USING CBD OIL FOR SCIATICA NERVE PAIN IN ATHLETES

Anyone taking part in a strenuous activity can suffer sciatic nerve injury, and the pain is not easy to handle. Meanwhile, the hype around CBD oil is increasing, and most people claim that the cannabinoid helps them manage different conditions. Could CBD oil help with sciatic nerve pain, and should athletes take it for their pain? Generally, there is insufficient scientific evidence to claim that CBD oil can help with sciatic nerve pain. However, initial research suggests that the interaction of CBD oil with the endocannabinoid system might help with sciatica nerve pain, as discussed in this article. If anyone chooses to use CBD oil, they should seek their doctor’s advice beforehand. Here is what you need to know about CBD oil and sciatica nerve pain.

CBD Oil-the Basics

CBD is a chemical compound from the hemp plants and is one of the many active components of the cannabis plant called cannabinoids. Unlike THC, another cannabinoid that’s widely studied, CBD does not cause the ‘high’ effect. You can have CBD oil in gummies, capsules, mints, e-juices, vape pens, topicals, softgels, and smoked hemp pre-rolled buds with whole-plant CBD oil. Most of these products feature one or more of the following types of CBD oil;

Full-spectrum CBD

This formulation has terpenes, flavonoids, and multiple cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, CBT, CBG, and CBN.

Broad-spectrum CBD

It has terpenes, flavonoids, and as many cannabinoids as in full-spectrum CBD oil, only that it lacks the psychoactive THC.

Isolate-based CBD

This CBD oil only contains CBD. It has no terpenes, no flavonoids, and no additional cannabinoids.

Most CBD novices and some veterans prefer isolate-based CBD oil since it is free of terpene and flavonoids and does not have the characteristic earthy taste and flavor of the full- and broad-range CBD oils. However, isolates do not have the full entourage effect linked to many cannabinoids as in full and broad-spectrum CBD oils.

Sciatica Nerve Pain- the Basics

Sciatic nerve pain describes any pain, both acute and chronic, that affects the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest in the human body, and it traverses from the lower back through the buttocks and legs to the toes. Many things could cause sciatic nerve pain, with the basic cause being the slipping of a disc in the vertebrae. When a disc dislocates or slips in the vertebrae, it rests on the sciatic nerve and may result in pain. Any person taking part in strenuous activities and physical performance may suffer sciatic nerve pain from time to time. Athletes often suffer this pain because they are actively involved in workouts and may suffer back injuries occasionally. Conventional pharma-grade sciatic pain medications include opioids and NSAIDs, which may not work and come with many side effects, including addiction. People seek better alternatives, mostly natural, including CBD oil. So, can CBD oil help athletes with sciatic nerve pain?

Can You Treat Sciatic Nerve Pain with CBD Oil?

Generally, CBD studies are limited, and much remains unknown about the cannabinoid. There is not enough scientific evidence to prove that CBD oil may alleviate sciatica nerve pain, although some research by Ko, et al. (2016) claims that CBD oil may relieve pain in the sciatic nerve. According to this research, CBD oil may be the best go-for option, primarily because it might be better than most conventional sciatica nerve pain management methods, including Percocet, physiotherapy, opioids, steroid injections, acupuncture, and chiropractic. While the research provides promising findings, there is a need for more scientific evidence to ascertain the effects of CBD oil on sciatica nerve pain.

How Does CBD Oil Work for Sciatica Nerve Pain?

Much is yet to be understood about CBD oil, including how the cannabinoid works to realize most of the health benefits. The basic understanding of CBD oil and its functions lies in its interaction with a modulating system called the endocannabinoid system. According to Di Marzo, & Piscitelli, (2015), the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has enzymes, receptors, and cannabinoids naturally produced by the body. Since the receptors are found all over the body, they affect many functions and processes, including pain. Any imbalance in the body, as in the case of injury or any disruption, sends the ECS off balance. CBD oil offers the ECS cannabinoids that set the receptors in a corrective mechanism mode, bringing back balance, potentially resulting in sciatica nerve pain relief. While this sounds promising, there is a need for further studies to dig deeper into the functionality of ECS and whether it may influence body processes and functions.

Should Athletes Take CBD Oil for Sciatica Pain?

CBD oil use is highly popularized, and taking the cannabinoid is a personal choice. However, there are many risks to taking CBD oil. CBD research is limited, and the available studies do not offer enough scientific evidence for crediting CBD oil for sciatica nerve pain relief. Studies have not unveiled the long-term effects of CBD oil, nor are there established recommended dosages for the cannabinoid. In addition, the FDA does not regulate CBD production, and landing counterfeit or contaminated products is highly possible. As you try to source the best CBD oil from reputable brands, consult your doctor beforehand.

Conclusion

Many athletes use CBD oil to manage sciatica nerve pain, although there is not enough scientific evidence to credit CBD oil for sciatica nerve pain relief. Studies show that CBD oil may interact with the endocannabinoid system to set the body on a corrective pain mechanism, but only further research will prove this true. Meanwhile, if you choose CBD oil for pain, talk to your doctor first for correct sage instructions.

References

Di Marzo, V., & Piscitelli, F. (2015). The Endocannabinoid System And Its Modulation By Phytocannabinoids. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 692-698.

Ko, Gordon D., Sara L. Bober,

Sean Mindra, And Jason M. Moreau. “Medical Cannabis–The Canadian Perspective.”Journal Of Pain Research 9 (2016): 735.