Can CBD Help Chronic Sciatica?

Have you noticed twinges of pain when you move certain ways or sit in certain positions? Maybe you feel a little numb in your leg from time to time. The culprit may be chronic sciatica. You may be asking “what is chronic sciatica?”. The painful, sometimes debilitating disorder has several causes and symptoms.

What Causes Chronic Sciatica?

There are several reasons you may be diagnosed with chronic sciatica. Obesity and diabetes can increase the risk of chronic sciatica, but there are other causes as well. One of the most common is a herniated disc. While many herniated discs improve by themselves within a few weeks, some do not. The ones that don’t can pinch the sciatic nerve and cause ongoing pain. Chronic inflammation, abscesses on the spine, or spinal masses can also cause chronic sciatica. 

What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Sciatica?

While pain is the most common symptom of chronic sciatica, there are several other symptoms to look for as well. Because sciatic pain affects the nerves, there may be a feeling of electrical sensations up and down the leg. The pain may also radiate from the lower back to the hip or leg. Walking, intense movement, and even sneezing or coughing may increase the pain. You may also notice numbness in your hips, legs, or lower back. 

What Are the Treatments for Chronic Sciatica?

Typically, a doctor refers a sciatica patient to a physical therapist. Physical therapy exercises can help to strengthen the muscles and spine in the lower back and buttocks, increase core strength, and stretch tight muscles to improve range of motion. Light exercise such as walking or swimming are common for physical therapy patients. In some cases, doctors may also prescribe medication or even consider surgery.

Part of easing the symptoms of chronic sciatica is self-management. Many patients turn to CBD for sciatic pain. CBD’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties can numb the areas with the worst pain as well as relieve some of the overall symptoms as well. For some, stress causes inflammation that leads to pain. Using CBD for stress or CBD for nerves can help to prevent symptom flare-ups for some people. 

When using CBD for neuropathic and nociceptive pain, it is important to use the right type and dosage. A professional can help you to determine the best type of CBD oil for sciatic pain and the best dosage of CBD for sciatic pain. If you have never used CBD before, you’ll also learn how to apply it. 

CBD should be used in combination with physician treatment, not as a substitute. Always talk to your doctor to ensure CBD is safe for you to use with any other medications you may be taking.