Millions of people across the country deal with back pain. It’s one of the leading reasons for missing work and doctor visits in the United States. If you’re dealing with pain in your back, you know just how debilitating it can be. Cannabis may provide some relief, giving you an alternative to conventional prescription medications. Here’s what you need to know about cannabis for back pain.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain is an all-too-common issue. It can range from a persistent dull ache to a sharp, shooting pain that leaves you incapacitated. It can occur as a result of an injury, or it may come on gradually and worsen over time.
Common causes of back pain include:
- Ruptured discs
- Bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Abnormal curvature of the spine
- Pulled muscles or tendons
- Stress
No matter what the cause of your back pain, one thing remains the same. It can impact your ability to function and perform daily activities.
Types of Back Pain
There are two types of back pain, acute and chronic. Acute back pain typically lasts a month or less. It generally occurs as a result of an injury or disease, and it clears up once the area has healed. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is pain that lasts longer than three months. While it may develop as a result of an injury, the pain lingers even after that injury heals.
Cannabis For Back Pain
Cannabis provides an alternative to conventional pain medication. While they may provide some relief, prescription medications often come with unwanted side effects like nausea, ulcers, respiratory depression, and dependence. Cannabis offers relief without these and other unwanted effects.
Symptoms of Back Pain Cannabis Can Treat
You may already know that cannabis can help to provide relief from a wide range of ailments. It can also alleviate common symptoms that accompany your back pain. Some of these symptoms may include:
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea and vomiting
Alleviating your back pain makes it easier for you to perform your daily activities. It can also make it easier for you to relax at the end of the day, allowing you to unwind fully and fall asleep more easily.
Ways to Use Cannabis for Back Pain
There are a variety of ways you can use cannabis to help alleviate your back pain. One of the most common methods is inhalation via a joint or vape pen. These methods provide fast-acting relief, with the cannabinoids typically taking effect within the first 30 minutes.
If you’re concerned about the impact on your lungs, you have plenty of alternatives. One such alternative is a tincture, which provides quick relief if you take it sublingually. You might also consider consuming an edible. Keep in mind that edibles do take much longer to take effect than sublingual tinctures and inhalation, but the effects are likely to last longer.
If you’re dealing with back pain, cannabis may help. It offers an alternative to conventional prescription medications, providing relief without the unwanted side effects. If you’re interested in giving it a try, consider scheduling an appointment with a qualified physician.