Marijuana Prescription for Sciatica

When the sciatic nerve is pinched or inflamed, sciatica results. Usually, sciatic nerve pain goes away in a few weeks, but sometimes it might take longer.

One of your body’s major nerves is the sciatic nerve. It links a number of nerve roots that go from your lower back to your feet.

We go through all of your choices for treating sciatica in this guide.

Sciatica: what causes it?

The typical reasons for Sciatica

Many people will have sciatica pain at some point in their lives because it is a common ailment. Sciatica is a form of nerve discomfort or damage brought on by irritation or injury to the sciatic nerve. The largest nerve in the body is the sciatic nerve. It travels from your lower back down through your hips and buttocks, down the back of your thigh, and finally down to your foot.

Sciatica’s most typical root causes include:

  • A herniated or ruptured disc is another name for a slipped disc. Your spine’s supple tissue cushion between the bones pushes out at this point. Slipped discs might cause your spinal cord’s room to become smaller because of long-term degeneration or a recent back injury.
  • The spinal canal that houses your nerves abnormally narrows due to spinal stenosis.
  • One of your spine’s bones slipping out of alignment with the one above it is known as spondylolisthesis. It frequently results from osteoarthritis.
  • Back injuries from slips, trips, crashes, or sports injuries
  • Piriformis syndrome is an uncommon neuromuscular condition in which the piriformis muscle constricts, pressing on the spinal nerves and resulting in sciatic nerve discomfort.

Symptoms of sciatica back pain

Inflammation, discomfort, and even numbness in the leg are symptoms of sciatica. One leg is often affected at a time. Sciatica symptoms can range from a little soreness to a burning feeling or intense agony. Sneezing, coughing, or movement might exacerbate the symptoms.

Sciatica frequently causes foot, leg, and lower back pain. Find the common symptoms below:

  • Stab, searing, or shooting pain that ranges from mild to severe
  • Numbness
  • Tingling that feels like pins and needles
  • Muscle tremor

Contact your doctor right away if your back pain symptoms become more severe. Serious signs incorporate:

  • both sides of sciatica
  • significant numbness or weakness in both legs
  • Numbness in the area of your bottom or genitalia
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

Some sciatica symptoms may be a sign of a more serious underlying medical issue. Cauda equina syndrome and spinal tumours are examples of this.

Risk factors for sciatica

Typical causes of sciatica

A risk factor is something that might make sciatica more likely to occur. These risk elements consist of:

  • A lower back or spine injury
  • Excess weight
  • Working a full-time job
  • Smoking
  • Damage to your bones, which frequently occurs as you get older,

Treatment for Sciatica methods to ease Sciatica

Even though sciatica might continue longer, it often gets better after 4-6 weeks. Each person is affected differently by it. The following self-care tips can help you reduce sciatica pain and hasten your recovery:

  • Where feasible, carry on with your regular activities.
  • Avoid being still for too long.
  • Regularly do sciatica stretching exercises to increase flexibility.
  • Participate in frequent, light exercise since it’s crucial to stay active.
  • Consult your pharmacist about taking over-the-counter medications.
  • If you prefer to sleep on your side, place a tiny cushion between your knees. A number of cushions should be placed beneath your knees if you are lying on your back.

Additionally, you can use hot or cold compresses to relieve sciatica pain. Keep in mind that ice or cold packs should only be applied to minor ailments like strains or sprains. You can use heat packs if you have a persistent injury.

By easing pressure on the nerve, a physical therapist might suggest particular exercises to aid with sciatica pain. To ease pain and inflammation, physiotherapists can also massage the bones and joints in the affected regions.

Given how challenging it is to manage chronic pain, it makes sense if you experience sadness or depression. It’s critical to get mental health care since a bad mindset can affect how much pain you experience physically. Your level of suffering will be lessened if you have an optimistic outlook.

Your doctor will recommend another healthcare provider to talk about additional treatment choices if your discomfort doesn’t go away. To determine the source of your discomfort, you might require a CT scan or X-ray. A muscle relaxant, steroid injections, or spinal decompression surgery may be used as further therapies. If these don’t work or aren’t right for you, you might be able to get medical marijuana from a doctor who is a specialised prescriber.

Drugs for treating sciatica

To treat sciatica, you can use over-the-counter painkillers. While pain medication won’t permanently heal sciatica, it can make everyday tasks more manageable.

You may purchase pain relief at any drugstore. These consist of:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac gel (Voltarol) or ibuprofen pills or gel
  • Heat pads or creams that are either medicated or unmedicated
  • Codeine and paracetamol combined as co-codamol for momentary relief

Although paracetamol can be used to relieve pain, it is unlikely to be effective in treating sciatica pain on its own.

When standard treatments for chronic pain have failed to reduce pain symptoms, medical marijuana may be an alternative to ease back pain.

Cannabis for medical use and Sciatica

There is little information on how medical cannabis affects sciatica pain. However, there has been an increase in interest in medicinal cannabis since it was made legal for medical use in 2018. Medical marijuana may be a sciatica treatment option if first-line medications have failed to relieve symptoms.

