Back pain is common and can be hard to live with. Whether it comes from posture, a sedentary routine, or a condition such as arthritis, many people look for options beyond their usual routine, and some ask: is CBD good for back pain? This guide covers what research says so far, the types of CBD products people use, possible side effects, and why your doctor should be part of the decision.
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of many compounds found in hemp. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a high. Researchers are studying CBD for a range of possible uses, but studying something is not the same as proving it works.
The body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS), a cell-signaling system that researchers study in connection with functions such as pain perception, immune response, and sleep. It includes natural compounds the body makes, receptors called CB1 and CB2, and enzymes that break the compounds down. You can read the basics in our guide to the endocannabinoid system.
Researchers are still working out exactly how CBD acts in the body, and it is not clear how, or whether, it helps with back pain.
People who ask about CBD for back pain usually have a few goals in mind. For each one, the evidence in people with back pain is limited:
CBD oil is often taken under the tongue or added to food and drinks. Many people choose it for its flexibility. Searching for CBD oil for back pain turns up many products, so read labels carefully and look for third-party lab results. Our guide on how to read a CBD label can help.
CBD creams, balms, and lotions are applied to the skin on a specific area. Topicals are made for skin use only and are not meant to be swallowed. If you are curious about a CBD cream for back pain, check for ingredients you may be sensitive to.
Capsules and edibles are taken by mouth. They may take longer to take effect than other forms.
Some people vape CBD, but inhaling products may not be suitable for everyone, especially people with respiratory issues. Talk with your doctor before considering it.
Products also come in different types, such as full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. Rules for products that contain THC are changing, so ask our team what is currently available, and see our comparison of full spectrum vs. broad spectrum vs. isolate CBD.
CBD can cause side effects, and it is not right for everyone. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health lists reduced alertness, mood changes, decreased appetite, and diarrhea among the reported effects. CBD has also been linked to liver injury and to interactions with other drugs. The same source notes that over-the-counter CBD products can contain more or less CBD than the label states, and may contain contaminants such as THC.
If you take medications or have a health condition, talk with a healthcare professional before trying CBD. If your back pain is severe, follows an injury, or comes with symptoms that worry you, see a healthcare professional promptly instead of trying a supplement first.
Research on CBD and back pain is still in its early stages. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports on a 2018 review of 47 studies of cannabis and cannabinoids for chronic pain. In it, 29% of people taking cannabis or cannabinoids had at least a 30% reduction in pain, compared with 26% of people taking a placebo. The source notes that this difference may be too small to matter to patients, and that side effects were more common with cannabinoids.
Two limits matter for readers. Many of the studies in that review used products with THC or mixed preparations, not CBD alone, and the review looked at chronic pain in general, not back pain specifically. So the research does not show that CBD works for back pain.
Research does not show that it does. Studies of cannabinoids for chronic pain point to only a small benefit, and many did not use CBD alone. Talk with your doctor before trying it.
People commonly use oils, topicals, capsules, and edibles. Topicals are applied to a specific area of skin, while oils and capsules are taken by mouth. The right choice depends on your health, your medications, and your doctor’s advice.
Not always. CBD has been linked to interactions with some drugs, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start, especially if you take prescription medication.
See a healthcare professional if your back pain is severe, follows an injury, lasts, or comes with symptoms that worry you. CBD is not a replacement for a diagnosis.
If you have questions about CBD, call us at (239) 331-4807 or visit Growing in Health Florida at 7211 Vanderbilt Beach Rd #3, Naples, FL 34119. We are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can also browse our shop or read our overview of CBD for pain management. Our team can explain how to read labels and answer your questions, and we encourage you to include your healthcare professional in any decision about your health.
