Compare the Best CBD Oil for Sciatica in 2022

Benefits of CBD for Sciatica

According to Mayo Clinic, sciatica refers to pain radiating from the sciatic nerve, originating from the lower back and traveling through the hips, buttocks, and legs⁽¹⁾. Usually, the pain affects one side of the body only.

Moreover, sciatica often occurs when a herniated disc, bone spur on the spine, or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) compresses the nerve. This condition results in pain, inflammation, and numbness in the affected leg.

People with sciatica may experience several degrees of pain, from mild discomfort to a burning sensation or excruciating pain, like a jolt or electric shock. Even coughing or sneezing can worsen the pain. Sitting for long periods can also aggravate sciatica.

Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid or naturally occurring compound in cannabis plants, is known for its potential pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects⁽²⁾.

According to a 2004 study, sciatic pain is a mix of neuropathic and other kinds of pain⁽³⁾. Neuropathic pain occurs from injuries or diseases of the somatosensory system⁽⁴⁾. 

This system is part of the sensory nervous system that allows for the perception of touch, pain, pressure, and movement from the joints, muscles, skin, and connective tissues.

A 2012 animal study from The Journal of Experimental Medicine investigated glycine receptors’ role in treating chronic pain⁽⁵⁾. These receptors are involved in motor control and pain perception⁽⁶⁾.

Results showed that CBD may suppress chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain⁽⁷⁾.

Moreover, a 2018 review from Frontiers in Pharmacology examined CBD’s effectiveness in relieving chronic pain⁽⁸⁾. The review analyzed studies conducted from 1975 to 2018. 

It examined different types of pain, including chronic back pain, cancer pain, neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia. The review noted CBD’s potential pain-relieving effects.

Furthermore, a study investigated the effects of Sativex, a combination of CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in pain management⁽⁹⁾. Results indicated that the drug may relieve chronic neuropathic pain, pain caused by nerve damage, peripheral neuropathic pain, advanced cancer pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

Another animal study showed that transdermal CBD application may reduce inflammation and pain-related behaviors without evident side effects in rat subjects with arthritis⁽¹⁰⁾.

Inflammation is the immune system’s response to harmful irritants, including germs, foreign objects, or splinters in your fingers⁽¹¹⁾. 

Different immune system cells may be involved when inflammation occurs in your body. They release various substances that widen the affected tissue’s small blood vessels, allowing more blood to reach the injured tissue.

As a result, inflamed areas become red, swollen, and painful.

While most studies are conducted on animals and not specific to sciatica, future research may uncover similar benefits for sciatica in human subjects.

A 2018 study from the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics also highlighted that CBD may have potential anti-inflammatory properties⁽¹²⁾.

Another 2012 review published in Free Radical Biology & Medicine examined CBD’s potential benefits in various diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, ischemia-reperfusion injury, depression, and neuropathic pain^(13). 

The researchers indicated that CBD, which may interact with the endocannabinoid system, is a promising prototype for anti-inflammatory drug development.

A 2020 review published in Antioxidants also indicated CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory properties⁽¹⁴⁾. According to the review, CBD demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory properties by acting through the PPARγ receptor. 

PPARγ receptor is a subtype of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, which play a significant role in energy homeostasis and metabolic function⁽¹⁵⁾.

How CBD Helps With Sciatica

How CBB interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may explain CBD’s potential benefits for sciatica. The ECS helps maintain homeostasis or balance in different biological functions, such as mood, pain perception, and immune response⁽¹⁶⁾.

Furthermore, the ECS consists of two main types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. Both receptors interact with cannabinoids or natural compounds in the body.

CB1 receptors exist on the brain and central nervous system, lungs, liver, and kidney⁽¹⁷⁾. They regulate bodily functions, such as memory processing, pain sensation, appetite, mood, and sleep.

Meanwhile, CB2 receptors are abundant in cells within the immune system and its associated structures⁽¹⁸⁾. Once activated, these receptors stimulate a response that fights inflammation.

These anti-inflammatory effects may help treat inflammation-related conditions, such as arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and inflammatory bowel syndrome⁽¹⁹⁾.

According to a 2006 study, CBD may decrease inflammation by enhancing adenosine receptor A2A, helping suppress immune cells⁽²⁰⁾.

Moreover, according to a review, the body’s glutamatergic system influences the effectiveness of some analgesic drugs used for neuropathic pain⁽²¹⁾. 

