Sciatica is a painful condition that is caused due to some damage to the sciatic nerve. It usually happens when this sciatic nerve in the lower spine is either somehow irritated or compressed.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
Although the problem starts with a compressed nerve in the lower spine, it gradually spreads elsewhere. That is why sciatica patients can experience pain in the hips, buttocks, and legs. The individuals who are most likely to get affected by sciatica are usually obese, diabetic, or have to sit for prolonged durations.
What are the treatment options available?
Among other options, nowadays an increasing number of physicians are prescribing medical marijuana for sciatica. This is not only because it is effective but also because it is a natural treatment option. Most of the other treatment methods involve consuming painkillers and even surgery, in extreme cases.
Nerve pain over time can become difficult to tolerate and to get relief, some patients choose to consume opioid drugs. These drugs pose health risks and can also lead to addiction and can ultimately cause a fatal overdose. After observing such serious health risks, some physicians are encouraging patients to switch to medical cannabis for sciatica.
Are there any research studies conducted on medical marijuana and sciatica?
The journal of Opioid Management claimed that medical marijuana can be administered to sciatica patients along with opioid drugs. This will help in controlling the pain by using only a minimum quantity of opioid drugs.
Also, a couple of studies have been conducted to determine the role of medical marijuana to treat sciatica without the assistance of other drugs. In this instance, it is worth mentioning that recently a study proved the connection between the THC present in marijuana and the reduction in the brain signals that cause pain. This relation implies that THC would be effective in alleviating chronic pain by disrupting some of the brain signals tasked with processing sensations of pain.
But if you are worried regarding the mind-bending effects of THC, you can try out CBD which is anti-psychoactive. There are CBD topicals on the market that you can place on an injury to experience relief from chronic pain. CBD is available in various forms, from consumables to ointment and oil. But if you are not sure, you can simply start using CBD oil. Even if you consume the CBD oil to treat your sciatica you would not feel high. It is because CBD does not contain a high enough amount of THC, which is the element responsible for causing intoxication.
Is medical marijuana the best treatment option for sciatica?
If you are convinced of the idea of using medical marijuana for treating your sciatica pain, then be sure to get in touch with a medical professional. Only a cannabis counselor can tell you whether cannabis will heal your conditions. Also, he/she will be able to determine the exact amount of THC and CBD needed in marijuana to treat your conditions. Once you have this information and a medical marijuana card, you can make your way to the dispensary to purchase medical marijuana.
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