Women's Pain and Sleep: Can CBD Help You Get Some Rest?
March is Women’s History Month, so I’m going to focus on how specific topics affect women- especially my sisters. If you’ve been reading my posts and/or listening to #flowertothepeople segment on the Lurie Daniel Favors Show on Sirius XM, you’ll know that I have a muse who wears a crown of woolen Locs. Recently she was telling me that her mom was complaining of body aches and pain, so of course I sprung into “healer” mode. 👨🏾⚕️
I sent the Queen Mother of Princess “WollyLocs” a Rolliever to apply to her hip and a bottle of our CBD Tincture to take daily. A few weeks later while on the phone with her she says to me “you know, I put that Rolliever on my hip every night before I go to sleep. It really helps me get some rest because that hip keeps me up all night”. I thought to myself…she must be a paid actor lol. 😂
Seriously though, her “testimony” made me want to discuss the topic of women's pain and how it affects sleep. She not only mentioned her hip pain, but also other aches and pains (her feet) and how her sleep has been impacted by pain. With the clocks springing forward this month- any sleep dysregulation is especially exacerbated. So, shout out to Miss Tina Marie (no, not that one) for the inspiration she gave me. Now that props have been properly given, let's learn how common pain conditions like hip, back and foot pain can be managed holistically and with a bit of love from Dr. Damas CBD 😊
Understanding Hip Pain and Its Impact on Sleep
Hip pain is a disruptive condition, significantly impacting sleep quality, mobility, and overall quality of life. It often manifests as a sharp, stabbing sensation or a dull, persistent ache, intensifying particularly at night. According to the Arthritis Foundation, approximately 1 in 4 adults experience severe joint pain, with hip pain ranking among the most prevalent. Common symptoms include stiffness, difficulty walking, or pain radiating down the thighs or groin area. Causes range from osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis to sciatica, all contributing significantly to impaired sleep.
Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical exam, detailed medical history, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs to pinpoint the exact source.
Pearls:
*Nighttime exacerbation of hip pain often results from decreased joint lubrication during inactivity.
*Black women are twice as likely to experience severe joint pain as their white counterparts.
Demographic Insights: Why Black Women Are Disproportionately Affected
Black women experience disproportionately higher rates of hip and joint pain due to genetic factors, higher rates of obesity, and limited access to healthcare resources. According to the CDC, nearly 56% of Black women over 45 report arthritis-related pain compared to approximately 46% of white women (CDC Arthritis Data). Occupational stressors and socioeconomic barriers also contribute significantly, making timely diagnosis and effective treatments less accessible.
Pearls:
* Access to healthcare directly influences outcomes and severity of chronic pain conditions for Black women.
* Despite higher pain levels, studies show that Black women often receive less adequate pain management compared to other populations.
Common Causes of Foot Pain in Women
Foot pain in women is commonly linked to prolonged standing, inappropriate footwear, and structural differences such as higher arches or wider feet. Conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and metatarsalgia frequently affect women, particularly those in occupations requiring extended periods on their feet. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, approximately 77% of American adults experience foot pain, with women significantly more likely to experience chronic issues due to footwear and lifestyle factors.
Pearls:
* Footwear lacking proper arch support can exacerbate or even cause chronic foot pain.
* High heels significantly increase pressure on the feet, often leading to chronic foot pain and structural issues.
Common Causes of Back Pain in Women
Back pain is prevalent in women, influenced by pregnancy-related strain, heavy lifting, poor posture, and degenerative spine conditions. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 80% of adults will experience significant back pain at some stage in their lives, with women reporting chronic lower back pain more frequently than men. Conditions such as spinal stenosis, sciatica, and osteoporosis also disproportionately affect women.
Pearls:
*Women are nearly 40% more likely to develop chronic back pain conditions than men.
*Maintaining a strong core through regular exercise significantly reduces the risk of chronic back pain.
Traditional Treatments: Pros and Cons
Traditional medical approaches for managing hip, foot, and back pain include medications like NSAIDs, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and surgical interventions. While these treatments offer immediate relief, potential side effects include gastrointestinal complications from prolonged NSAID use, dependency risk from opioid medications, and possible complications from surgery, such as infections and prolonged recovery.
Pearls:
*Long-term NSAID use can cause digestive tract complications, such as ulcers.
*Physical therapy not only alleviates pain but also improves long-term joint function and overall mobility.
Holistic Approaches to Hip, Foot, and Back Pain
Holistic treatments including yoga, acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic adjustments provide beneficial alternatives or complements to conventional therapies. According to the American Chronic Pain Association, these methods can enhance overall wellbeing by reducing pain perception and stress, though they often require consistent practice and patience to observe substantial benefits.
Pearls:
* Yoga significantly improves joint flexibility and reduces stress-induced inflammation.
* Regular acupuncture sessions may reduce chronic pain symptoms by up to 50%.
Cannabis and CBD: Natural Alternatives for Pain and Sleep Management
Cannabis and CBD have shown promising results in managing pain and improving sleep. Scientific research, including a study published in the European Journal of Pain, confirms CBD’s effectiveness in reducing inflammation and pain sensation, making it a powerful tool for chronic pain management.
Routes of CBD administration include:
Topical applications: Provide direct relief to localized pain points without systemic side effects.
Oral CBD oils and edibles: Offer sustained, widespread relief, beneficial for chronic pain and improved sleep.
Inhalation (vaping or smoking): Offers rapid onset relief, ideal for acute pain episodes but carries respiratory risks.
Pearls:
*Topical CBD effectively manages localized hip and foot pain, especially from arthritis or bursitis.
*Regular oral CBD intake improves sleep quality and reduces nighttime pain significantly.
Wrapping It All Up
Thanks to Miss Tina Marie for sharing her story (It seems the muse gene runs in the family 😉). Because of her, everyone reading this has learned how hip, foot, and back pain deeply impact sleep quality. We’ve also learned that these conditions disproportionately affect Black women due to multifaceted health disparities and socioeconomic factors. While traditional treatments offer immediate relief, I believe holistic and cannabis-based solutions provide promising alternatives with fewer side effects. As such, incorporating CBD into your pain management routine could improve your quality of life significantly. If you’ve made it this far, you might as well grab a tincture and Rolliever to rub on that achy back, hip and/or them barking dawgs 🤗
As always, consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we’d love to hear from you! Remember, for safe, effective, and trustworthy CBD products personally formulated by me, visit DrDamas.com.
Pearls:
*Improved sleep quality directly enhances your body's ability to heal and cope with chronic pain.
*CBD’s interaction with the body's endocannabinoid system can naturally enhance mood, reduce anxiety, and further alleviate pain symptoms.
