If you’re dealing with sciatica and you’ve come across CBD as a potential solution, you’ve probably heard that it has benefits for physical discomfort. But how well does CBD work at addressing the pain? Is it actually beneficial for sciatica?
Many people use CBD for pain and inflammation, and research supports these benefits, so it may have therapeutic potential for sciatica. However, there is a lack of specific research on CBD for sciatica, and it’s not an FDA-approved treatment.
In this article, we’ll discuss the current scientific research on CBD for sciatica and pain in more depth. We’ll also discuss how CBD works and how to use it for the best results.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica (also sometimes called “sciatic nerve pain”) is nerve pain caused by injury or irritation to your sciatic nerve(s). It’s typically characterized by pain, tingling, and numbness in the back and abdomen. Discomfort may be felt down through the leg.
There are two sciatic nerves in your body – one on each side. Each nerve runs through your hip and buttock, down to just below your knee on each side of your body. These nerves are quite large; many people compare their width to a U.S. penny.
Sciatica has a variety of causes, some of them specific conditions and others more general.
According to Cleveland Clinic, common causes of sciatica include:
- Herniated disks
- Degenerative disk disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Foraminal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Osteoarthritis
- Injuries
- Pregnancy
- Tumors, cysts, and other growths
- Conus medullas syndrome
- Cauda equina syndrome
What is CBD?
CBD is one of 100+ cannabinoids that naturally occur in the hemp plant. Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
Preliminary research has found CBD to be beneficial for pain, inflammation, anxiety, stress, sleep problems, and other conditions. Because of its versatility, it’s become a popular natural health supplement.
Unlike THC, CBD will not get you high. Even full-spectrum CBD blends, which can contain up to 0.3% THC, do not contain enough THC to produce a high feeling (however, they will show up on a drug test).
Can CBD Help With Sciatica? What Research Says
There is a bit of research showing that CBD has the potential to help with pain from sciatica, and there are studies that more generally demonstrate its physically-supportive properties.
Research on CBD for sciatica
In a 2020 study, University of Washington researchers examined the effects of CBD on pain from sciatic nerve injury. Researchers concluded that cannabinoids have the potential to provide “long-term relief of chronic pain states” for people with this condition [1].
A 2022 study investigated the benefits of CBD for nerve pain (of which sciatica is a variety). The researchers found that CBD helped to reduce the amount of gabapentin that patients needed to take.
The researchers also found that neuropathic pain patients using any kind of cannabis-based medicine (CBD, THC, etc.), were hospitalized for fewer total days than those not using these natural supplements [2].
Research on CBD for pain
In the realm of real-world evidence, in 2021, scientists conducted a survey of 253 CBD users to better understand how effective it is for pain. Overall, results were positive: participants reported that CBD helped their pain (59.0%) and allowed them to reduce their pain medications (67.6%) [3].
A 2017 peer-reviewed book examined a number of studies and found that CBD had beneficial effects on both chronic and acute pain [4].
Overall, it seems that CBD may render benefits for a majority of people with sciatica. However, as the survey above shows, it may not work equally as well for everyone.
CBD is also not a proven treatment for sciatica, but rather a supplement. More clinical studies are needed to determine how well it works for this use.
How CBD Works for Sciatica
CBD works by supporting your endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a receptor system in your body that’s responsible for regulating your vital functions, including the inflammatory and pain responses.
There are two types of receptors in your ECS:
- CB1 receptors, which produce mental effects when interacted with
- CB2 receptors, which produce physical effects when interacted with
Although CBD doesn’t bind to the CB1 or CB2 receptors as many cannabinoids do, research suggests that it supports the function of your ECS by preventing the breakdown of its processes [5].
There is also research suggesting that CBD can help with pain by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitters anandamide and serotonin in your body [6,7]. Higher levels of these neurotransmitters are associated with a reduction in pain sensations.
More clinical research is needed before we truly know how reliable CBD is and to what extent it may benefit people with sciatica. But the research we have so far is promising, and so are the first-hand accounts of people who say that CBD has changed their condition.
