Back problems? disc problems? Can CBD help with degenerative disc problems?

Numerous physiological and psychological variables are described by degenerative disc disease. The general term encompasses a variety of spinal disorders, including facet joint syndrome and stenosis. Early studies suggest that CBD could one day be used to treat the physical damage and psychological stress of the condition.

The most common cause of chronic pain and disability worldwide is back pain. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is just one of many musculoskeletal and neurological disorders that can cause back pain. The World Health Organization claims that these ailments affect a person’s health, quality of life, and even ability to work.

DDD is a classification of spinal disorders rather than a single diagnosis involving degeneration of intervertebral discs. These critical components are found in the cervical (upper), thoracic (middle), and lumbar regions of the human spine (lower). 23 intervertebral discs separate the movable vertebrae of the spine.

HOW CBD FITS DEGENERATING DISC DISEASES

While there are numerous treatment options for back pain, few have been scientifically verified or provide reliable results. How does cannabis compare as a potential treatment for back pain given that the search for a cure is still very much on-going?

Cannabis has been used by humans for thousands of years to treat a variety of mental and physical illnesses. The resinous buds of this fascinating herb are packed with a potent blend of phytochemicals, including 200 terpenes and over 100 cannabinoids. Cannabidiol, sometimes known as CBD, is one of these and one of the most well-known.

Although research is still in its early stages, CBD has already shown promise in a number of clinical contexts. As cannabis science develops, what do we now know about CBD’s effect on DDD?

HOW DOES CBD HELP WITH DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE?

While putting increasing stress on the body and promoting healthy mobility is essential to treating back pain, new therapies like CBD also appear to have a place in potential future treatments. Such as:

Before 2014, there wasn’t much research on CBD and DDD. That changed when a group of Brazilian researchers from the University of So Paulo set out to study how CBD affects disc degeneration. They first developed a mouse model of DDD and then gave varying amounts of CBD to an experimental group.

Two and fifteen days after administration of CBD, the effects were monitored by the researchers using MRI. After obtaining photos, they used histological analysis to study the damaged areas at the cellular level. They discovered that CBD greatly reduced the damage done to the spinal discs. Within the annulus fibrosus, the effects of the cannabinoid were very noticeable. However, the nucleus pulposus showed less dramatic changes.

But how can CBD actually bring about these beneficial adaptations? Well, the chemical affects multiple body systems to bring about physiological changes. For example, the endocannabinoid system and CBD (ECS) interact. The CB1 and CB2 receptors that make up the ECS are present in high concentrations in the neurological and immunological systems, respectively, and other parts of the body.

Although research has not yet identified them in the spinal discs, CBD can prevent spinal disc degeneration by interacting with these receptors. The endocannabinoid anandamide is also stopped from being broken down by CBD, which extends its half-life in the body. Commonly referred to as the “bliss molecule,” this endocannabinoid exhibits analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that may aid in disc repair.

Cannabis researchers are studying CBD to determine if it has anti-inflammatory properties, as degenerative disc disease releases a barrage of inflammatory chemicals. In a 2014 study published in PLOS One, researchers attempted to determine whether cannabinoids could prevent disc degeneration in rats.

Despite their diligent efforts, the research team recommended additional studies into how CBD interacts with cell signals. Clinical studies are also needed to understand how cannabis affects sufferers.

Back pain must be treated with a multifaceted strategy. Although manual therapy, strength training, and specialized exercises are important, the patient’s psychological state has a significant impact on how they perceive pain and their ability to manage the disease.

Chronic pain and the psychological effects of DDD can cause uncomfortable mental states such as depression, anxiety, and disaster. Cannabidiol may help with the psychological symptoms of DDD and may also address the physical parts of the disorder.

The early study on CBD and mental health is promising. Our brain’s response to this important neurotransmitter can change as a result of the cannabinoid’s interaction with the serotonin system. This could then have a significant impact on our mental health. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, CBD increases the time that anandamide — a chemical linked to improved mood — stays in the synaptic region.

In addition, research suggests that CBD can reduce the effects of stress. It’s interesting to think that too much stress can change the way we experience and deal with pain. A cycle of suffering can arise because the mental state appears to both contribute to and stem from factors that cause chronic pain. By reducing some stress-related symptoms, CBD may change the way people experience and perceive pain.

HOW IS CBD USED TO TREAT DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE?

Simply put, there is no easy solution to this problem. Research into how CBD affects DDD is still at a very early stage. No one knows the ideal dose or strategy for using CBD for the condition as there is no clinical research to base it on.

CBD treatment for DDD symptoms is still an unproven strategy. But some people find that cannabidiol helps them in some way. Of course, get advice from your doctor beforehand.

FINAL EFFECT

Although it is far too early in research to draw any firm conclusions, cannabis shows significant potential when used in conjunction with exercise and psychological treatment as part of an overall strategy. Hopefully, further research will reveal how CBD affects the condition physiologically, as well as dosage and route of administration.

CANNBIS FOR DISC, READ MORE…

CANNABIS FOR DISC BACK PAIN, WHAT DO YOU KNOW?