Get your private cannabis prescription consultation today

With MARUCANNA, your private cannabis consultation is just a few clicks away. The 4-step process starts with a free eligibility check, followed by a quick questionnaire and instant decision. If eligible, a virtual consultation with a medical professional is the final step.

Frequently asked questions about sciatica

Are there varying degrees of back pain?

Yes, back pain can vary widely in intensity, duration, and type. It can be classified into different categories:

Acute vs. Chronic:

    • Acute back pain lasts a few days to a few weeks, often resulting from an injury or strain.
    • Chronic back pain persists for more than three months and can result from underlying conditions or ongoing issues.

Mild vs. Severe:

    • Mild pain might be a dull ache or stiffness, manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
    • Severe pain can be sharp, debilitating, and may limit mobility.

Localized vs. Radiating:

    • Localized pain occurs in one specific area, such as the lower back.
    • Radiating pain can travel down the legs or arms, often indicating nerve involvement.

Mechanical vs. Non-mechanical:

    • Mechanical pain typically results from movement or posture, often improving with rest.
    • Non-mechanical pain may not be influenced by movement and can indicate more serious issues.

Each person’s experience with back pain is unique, and treatment can vary based on the type and severity. If someone is experiencing back pain, especially if it’s severe or persistent, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Is there a distinct difference between sciatica and regular back pain?

Yes, there are distinct differences between sciatica and regular back pain:

Sciatica:

  • Cause: Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the legs, is compressed or irritated. This can happen due to herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or other conditions.
  • Symptoms: It typically involves pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttock and down one leg. The pain can be sharp, burning, or shooting and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot.
  • Duration: Sciatica can be acute or chronic, but it often persists longer than typical back pain, especially if the underlying cause is not treated.

Regular Back Pain:

  • Cause: Regular back pain can result from a variety of issues, such as muscle strains, ligament sprains, poor posture, or injuries. It may also stem from conditions like arthritis or degenerative disc disease.
  • Symptoms: The pain is usually localized in the back and can be dull, aching, or sharp. It may not radiate down the legs or have associated neurological symptoms.
  • Duration: Regular back pain can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), but it may not always indicate nerve involvement.

What are the causes of sciatica?

Because sciatica can occur for a variety of reasons, there are several possible risk factors that include, but are not limited to:

Injuries: A present or prior injury to your spine or lower back raises your chances of getting sciatica.

Wear and tear: Normal wear and tear on your spine can lead to pinched nerves, herniated discs, and other disorders that cause sciatica as you get older. Age-related illnesses such as osteoarthritis might also be a factor.

Obesity or being overweight: When you stand erect, your spine resembles a construction crane. Your spine (crane) has to lift the weight you hold in front of your body. Back muscles act like a winch and cable, tugging to keep you vertical. The more you weigh, the harder your back muscles have to work. This can result in back strains, discomfort, and other problems.

Not having enough core strength Your “core” muscles are those in your back and abdominal (stomach region). Having a stronger core is analogous to updating the crane’s components to carry a larger weight. Your abdominal muscles are crucial because they help stabilise your back muscles.

Your Work: Jobs that demand heavy lifting, bending, or working in uncomfortable or odd positions may raise your chances of developing low back issues. Jobs that require extended sitting, particularly without sufficient back support, may raise your risk of low back issues.

Lifting without proper posture and form: Even if you are physically healthy and active, you might get sciatica if you do not use good body form during weightlifting, strength training, or other comparable exercises.

Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes raises your chances of developing diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy. This causes nerve injury, including nerves that might cause or contribute to sciatica.

Sitting for lengthy periods of time and a lack of physical exercise can both contribute to an increased risk of sciatica.

Tobacco: Smoking might impair circulation and raise your risk of chronic discomfort. This covers ailments such as sciatica.

Unknown causes: Many cases of sciatica have no recognised aetiology that healthcare experts can identify.

What are the consequences of sciatica?

The majority of people recover completely from sciatica. Chronic (long-term) pain is a potential consequence of sciatica.

Chronic muscular weakness, such as a “drop foot,” may occur if a nerve is severely damaged. When a nerve injury produces numbness in your foot, regular walking becomes difficult, if not impossible.

Sciatica can also cause permanent nerve injury, resulting in numbness in the afflicted legs.

Is walking good for sciatica?

Yes, walking can be beneficial for some people with sciatica, but it’s important to approach it with caution and listen to your body. Sciatica is a condition characterised by pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the buttocks and into the legs. Walking, when done properly, can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with sciatica in several ways:

  • Improves circulation: Walking promotes blood flow to the affected area, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
  • Increases flexibility and mobility: Gentle walking can help loosen tight muscles and improve flexibility in the lower back, buttocks, and legs, which can help alleviate sciatic nerve compression and reduce pain.
  • Promotes healing: Walking can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers produced by the body. It also helps strengthen the muscles that support the spine, which can aid in the healing process.
  • Maintains overall health: Regular exercise, including walking, is important for maintaining overall health and preventing complications associated with inactivity, such as weight gain and loss of muscle strength.

