Back pain can be debilitating. Unfortunately, the lifetime prevalence of back pain in the United States is estimated to be as high as 84% in adults. In fact, the management of back pain accounts for $200B in spending yearly.
Back pain can manifest itself in different ways. Some people have an episode of pain lasting for a few hours, while others experience discomfort for years. There are vindicating options available for those with back pain. Which treatment option is chosen will typically depend on the cause of the pain, as well as other physiological and psychological factors.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain can be caused by various things. In some cases, it can be challenging to identify the source of this type of pain.
Some of the leading causes of back pain include:
- Injury,
- Age,
- Weight gain,
- Genetics,
- Smoking,
- Inflammation.
Are you surprised by some of these causes? Most people don’t realize that things such as smoking and genetics can play a prominent role in developing back pain. If you’re experiencing back pain, consider looking at different factors that could contribute to your symptoms.
Back Pain Signs & Symptoms
Back pain symptoms can make it challenging to live life. It can feel overwhelming to confront back pain symptoms and find the correct solutions. If you have back pain, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Muscle aches,
- Stabbing pain,
- Shooting pain,
- Pain that shoots into your leg.
There are a few medical conditions that can lead to the development of back pain. A few of these conditions include;
- Arthritis,
- Herniated discs,
- Previous injury,
- Kidney infection or kidney stones,
- Spinal cord tumors.
Some of these conditions are more common than others. For instance, a spinal cord tumor is rare and typically should not be the first thing considered when examining symptoms. Consider speaking with a professional if you’re experiencing other signs indicating a condition, such as a kidney infection.
Can Cannabis Help Alleviate Back Pain?
If you’re experiencing back pain, there are a variety of different treatment options that you can explore. One of the most common questions currently being asked is: does weed help with back pain?
Cannabis has been shown to be a potentially effective treatment for back pain. A review conducted in 2022 examined four different studies, with all four reporting that cannabis lowered back pain. None of the studies reported notable adverse effects, suggesting that the risks of using cannabis for back pain are minimal.1
One study specifically asked if cannabis was an effective treatment for back pain in the aged population. The researchers found that cannabis both significantly and insignificantly reduced chronic back pain, citing the need for more research on the efficacy of cannabis in the aged population.2
As previously mentioned, the cause of back pain can be complex. Inflammation often plays a role in chronic back pain and can be challenging to remedy. Cannabis has demonstrated the ability to reduce inflammation and provide relief. Because of the anti-inflammatory effects, cannabis may have the potential to not only reduce back pain but also help eliminate some of its root causes.3
Medical cannabis can be highly effective for back pain. Some people prefer to use topicals infused with cannabis, as this is a great way to target specific areas and get localized relief. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive approach to pain relief, consider whether edibles might be the right choice.
Regardless of the method of use, THC for back pain can be a great way to reduce symptoms. Back pain can be complicated, but cannabis can help alleviate a variety of symptoms and provide quick relief.
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
To determine if your state considers back pain to be a qualifying condition for medical cannabis, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.
If you find that your state recognizes back pain or its symptoms as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to get your medical cannabis card in your state.
How NuggMD Can Help
NuggMD is the nation's leading medical cannabis technology platform, serving patients in over half the states in the U.S. We’ve connected over 1,300,000 patients with their new medical cannabis doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform.
We believe that every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all of their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & Back Pain
Will smoking cannabis or taking an edible be more beneficial for my back pain?
There isn’t one answer to this question. It’s possible for both smoking cannabis and taking edibles to help with back pain. The answer to this question comes down to your individual reaction to cannabis. If you’re looking for an extended-release option, then edibles may be the right choice. However, if you’re looking for quick relief, smoking may be a good option.
Will cannabis completely heal my back pain?
While cannabis can help with some aspects of back pain, such as inflammation, it’s unlikely that cannabis will completely cure your back pain. When it comes to back pain, cannabis can help with symptom management. Cannabis rarely acts as a permanent solution.
Is sativa or indica better for back pain?
Regarding pain management, individuals typically report selecting an “indica” strain. Many people note that “indicas” can make them sleepy, so that’s something to remember.
I have back pain because of arthritis. Will cannabis be helpful?
Arthritis is another condition that can be highly complicated. Studies have shown that CBD is an efficient option when it comes to treating arthritis pain.4 If you’ve tried other pain management options and haven’t succeeded, consider if you’re open to trying cannabis.
Can I use medical cannabis in combination with other pain medications?
Medications are highly individual, so it’s always best to speak with your doctor before adding other pain management options. Getting expert advice is the best way to ensure you’re remaining safe and not mixing any medications that shouldn’t be combined.
References
- Price RL, Charlot KV, Frieler S, Dettori JR, Oskouian R, Chapman JR. The Efficacy of Cannabis in Reducing Back Pain: A Systematic Review. Global Spine Journal. 2022;12(2):21925682211065411. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/21925682211065411
- Senderovich H, Wagman H, Zhang D, Vinoraj D, Waicus S. The Effectiveness of Cannabis and Cannabis Derivatives in Treating Lower Back Pain in the Aged Population: A Systematic Review. Gerontology. 2022;68(6):612-624. doi:10.1159/000518269
- Hill KP, Palastro MD, Johnson B, Ditre JW. Cannabis and Pain: A Clinical Review. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2017;2(1):96-104. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2017.0017
- Frane N, Stapleton E, Iturriaga C, Ganz M, Rasquinha V, Duarte R. Cannabidiol as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain: an exploratory cross-sectional study. Journal of Cannabis Research. 2022;4(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-022-00154-9
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