Is CBD Legal?
CBD is federally legal as of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the production and sale of all hemp-derived cannabinoids.
However, some states have imposed limitations on the types and forms of CBD that can be produced, bought, and sold. For example, some states only allow CBD isolates, which don’t contain any THC.
To be safe, check your state’s laws before purchasing CBD, online or otherwise.
How to Use CBD for Sciatica
There are a variety of ways you can take CBD, and some methods may have advantages over others when addressing sciatica.
- Oil: CBD oil consists of hemp extract and carrier oil. Because it can be put under the tongue, then swallowed, it starts working in just 10-15 minutes and is slightly more potent than other delivery methods.
- Topicals: CBD topicals are applied directly to the skin, as opposed to consumed. Topicals, such as CBD cream and CBD massage oil, allow you to target the affected area for relaxation, instead of letting CBD flow through your bloodstream and reach all areas of your body and brain. The downside of topicals is that, since they don’t deliver CBD throughout your body, you won’t experience the mental relaxation from CBD.
- Gummies: CBD gummies are a good option if you’ll be taking the same dose of CBD on a regular basis. They will begin working in 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Softgels/Capsules: CBD softgels and capsules offer a cleaner, quicker alternative to gummies. They are a perfect option if you want to easily integrate CBD into your vitamin routine. However, capsules can’t be split like gummies can.
- Flower/Vapes: CBD hemp flower and CBD vapes are two other ways you can consume CBD for IBS. However, they pose two downsides: first, the obvious health risk of inhaling smoke or vapor, and second, they are difficult to dose. Still, these downsides may be worth it for you, depending on your needs and preferences.
CBD Dosage for Sciatica
If you’re taking CBD for sciatica, we recommend starting with a medium-strength dosage of CBD, which you can calculate using the following formula:
(0.3) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily CBD dosage in mg. for sciatica
Once you’ve taken your dose a few times, adjust it up or down based on how it’s working for you.
Ensure that you take CBD consistently for at least 2 weeks before evaluating results; unlike some cannabinoids, CBD won’t work unless your body is given a significant period to adapt to it.
Learn More: CBD Dosage Guide, Chart, Calculator
CBD for Sciatica: Side Effects & Safety Considerations
Although CBD is safe, it may cause the following side effects when taken:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Fatigue
CBD may also interact with some pharmaceutical drugs; for this reason, be sure to speak with your doctor before using CBD if you’re on any prescriptions.
CBD vs. Pain Medications for Sciatica
In this section, we’ll compare CBD with sciatica medications on four dimensions: cost, strength, side effects, and the level of research behind them.
The information in this section is dependent on the CBD product you choose and the medication you’re comparing it to; we’ve done our best to generalize the differences between the two.
Cost
There are several types of medications used for sciatica; we’ll look at Diclofenac, a commonly prescribed medication for sciatica.
A 30-day supply of Diclofenac will typically run you about $50. Ibuprofen, another common OTC (over-the-counter) drug used for sciatica, costs about $10-20 per month for a 30-day supply.
A 30-day supply of CBD oil costs $40-100, which may be more or less than the alternative. In many cases, the cost of CBD is either comparable to or slightly more than the cost of sciatica medications.
Strength and efficacy
Research suggests that CBD has the potential to address pain and inflammation. However, most people note that it works subtly by rendering discomfort less noticeable or “easier to ignore,” rather than creating strongly relaxing sensations.
Many pain prescriptions, on the other hand, render very powerful effects – albeit, with many adverse side effects. They may be stronger than CBD, but they have more downsides, too.
Ultimately, the efficacy of CBD versus medications comes down to the individual. Some people have completely replaced their medications with CBD, while others find that they still need their prescription (albeit in a smaller dose) to get comfortable.
Side Effects
Researchers consider CBD to be generally well-tolerated. While it can cause side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and fatigue, such effects usually aren’t severe.
The same can’t be said for many prescriptions. For example, side effects of Diclofenac, the pain medication we looked at in the “cost” section, include upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, gas, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision.