The glutamatergic system manages the discharge of glutamate, a major neurotransmitter released by the brain’s nerve cells⁽²²⁾. Glutamate is also essential in various physiological functions.

Glutamate dysfunction has adverse effects on diseases and injuries, including the development of seizures and brain damage after a stroke⁽²³⁾.

Cannabinoids, like CBD, may inhibit the release of glutamate⁽²⁴⁾. Thus, CBD may help manage neuropathic pain, a type of pain present in sciatica.

Studies also showed that CBD may impact the TRPV-1 and GPR55 receptors^(25–26). Both of these receptors exist in the skin and are essential in pain signaling and inflammation.

Thus, while CBD cannot cure sciatica, its potential pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties may help people with sciatica.

How Soon Can CBD’s Effects Be Felt?

CBD’s potential therapeutic benefits in sciatica may kick in faster or last longer based on different factors, such as the CBD administration method, your body weight, metabolism, and the CBD potency.

CBD oil tinctures are absorbed directly into the bloodstream⁽²⁷⁾. You may feel the effects within 15 to 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, topical CBD products may take an hour or two to kick in. CBD is absorbed through the surface of the skin to interact with localized cannabinoid receptors.

Thus, you may apply CBD topicals liberally to overcome the skins’ low cannabinoid absorption rate.

CBD topicals’ potential benefits in sciatica may last for six hours. Others may last for a few days.

CBD edibles may produce delayed effects as CBD needs to pass through the digestive system. These CBD products may kick in within 30 to 60 minutes⁽²⁸⁾. 

While CBD tinctures may provide immediate relief, effects may last for four to six hours only.

Meanwhile, CBD edibles’ effects may last for over six hours.

Your metabolism, the frequency of use, dosage, and product quality affect how long CBD may help with sciatica.

Possible Side Effects of Using CBD for Sciatica

Although CBD may have potential therapeutic benefits in sciatica, the compound may also induce some side effects. These include⁽²⁹⁾:

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Tiredness
• Fatigue
• Changes in weight
• Reduced appetite

Furthermore, CBD may interact with other medications, like blood thinners. 

A 2011 review also noted other side effects of CBD, including the inhibition of hepatic drug metabolism and decreased fertilization capacity⁽³⁰⁾.

Consult a healthcare professional knowledgeable about CBD use to avoid possible adverse effects.

How to Choose the Best CBD for Sciatica

Various forms of CBD for sciatica are available on the market, including CBD tinctures, CBD topicals, CBD edibles, CBD capsules, and even CBD vapes. However, to pick the best CBD oil products for sciatica, you should adhere to the following:

1. Consult healthcare professionals, especially when buying CBD oil products for the first time, when considering CBD treatment for severe conditions, or when taking other medications.
2. Verify whether the CBD product uses non-GMO, organic hemp. Credible CBD brands grow hemp plants from their farm or buy from licensed hemp growers in Colorado and other states.
3. Select quality products that use CO2 extraction methods to maximize the benefits of hemp extracts.
4. Confirm whether the product undergoes third-party lab testing. The certificate of analysis (COA) should be accessible via the brand’s website. It must show the product’s actual CBD content and the absence of pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and other harmful contaminants.
5. Compare product label claims with the COA. Third-party lab results of high-quality products show accurate or higher CBD content than their product label claims, showing credibility and providing great value for money.
6. Choose CBD brands with memberships to hemp organizations, certifications, or accreditations from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). These are credible CBD brands as they show transparency, strict compliance with legal and BBB standards, excellent customer service, and ethical business practices.
7. Research on state laws regarding cannabis use to buy CBD products for sciatica legally.
8. Know the difference between full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolates before using CBD oil products.

Full-spectrum hemp extracts have a complete range of phytocannabinoids or naturally occurring compounds in cannabis plants, including CBD, THC, terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, essential oils, and other minerals.

Terpenes provide the cannabis plants’ unique aroma, while flavonoids are responsible for their vivid colors.

These compounds produce the entourage effect, suggesting that they have more benefits when combined than when used as isolated elements⁽³¹⁾. Thus, you can use full-spectrum CBD oil if you want to maximize all the compounds’ benefits.

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD is like full-spectrum CBD without the psychoactive compound THC. Thus, you can use these products if you want to avoid the euphoric effects of THC and still maximize the other compounds’ benefits.

CBD isolates are pure CBD extracted separately from all other compounds. These CBD products let you maximize the benefits of CBD.