However, it’s crucial to approach walking with sciatica carefully to avoid worsening symptoms. Here are some tips:

  • Start slowly: Begin with short walks and gradually increase the duration and intensity as tolerated.
  • Pay attention to posture: Maintain proper posture while walking to reduce strain on the lower back. Avoid slouching or leaning forward excessively.
  • Choose supportive footwear: Wear comfortable, supportive shoes with cushioned soles to help absorb shock and reduce impact on the spine.
  • Take breaks: If you experience increased pain or discomfort while walking, take breaks as needed and avoid pushing through severe pain.
  • Listen to your body: If walking exacerbates your symptoms or causes severe pain, stop and consult with your healthcare provider for guidance on alternative exercises or treatments.

What not to do with sciatica?

When dealing with sciatica, there are certain activities and behaviours that you should avoid to prevent exacerbating symptoms or causing further damage to the sciatic nerve. Here are some things you should generally avoid when experiencing sciatica:

  1. Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Sitting for extended periods of time can compress the sciatic nerve and aggravate symptoms. Similarly, standing for long periods without breaks can also increase pressure on the lower back and exacerbate pain. It’s important to alternate between sitting, standing, and walking throughout the day.
  2. Heavy Lifting or Twisting: Activities that involve heavy lifting or twisting motions can strain the lower back and worsen sciatica symptoms. Avoid lifting heavy objects, especially if you have to bend forward or twist your spine while lifting. Use proper lifting techniques, such as bending at the knees and keeping the back straight, or ask for assistance when needed.
  3. High-Impact Activities: High-impact exercises or activities that jar the spine, such as running, jumping, or intense aerobics, can aggravate sciatica symptoms. Instead, opt for low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or stationary cycling, which are gentler on the spine.
  4. Sitting on Soft Surfaces: Sitting on soft, cushioned surfaces like sofas or plush chairs can cause your hips to sink lower than your knees, which can exacerbate sciatica symptoms. Choose a firm, supportive chair with proper lumbar support, and consider using a cushion or rolled towel to support the natural curve of your lower back.
  5. Excessive Bed Rest: While it’s important to rest during acute flare-ups of sciatica, prolonged bed rest can weaken muscles, stiffen joints, and delay recovery. Instead of staying in bed all day, try to remain moderately active and engage in gentle stretches or exercises recommended by your healthcare provider.
  6. Ignoring Pain Signals: Ignoring pain signals and pushing through activities that worsen your symptoms can lead to further injury and prolong recovery. Pay attention to your body’s signals and avoid activities that cause sharp or shooting pain, numbness, or tingling down your leg.
  7. Self-Medication: While over-the-counter pain relievers may provide temporary relief, relying on self-medication without proper diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional can mask underlying issues and delay appropriate care. Consult with your doctor before taking any medications for sciatica.

Can CBD help with sciatic nerve pain?

CBD might help with sciatic nerve pain. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can reduce pain and inflammation associated with sciatica. Many people report experiencing relief from their symptoms, though individual results vary. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine if CBD is a suitable option for managing your sciatic nerve pain.

Does cannabis help sciatica?

Yes, medical cannabis can help with sciatic nerve pain. The combination of THC and CBD found in cannabis may reduce inflammation and ease the pain associated with sciatica. By interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, cannabis may help alleviate both the sharp, shooting pain and the muscle spasms that often accompany sciatic nerve issues.

If you’re considering medical cannabis for sciatica, you can get a prescription through MARUCANNA. We specialise in providing access to medical cannabis for conditions like sciatica, helping patients find relief through tailored treatments. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if medical marijuana is the right option for your sciatica pain.

Can cannabis help back pain?

Yes, cannabis may help with back pain by reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. The pain-relieving effects of cannabinoids like CBD and THC can target chronic back pain, muscle tension, and discomfort. Some users report improved mobility and relief from symptoms, but the effectiveness can vary, and it should be used under medical supervision.

Is CBD Good for Sciatic Nerve Pain?

CBD (cannabidiol) may offer benefits for individuals experiencing sciatic nerve pain. Sciatica typically involves pain radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. While research specifically focusing on CBD for sciatica is limited, several studies suggest that CBD possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. These effects could help alleviate the inflammation and discomfort associated with sciatic nerve pain, making CBD a potentially effective option for managing symptoms.

How Much CBD to Take for Sciatica Pain?

The appropriate dosage of CBD for sciatica pain can vary based on individual factors such as body weight, severity of pain, and personal tolerance to CBD. It is generally recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find what works best for you. A common starting point is around 10-15 mg of CBD per day. Some individuals may find relief with doses ranging from 20-50 mg or more, depending on their specific needs. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting CBD to determine the most effective and safe dosage for your situation.

Will CBD Gummies Help Sciatic Nerve Pain?

CBD gummies can be an effective method for managing sciatic nerve pain, especially for those who prefer a convenient and discreet option. Gummies offer a pre-measured dose of CBD, making it easy to track your intake. While they may take longer to produce effects compared to oils or tinctures (as they need to be digested), many users report positive experiences with gummies in terms of pain relief and overall comfort. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of CBD gummies can vary from person to person, so it’s important to find the right dosage that works for you.