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Cannabidiol (CBD) has numerous potential benefits, and its use as a treatment for pain is one that researchers are increasingly studying.
CBD is one of
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another well-known and well-researched compound in cannabis plants, CBD does not give the feeling of being “high.”
Rather, many studies have demonstrated
Keep reading to learn more about using CBD for easing pain. This article also provides information about several CBD products that may prove effective for pain relief.
Quick links
- Broad-spectrum CBD gummies: Joy Organics CBD Gummies
- Full-spectrum CBD tincture: CBDistillery Full-spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
- CBD isolate pain relief cream: Bluebird Botanicals Cooling Pain Relief Menthol Cream
- CBD isolate cooling gel: Kanibi CBD Cooling Gel Roll-on
- Full-spectrum CBD cooling gel: Charlotte’s Web Hemp-Infused Cooling Gel with CBD
- Organic hemp extract CBD balm: NuLeaf Naturals Full-spectrum CBD Balm
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3 percent THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3 percent THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
Using cannabis to treat pain is not a new phenomenon. Since around
However, the scientific proof backing many of these potential benefits remains unclear.
That said,
Researchers have suggested that CBD
- pain
- inflammation
- epilepsy
- sleep disorders
- multiple sclerosis
- anorexia
- schizophrenia
- depression and anxiety disorders
A rodent
Again, more research is necessary before researchers can definitively say that CBD can help relieve pain. However, there is a lot of
For more information and resources on CBD and CBD products, please visit our dedicated hub.
Shopping for CBD can be confusing as so many products are available, and people may not be familiar with a lot of the terminology around CBD.
Manufacturers tend to use three main types of CBD in their products. These are:
- Full-spectrum CBD: This contains all cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, including CBD and up to 0.3% THC.
- Broad-spectrum CBD: This contains a mixture of cannabinoids. It usually doesn’t contain THC but may have trace amounts.
- CBD isolate: This is pure, isolated CBD without other cannabinoids.
Some research indicates that full-spectrum CBD may work best due to its “entourage effect.” This is where the various other cannabinoids and compounds in the cannabis plant work together with CBD to heighten its beneficial effects.
However, this does not mean that full-spectrum CBD is the best option for everyone. Each person needs to find what works best for them and their symptoms.
CBD products are available in many different forms, including:
- gummies
- tinctures
- oils, which a person takes orally
- balms, creams, and massage oils, which a person applies topically
Each type of product has benefits and drawbacks. For example, a person does not have to worry about determining the dosage with gummies, as each will contain a specific amount of CBD.
On the other hand, it can be difficult to know exactly how much CBD a person is applying to the body with topical products.
As CBD products are not currently FDA-regulated, it can be difficult to know what a person is getting when purchasing a CBD product. All the products in this article have passed our screening process.
How we choose products
Medical News Today chooses CBD products that meet the following criteria:
- A certificate of analysis is readily available.
- Manufacturers use hemp grown in the U.S.
- Products do not contain more than 0.3 percent THC.
- Companies do not make any unsupported health claims about their products.
To get the most out of using CBD for sciatica pain, determine the specific goals for its use:
- Easing pain in a sore spot: Individuals having sciatic flare-ups in a specific location may find a topical product, such as a salve containing CBD, best suits their needs.
- Providing quick relief: CBD oil or tinctures may work quicker than other CBD products.
- Maintaining a consistent level of CBD: CBD capsules or gummies give people a more accurate idea of how much CBD they are taking and offer a convenient way to manage CBD use.
There is limited scientific evidence to support the use of CBD for sciatica pain in particular. One 2020 study found that treating chronic pain with CBD for 7 days or more was helpful.
However, further research into using CBD for pain is needed, and a person should speak with a doctor before using any CBD products.
Below are six of the top CBD products for sciatica pain.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based.
Joy Organics CBD Gummies
Broad-spectrum CBD gummies
These Joy Organics gummies are gluten-free and vegan.
They contain broad-spectrum CBD, and the company website claims that they are also THC-free.