CBD Dosage for Sciatica

Generally, CBD is well tolerated in humans, with a dosage of up to 1,500 mg per day⁽³²⁾. 

However, Epidiolex is the only FDA-approved CBD product with a recommended starting dosage of 2.5 mg of cannabidiol for every kilogram of body weight that can be taken twice daily⁽³³⁾. Given this limitation, there is no official recommended CBD dosage for sciatica.

Determining the right CBD dosage may be challenging, as effects can vary based on several factors. These elements include your body weight, metabolism, the CBD potency, and product quality.

Thus, you may start taking the product in small doses, around 5 mg of CBD. You can gradually increase the dosage once you experience pain relief from sciatica.

It is vital to consult a medical expert, especially one knowledgeable on CBD use, to help you determine the CBD dosage that suits your needs best.

How to Take CBD Oil for Sciatica

With CBD’s increasing popularity, various CBD companies produce different forms of CBD. The most common CBD oil products for sciatica include CBD tinctures, CBD topicals, CBD capsules, and CBD edibles.

CBD Tinctures

You can apply CBD tinctures sublingually or directly under the tongue to allow faster absorption of CBD into the bloodstream.

You can also let CBD drops stay under your tongue for 60 to 120 seconds before swallowing⁽³⁴⁾. The substance may take effect within 15 to 45 minutes.

Results depend on various factors, like the CBD administration method, your body weight, metabolism, and the CBD potency.

One downside of CBD tinctures is their unpleasant, earthy taste. However, several CBD companies offer CBD tinctures in different flavors.

You can also conveniently add CBD tinctures to your coffee, smoothie, or food.

CBD Topicals

You can apply topical CBD products for sciatica, like CBD creams, CBD lotions, CBD balms, and CBD salves.

As CBD topicals are absorbed into the skin’s surface, you may apply a more significant amount of CBD to your skin. However, start with small doses to monitor how your skin reacts to CBD.

Once you see positive changes after several days of use, you can gradually increase the dosage.

Effects of topical CBD products may kick in after an hour or two. These effects may last for six hours or even several days, depending on the CBD administration method, your body weight, metabolism, the CBD potency, and product quality.

CBD Capsules

You can also easily take CBD oil for sciatica through CBD capsules. However, they may take longer to work than oral CBD drops as CBD capsules need to pass through the digestive tract.

Furthermore, dosing is tricky because of the delayed onset of effect (around one to two hours), unknown effects of stomach acids, and recent meals⁽³⁵⁾.

Thus, CBD capsules may not be suitable for those seeking immediate pain relief from sciatica.

CBD Edibles

If you do not want the earthy, grassy taste of pure CBD hemp extract, you can take CBD edibles for sciatica, like CBD gummies.

However, unlike CBD oral products, CBD edibles can take a while to kick in as they need to pass through the digestive system.

A 2016 study noted that CBD edibles’ effects may kick in within 30 to 60 minutes⁽³⁶⁾. For CBD edibles that contain THC, peak blood levels occur approximately three hours later, and the effects can last over six hours.

Legality of CBD

Cannabis laws continue to evolve, especially in the United States. Following the legalization of industrial hemp, the 2018 Farm Bill also states that hemp-derived CBD products with 0.3% or less THC are no longer controlled substances at the federal level⁽³⁷⁾.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive cannabinoid or compound in cannabis plants that causes a euphoric high among users. Although hemp-derived CBD products are no longer part of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), marijuana remains a Schedule 1 controlled drug⁽³⁸⁾.

Schedule 1 drugs are not allowed for medical use and have a high potential for abuse⁽³⁹⁾.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), marijuana has a high risk of abuse, which may be attributed to THC’s psychoactive effects⁽⁴⁰⁾. The agency also regulates products with cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds.

According to the FDA, products with CBD or THC cannot be sold legally as dietary supplements⁽⁴¹⁾. Currently, the agency approves one cannabidiol product only: Epidiolex⁽⁴²⁾. 

Other FDA-approved synthetic cannabis-related drug products include Marinol (dronabinol), Syndros (dronabinol), and Cesamet (nabilone) only⁽⁴³⁾.

Epidiolex is a purified form of CBD derived from cannabis. The drug is used to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, two severe cases of epilepsy in children.

Marinol and Syndros have been approved to help with anorexia associated with weight loss in patients who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Meanwhile, Cesamet is used to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy.

As the FDA has approved these cannabis products only, consumers should research state laws and buy CBD in areas that legally allow recreational use or medical use of marijuana.