Back On Track: How To Deal With Chronic Back Pain Using CBD

Back pain is a common problem. In fact, it's estimated that 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives.(1) You may not be worried about a small amount of discomfort every so often. But if you suffer from chronic back pain — you may be wondering if it will ever go away.

If back troubles are preventing you from enjoying the activities you used to, the good news is that chronic back pain might not have to be an inevitable part of life. There are many things you can do to help manage symptoms and lead a more fulfilling life.

One thing you may not know is how CBD may assist you in your efforts.

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is an active compound that's found in the cannabis plant. It doesn't produce any psychoactive effects (that would be THC's domain). Instead, it's been shown to have a range of benefits like:(2)

• Providing relief for acute and chronic pain
• Reducing seizures
• Easing stress
• Alleviating nausea

How can CBD ease chronic back pain? As an anti-inflammatory, CBD may help with inflammation-related issues like arthritis or ruptured discs.

CBD Products For Chronic Back Pain

Many people reach for OTC or prescription pain relief drugs to deal with their chronic back pain. Unfortunately, pain meds — like opioids — can be addicting and cause more harm down the line. On the other hand, CBD is a natural and non-habit-forming option for someone seeking an alternative to pain medications.

And luckily for consumers today, CBD is readily available in the form of tinctures, capsules, creams, and more. Each CBD product has a different strength and method of consumption, so you can choose the one that's right for your needs.

Below are some items to ponder if you're looking for a CBD product. For a more in-depth look at each of these, head on over to our article Which CBD Product Is Right For You: CBD Tinctures, Gummies, Topicals & Softgels.

CBD Patches For Back Pain

CBD patches are transdermal patches that contain cannabidiol. They work by releasing the CBD into the bloodstream through the skin. Using CBD patches for pain relief is an easy way to target localized pain.

When using CBD patches for back pain, make sure to prep the area of your skin you plan to use them on. Ensure the spot the CBD patch will go on is clean so the patch will adhere and deliver the CBD effectively.

Topical CBD Ointment

If you'd like a topical option that gives more choice over how much or how little CBD you're taking, CBD topical ointments could be just the thing for you. They work like CBD patches — the CBD gets absorbed through the skin into your bloodstream. And, not only do you get to better control the amount and location of the cream you apply, you can even add a little massage therapy!

You'll find CBD topical creams and CBD ointments for sale in many places that offer CBD products. Like CBD patches, CBD creams and CBD topicals are made to quell pain in specific areas of the body.

Ingestible CBD Products

You may also consider taking CBD in the form of a capsule or tincture. You can find many ingestible CBD options — even flavored ones that are made in gummy form.

Edible options include:

• CBD gummies
• CBD oils
• CBD water solubles
• CBD softgels

When it comes to CBD products, each has its own unique qualities. CBD oils are known to be faster acting, where CBD gummies are crafted to be convenient and delicious.

Where To Buy CBD Oils, Gummies, Ointments, & Patches

You've done your research and chosen the CBD product that's right for you. Now all you need is somewhere to get your CBD product!

You can find 100% federally-legal CBD products online these days — which is great because you have a world of choices at your fingertips. Online stores can ship CBD products to all 50 states (as long as the CBD products are hemp-derived and have no more than 0.3% THC content). This means you can get CBD creams and patches for back pain shipped straight to your door.

Other Lifestyle Changes To Battle Back Pain

Back pain doesn't often go away on its own. One of the best things you can do is to live a lifestyle that helps keep your back healthy, both in the short- and long-term.

Exercise

Strengthening the muscles in your core (back + abs) is an important part of preventing pain. The weaker the muscles, the harder your body works to keep your spine upright. This can cause a lot of pain and discomfort that radiates across your back and into the neck and shoulders.

If exercise isn't part of your normal routine, try building a habit of light exercise and stretches. Don't do any activities that cause more pain (We’re looking at you, running on pavement!), but don't be afraid to incorporate some light or gentle activity — like walking or yoga — into your life.

Diet

What you eat may be contributing to your chronic back pain. Try to reduce consumption of foods that’re highly inflammatory. These include foods loaded with refined sugars and trans fats.

Avoid things like:(3)

• Fried foods
• Sugary beverages
• Red and processed meats
• Simple carbohydrates (like sugar and white breads)

Add more of these anti-inflammatory foods to your diet:(4)

• Cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, arugula, radishes)
• Berries
• Olive oil
• Nuts
• Tomatoes

Making a few changes to your diet can go a long way in helping your body fight chronic back pain.

Mindfulness

Several studies have shown the power of mindfulness meditation to combat pain in a wide range of pain-related disorders.(5) It can even help you manage other symptoms that often accompany chronic illnesses — like depression, anxiety, and stress.

You can even try incorporating some CBD oil into a mindfulness routine to really help you get into a relaxed and meditative state of mind.

Physical Therapy

Be sure to talk to your doctor about your back pain if you haven't already. He or she can discuss options available for you based on your personal health history.

Your doc may connect you with a qualified physical therapist who’ll be able to assist you in working through your conditions and getting on the path to recovery. In physical therapy, you'll learn techniques to help improve your flexibility, correct poor posture, and strengthen your back muscles.

CBD Relief Vertebra By Vertebra

Chronic back pain can be debilitating and seriously affect quality of life. Fortunately, CBD may offer relief for some sufferers without the side effects that come with many other medications on the market today.

There's a range of ways you can get your daily dose of CBD if chronic back pain is an issue in your life. You can choose from ingestible options — like capsules or tinctures — to topical applications — such as creams and ointments.

For tackling chronic back pain (without having to bend over backwards) consider:

• CBD products to manage the pain
• Exercise to strengthen your core muscles
• A healthy diet full of anti-inflammatory foods
• Mindfulness meditation to alleviate some symptoms
• Physical therapy to get your body back on track

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References

1. (2021). Back Pain. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/backpain.html
2. Kubala, J. (2018). 7 Benefits and Uses of CBD Oil (Plus Side Effects). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits
3. Spritzler, F. (2019). 6 Foods That Cause Inflammation. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-foods-that-cause-inflammation#1.-Sugar-and-high-fructose-corn-syrup
4. Spritzler, F. (2019). The 13 Most Anti-Inflammatory Foods You Can Eat. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-anti-inflammatory-foods
5. Zeidan, F, et al. (2016). Mindfulness meditation-based pain relief: a mechanistic account. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.13153