Lumbar radiculopathy, commonly referred to as sciatica, is pain along your sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest in the body, extending down the back of the thigh from the back of the pelvis. Sciatic pain has been recorded in history since Ancient Greece and Rome but was thought to originate in the hip. It was not until the 1900s that the displacement of vertebrae was linked to sciatica, with the pain originating from inflammation in the lumbar nerve roots caused by the vertebrae.
Sciatica is a common condition with a lifetime incidence of between 10% and 40% and an annual incidence between 1% and 5%, leaving many looking for the best pain reliever for sciatica.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is commonly caused by a displaced vertebrae that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. However, there are a number of things that can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and lead to sciatica, including but not limited to;
- Abscesses
- Awkward sitting position
- Blood clots
- Nerve disorders
- Obesity
- Poor posture
- Tumors
Another significant risk factor is long-term employment in certain occupations, such as truck driving, machine operation, and other physically demanding jobs.
Sciatica Signs & Symptoms
The main symptom of sciatica is lower back pain that radiates or spreads down the back of one thigh and can also extend to the foot. Other symptoms can include weakness and numbness in the affected leg and a loss of bladder or bowel function. Untreated sciatica can lead to permanent nerve damage, so it is important to take steps to relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Can Cannabis Help Alleviate Symptoms of Sciatica?
Sciatica can be classified under peripheral neuropathy, low back pain, and even chronic pain when left untreated.
Studies suggest the endocannabinoid system has multiple ways of regulating the body’s pain responses with the assistance of phytocannabinoids like THC or CBD. Cannabinoid receptor agonists, such as THC, may have the ability to reduce neuro-inflammation and block pain signals. There is evidence that pain can also be reduced by increasing the body’s natural endocannabinoid levels, such as using CBD to boost anandamide levels.1
While cannabis is not going to change the root cause of sciatic nerve pain, cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, have been reported in numerous animal models and clinical studies to be effective at relieving symptoms of pain that individuals experience for any number of reasons.
An English physician reported in 1710 that the roots of the cannabis plant were being applied to the hip to relieve what we know now as sciatic nerve pain. Research suggests that elevated endocannabinoid levels, both anandamide and 2-AG, are found within the spinal cord in cases of chronic pressure being applied to the sciatic nerve.2
A 2016 study found that inhalation of cannabis improved the lower back pain of patients with sciatica.3 A more recent study from 2020 examining neuropathic pain noted that CB1 receptor expression was increased in the spinal cord when there was damage to the sciatic nerve. This increased expression of CB1 receptors may be a target for cannabinoids like THC to help relieve neuropathic pain.4
Patients seeking to use medical cannabis to treat their sciatica symptoms may potentially benefit from a topical or transdermal application of cannabinoids on the lower back area, as well as via oral, sublingual, or inhalation of cannabinoids. As THC and CBD are the two most studied cannabinoids, the research for cannabis and pain seems to indicate that a blended ratio of both cannabinoids may be beneficial for experiencing relief.5
Side effects of inhaling or ingesting cannabis can include but are not limited to:
Individuals new to cannabis edibles or tinctures should begin with between 2.5mg and 5mg of either CBD or THC or a combination of the two. Patients can then titrate up to 5mg of each cannabinoid if a higher dosage is necessary.6 It is important to note that more research is needed to determine how different cannabinoid and terpene ratios play a role in the effectiveness of cannabis as a sciatica nerve pain medication.
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
To determine if sciatica is a qualifying condition in your state, you can head to our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules in your state. In addition, many doctors may consider the symptoms of sciatica to fit the definition of chronic or severe pain, which is a qualifying condition in most, if not all, medical cannabis states.
If you find that your state recognizes peripheral neuropathy as a qualifying medical condition, conditions that may cause sciatica or chronic or severe pain may also qualify. In that case, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to register for your state’s medical marijuana program.
How NuggMD Can Help
NuggMD’s growing telemedicine platform for medical marijuana currently serves patients in more than half the United States. By connecting over 2,000,000 patients with knowledgeable and friendly medical marijuana doctors, we are fully committed to assisting patients on their medical marijuana journey.
Here at NuggMD, we believe that all individuals have the right to explore what medical cannabis can do for them, and our doctors are eager to guide you on your wellness journey. Select your state below for further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & Sciatica
What symptoms of sciatica can cannabis help with?
Cannabis can help to relieve symptoms of sciatica, such as pain and inflammation.
What terpenes can help with sciatica?
Certain terpenes found in cannabis, such as beta-caryophyllene, alpha-terpineol, and γ-terpinene, have also been demonstrated in research to show some effect in relieving sciatic nerve pain.
What strains are best for sciatica?
Because of its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, patients may want to seek out CBD for sciatica. Cannabis strains that may be beneficial for relieving neuropathy include higher CBD chemovars, such as ACDC, Harlequin, Ringo’s Gift, and Pennywise.
Can cannabis treat sciatica?
While cannabis cannot treat the cause of sciatica, it may help to treat the symptoms commonly associated with the condition.
References
- Starowicz K, Di Marzo V. Non-psychotropic analgesic drugs from the endocannabinoid system: “Magic bullet” or “multiple-target” strategies?. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2013;716(1-3):41-53. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.01.075
- Ryz NR, Remillard DJ, Russo EB. Cannabis Roots: A Traditional Therapy with Future Potential for Treating Inflammation and Pain. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2017;2(1):210-216. doi:10.1089/can.2017.0028
- Yassin M, Avraham Garti, Robinson D. Effect of Medicinal Cannabis Therapy (MCT) on Severity of Chronic Low Back Pain, Sciatica and Lumbar Range of Motion. International journal of anesthesiology & pain medicine. 2016;02(01). doi:https://doi.org/10.21767/2471-982x.100014
- Hossain MZ, Ando H, Unno S, Kitagawa J. Targeting Peripherally Restricted Cannabinoid Receptor 1, Cannabinoid Receptor 2, and Endocannabinoid-Degrading Enzymes for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain Including Neuropathic Orofacial Pain. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020; 21(4):1423. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21041423
- Mlost J, Bryk M, Starowicz K. Cannabidiol for Pain Treatment: Focus on Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020; 21(22):8870. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21228870
- MacCallum CA, Russo EB. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2018;49(49):12-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.004
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.
