendal neuritis, now topped off with Sciatica. I never thought it would happen to me, but basically my nerves are fried… cooked 😭. The Doc shouldn't be living like this, it's unbecoming lol.

Fortunately for you reading this, my pain can possibly help you find solutions to a problem you're having. It was sciatica that led me to rush to my PCP last week. I had lost most of the sensation in one leg and I was super worried. And since I’m a benevolent brother, I’m going to share with you all I’ve learned about sciatica's symptoms, demographics, diagnostic processes, and treatment options. And of course, we’ll also examine how cannabis and CBD might help manage symptoms, with a focus on effective routes of administration. So stand up (you don't want to sit a lot when you’ve got sciatica) and let's spark the sesh. 

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain resulting from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the body’s longest nerve running from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. Common causes include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome (which is what I have).

Symptoms often include:

• Sharp, shooting pain radiating down one leg.

• Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.

• Increased discomfort with prolonged sitting or standing.

Pearls

• Sciatica pain commonly radiates along the sciatic nerve path, making diagnosis straightforward.

• The condition is often a symptom of underlying issues like herniated discs or muscle tension.

Who Is Affected? Demographics of Sciatica

Sciatica can affect anyone but is most common in adults aged 30–50. Occupations involving heavy lifting (including recreational heavy lifting like I do) or prolonged sitting (e.g., truck drivers, office workers) increase the risk. Pregnant women are also at higher risk due to increased pressure on the lower spine.

While gender differences are minimal, men are slightly more likely to experience sciatica due to occupational hazards and higher rates of lumbar spine issues.

Pearls

• Adults over 30, particularly those in sedentary jobs, face a higher risk of developing sciatica.

• Pregnancy-related sciatica often resolves postpartum but may require physical therapy.

Diagnosing Sciatica: Tests and Imaging

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, assessing reflexes, and testing nerve response. Imaging studies like MRIs or CT scans help identify underlying causes, such as herniated discs or nerve impingements.

Ruling out similar conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy or radiculopathy, is vital for an accurate diagnosis.

Pearls

• Sciatica diagnosis often requires imaging to confirm nerve compression or inflammation.

• Physical exams like the straight-leg raise test can help pinpoint nerve involvement.

Treatment Options for Sciatica

Traditional Treatments

• Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants are commonly prescribed.

• Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve posture, flexibility, and core strength are crucial.

• Injections: Corticosteroid injections target inflammation near the sciatic nerve.

Pros: Often effective for acute pain; physical therapy improves long-term outcomes.
Cons: Medications can have side effects, and invasive procedures may not address root causes.

Holistic Treatments

• Yoga and Stretching: Poses like the pigeon stretch alleviate tension in the lower back and hips.

• Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.

• Acupuncture: Studies suggest acupuncture reduces nerve pain by enhancing blood flow.

Pros: Non-invasive and cost-effective; focuses on overall well-being.
Cons: May require multiple sessions for significant relief.

Pearls

• Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief but aren’t a long-term solution.

• Acupuncture is increasingly recognized as an effective option for sciatica relief.

Cannabis and CBD: Relief for Sciatica Pain

Cannabis and CBD offer promising options for sciatica, addressing pain, inflammation, and muscle tension.

• THC: Modulates pain signals in the brain.

• CBD: Reduces inflammation and improves recovery.

Routes of Administration

• Topicals: CBD creams can be applied directly to the lower back for localized relief.

• Oils and Tinctures: Provide systemic relief and are easy to dose.

• Edibles: Offer long-lasting effects but take longer to act.

• Vaping/Smoking: Delivers rapid pain relief for acute flare-ups.

Pearls

• CBD topicals are an excellent option for localized sciatica pain relief.

• THC may enhance relaxation and reduce muscle spasms in severe cases of nerve pain.

Rolling It Up

I’ll be lying to you if I didn't say this sciatica is kicking my behind (both literally and figuratively). It led me to my doctor's office to get orders for MRI’s. I'm also going to see a neurologist to get further testing like an EMG (electromyogram) and nerve conduction study. I’m not gonna lie, sciatica has been very challenging for me. It’s changed the way I go about my day to day activities. But slowly and surely, I’m getting it under control with a combination of traditional and holistic treatments. I’ve also had good personal results using a combination of both cannabis and CBD to manage symptoms effectively.

If you have any questions, go ahead and contact us so that we can best find the solution you’re looking for. And as always, if you’re interested in purchasing any CBD products, the ones I developed that are helping me manage my sciatica can be found here. 

Pearls

• A multifaceted approach to treatment often yields the best results for sciatica relief.

• Cannabis and CBD offer innovative solutions for managing nerve-related pain and inflammation.