Available in green apple and strawberry lemonade flavors, these 10-milligram (mg) gummies have not undergone sweetening using corn syrup.
Ingredients include organic tapioca syrup, organic sugar, and natural flavors.
These gummies are available for $39.95.
CBDistillery Full-spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
Full-spectrum CBD tincture
This CBD oil tincture contains full-spectrum hemp extract. The 30 milliliter (ml) bottle contains 500 mg of CBD.
CBDistillery claims this tincture can relieve pain and promote relaxation.
The tincture also contains medium-chain triglyceride oil made from fractionated coconut oil.
The company suggests taking one 1 ml serving by dropping the tincture under the tongue and holding it for 15–20 seconds before swallowing.
This product is available for $45.
Bluebird Botanicals Cooling Pain Relief Menthol Cream
CBD isolate pain relief cream
This cream may be suitable for those who are experiencing mild sciatica pain. Bluebird Botanicals claims this cream can relieve minor aches and pains.
Ingredients include:
- shea butter
- aloe vera
- wild mint
The company recommends applying one pump to the affected area three or four times a day.
This product is available for $34.99.
Kanibi CBD Cooling Gel Roll-on
CBD isolate cooling gel
This CBD isolate cooling gel may be helpful for athletes experiencing aches and pains. The gel offers topical relief for painful areas, so it may also suit those experiencing sciatica pain.
Ingredients include:
- anti-inflammatory botanicals
- menthol
- shea butter
The price for one bottle is $49.
Charlotte’s Web Hemp-infused Cooling Gel with CBD
Full-spectrum CBD cooling gel
Manufacturers claim that CBD cooling gels can soothe aches and pains, so this product may be suitable for people with sciatica.
The gel contains arnica and menthol, alongside the full-spectrum hemp extract.
It comes in a 1.7 ounce (oz) bottle with an easy-to-use pump.
The cooling gel is available for $39.99.
NuLeaf Naturals Full-spectrum CBD Balm
Organic hemp extract CBD balm
This CBD balm from NuLeaf Naturals contains full-spectrum CBD. The only other ingredient is organic shea butter.
NuLeaf claims it can quickly relieve discomfort.
The company offers free shipping, and the product is available in three sizes.
Prices start from $29.99 for a 0.5 oz jar containing 300 mg of CBD.
As with anything a person ingests, especially for medicinal purposes, CBD can cause side effects.
In studies, the most common side effects associated with CBD products include:
It is also very important for a person to ensure they discuss the use of CBD products with a healthcare professional, as CBD can interact with several different medications.
If a person takes any medications or supplements that warn of interactions with grapefruit, they need to be careful using CBD. This is because they both interfere with drug-metabolizing enzymes known as cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Below are some of the most common questions and answers about using CBD for sciatica pain:
Besides using CBD, what other self-care practices can people try for sciatica pain?
In the first week after an injury or development of sciatica, ice packs or ice massage may provide some relief. After a week or so, applying heat can help by promoting blood flow and relaxing muscles.
Gentle movement and stretching can also support blood flow, promote healing, and reduce pain.
A person should consult a doctor to find out which treatments may work best.
Learn more about sciatica here.
Does using CBD for sciatica pain work?
Research is still ongoing, as current studies do not provide conclusive evidence that supports the use of CBD to ease sciatica pain.
However, a
Does using CBD for sciatica pain make you high?
No, CBD does not cause people to feel “high.”
THC is the compound found in cannabis that is psychoactive and may cause a “high” feeling.
Research to date, anecdotal claims, and historical evidence suggest that CBD may ease symptoms of a variety of health conditions, including pain.
A variety of oral and topical CBD products are available in numerous strengths.
Currently, the FDA does not guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or quality of any over-the-counter CBD products, so a person should be careful when selecting CBD products.
It can be helpful to look for products that have undergone third-party testing, meaning that an independent laboratory has verified the product’s purity and potency.
Anyone wishing to try CBD should speak with a healthcare professional first, as it may interact with certain medications.