“Oh, my aching back.” When is the last time you uttered those words? If you are like many Americans, it probably wasn’t too long ago. Maybe just the other day. Georgetown University Health Policy Institute reports that back problems are among patient’s most frequent complaints to their doctors, with nearly 65 million people reporting a recent episode.[1] The frequent and even constant pain can reduce quality of life. At its worse, back pain can lead to a disability that affects your ability to work and conduct other day-to-day activities.
Among the treatment options for severe back pain is the use of opioids. However, opioids pose significant risks. Common opioids such as hydrocodone or oxycodone can relieve back aches for a short period, but because they are strong, they can lead to dependency. Even if they don’t, WebMD points out that people who regularly take opioids for pain relief can develop a number of other health issues, such as heart attack, depressions, lung damage, depression and risk an accidental overdose.[2]
An alternative to opioids is NASIDs or Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, which is available over the counter. An application of ice or heat therapy also can help reduce lower back pain. Spine-health says for acute back pain (less than a 4-week duration) and/or back pain due to a direct injury, first use cold therapy. It will lower the body temperature to help constrict the blood vessels, reduce swelling, decrease inflammation and cause a numbing effect. When the inflammation subsides, use heat therapy. It improves the flexibility of soft tissues, muscle movement and overall back functioning. [3]
CBD offers natural way to relieve back pain
Also, among the options for back pain relief are topicals – ointments, creams or salves that you rub into the area where you experience pain. New topical Cannabidiol (CBD) products are gaining attention as a natural way to combat back pain. Topical CBD is absorbed through the skin where it interacts with the body’s own CB-2 receptors, which are the endocannabinoids that are found in the peripheral nervous system and which play an important role in fighting inflammation. Once CBD connects with CB-2 receptors, it has a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
While continued research is needed to thoroughly understand how CBD works to relieve backpain, research to date indicates that it relieves anxiety, which often is associated with long-lasting or chronic back pain. CBD also is thought to as improve sleep and an overall feeling of relaxation, which can help reduce back pain. Topical CBD can be used by rubbing it in the area that is causing back pain.[4]
Lab+Blends offers several topical CBD products for back pain. Find out more at https://lab-blends.com/ or click the links below.
