People with scoliosis, whether it is severe or slight, know that chronic back pain can be debilitating. Scoliosis pain can affect daily activities and quality of life. While prescription medications can alleviate the symptoms of the pain, they don’t target the inflammation caused by the misalignment of the spine. CBD oil for back pain is an anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce pain and swelling in the muscles from scoliosis.
More people are finding CBD oil for pain management to be a viable solution to their chronic back pain. CBD doesn’t have the addictive properties of opioids, and quality CBD is a responsibly sourced, natural alternative.
CBD and inflammation
Cannabidiol, or CBD, has bonding properties with the CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. The ECS controls important bodily functions, including appetite, sleep, stress hormones, and immune response.
While both CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, both work with the ECS, CBD does not contain enough THC to produce the hypnotropic effects associated with cannabis. CBD is sourced from the male hemp plant and contains .3% THC. Cannabis is the female flowering plant that contains enough THC to produce a “high” when smoked or ingested.
CBD, on the other hand, works to reduce inflammation by binding with the CB2 receptors to control immune response. While inflammation is initially a good process immediately after an injury or illness to prevent further injury and infection, chronic inflammation can eventually lead to tissue and nerve damage.
CBD and scoliosis
If you have scoliosis, you likely have more complications than simple spinal misalignment. Scoliosis complications can include:
- Muscular misalignment or unevenness
- Protruding or misaligned ribs
- Nerve pain or numbness
- Uneven hips, pelvis, and legs
- Uneven leg length
Because scoliosis involves a misalignment of the spine, the vertebrae can rub against one another, narrowing the disc space and causing painful bone spurs. In some cases, it can even lead to herniation of the discs, which can cause issues such as sciatica, nerve tingling and burning in the legs, and painful muscle spasms.
Narrowing or herniated discs bring the vertebrae together in unnatural ways. The nerves that run through the spinal cord can become compressed from this misalignment of vertebrae. Nerve compression, or pinched nerves, send distress signals to the surrounding muscles, which can cause them to spasm and become inflamed.
CBD works by targeting the inflammation, leading to a reduction of inflamed tissue over time. After a few weeks of CBD oil for back pain use, many people notice a reduction or elimination of their symptoms. Some people experience relief from their back pain in just a few minutes.
CBD vs. cannabis
While some people favor cannabis for their pain relief, research has shown that CBD has a measured pain reducing effect without the accompanying “high” that can make it difficult to work, drive, or function. Many users of CBD report that it has a relaxing effect, but it does not make them high. This is a primary reason why many employers are now allowing for the use of CBD by their employees, and not concerned about trace amounts of THC that may appear in a drug test.
CBD oils vs. creams
CBD oils are usually made for ingestion and can work on internal processes that may be inflamed. For those who suffer from autoimmune and digestive problems, CBD oil can calm the inflammation deep in the body and provide relief.
CBD pain relief rubs may be more appropriate for those who suffer from scoliosis pain. The topical cream is quickly absorbed into the skin and enters the ECS system more quickly, providing relief much faster than the oils.