And these effects occur at normal doses; taking too much of this medication can cause ringing in the ears, easy bleeding or bruising, difficult or painful swallowing, and more.
Most prescription medications are not dangerous if they’re dosed correctly, however, they generally have more potential to cause serious harm than CBD does.
Research
While there is quite a bit of preliminary research on CBD for pain and other conditions, there isn’t enough clinical research to prove it’s a reliable treatment for most health problems and conditions, including sciatica.
In order to be approved for use, prescription medications must be clinically tested and shown to work. As a result, they are a more proven solution than CBD for sciatica.
However, cannabinoid research is being done every day, and scientists are constantly learning more about the therapeutic benefits CBD has to offer.
Best CBD for Sciatica: 3 Product Picks for 2024
There’s a lot of CBD products out there, and not all of them are worth your money. To point you in the right direction, we reviewed and selected the three best CBD products for sciatica in 2024.
Each pick is:
- 3rd-party lab tested to verify potency and lack of harmful contaminants
- Well-reviewed to demonstrate efficacy
- Made with a blend of cannabinoids especially beneficial for physical support
1. Best CBD Oil for Sciatica: Natural Ways Full-Spectrum CBG:CBD Oil
Type of CBD: Full-spectrum CBD & CBG
Potency: 500mg, 1000mg, 1500mg, or 3000mg of CBG & CBD each per bottle
Size: 1 oz. (30 ml)
Price: $45 (500mg of each), $65 (1000mg of each), $85 (1500mg of each), $115 (3000mg of each)
If you’re looking for the strongest, most effective CBD oil for sciatica, our full-spectrum CBG:CBD oil is hard to beat.
With this product, we’ve combined CBD with cannabigerol (CBG), another cannabinoid in hemp with physically-supportive properties
Both of these cannabinoids promote physical comfort, but they work differently. By using them in combination, you’ll receive stronger benefits than you can get from CBD by itself.
Our CBG:CBD oil comes in four strengths to accommodate everyone’s needs: 500mg, 1000mg, 1500mg, or 3000mg of CBG and CBD each per bottle.
We firmly believe it’s the most effective cannabinoid formula out there for physical discomfort.
Shop: Full-Spectrum CBG CBD Oil
Product Details
3rd-Party Lab Tested: Yes (available here)
Free Shipping: No free shipping
Returns: 30-day returns
2. Best CBD Cream for Sciatica: CBDFx CBG + CBD Muscle and Joint Cream
Type of CBD: Broad-spectrum CBD & CBG
Potency: 1000mg or 3000mg of CBD & CBG each per pump
Size: 1.7 oz.
Price: $49.99 (1000mg of each) or $99.99 (3000mg of each)
CBDFx’s CBG + CBD Muscle and Joint Cream contains the powerful CBG-CBD combination, plus white willow bark, caffeine, and tea tree oil.
Each pump contains either 1000mg or 3000mg of CBG and CBD each, allowing for the deep topical relaxation.
By combining hemp-derived cannabinoids with other natural ingredients, CBDFx has created the best CBD cream for knee and joint pain.
Shop: CBG + CBD Muscle and Joint Cream
Product Details
3rd-Party Lab Tested: Yes (available here)
Free Shipping: Orders over $99
Returns: 60-day returns
3. Best CBD Gummies for Sciatica: Canna River Calm Gummies
Cannabinoids: Broad-spectrum CBD, CBG isolate, CBN isolate
Potency: 50mg CBD + 25mg CBG + 25mg CBN per gummy
Size: 30 gummies
Price: $35.00
The 50mg CBD, 25mg CBG, and 25mg CBN in each of Canna River’s Calm Gummies render more-powerful physical support than CBD alone.
The CBD helps to neutralize the energizing effects of CBG, while CBN (cannabinol), a cannabinoid with sedating, mildly psychoactive effects, promotes restful sleep and additional physical relaxation. The ultimate entourage effect.
If you’re looking for a nighttime product that’s also incredibly effective for discomfort, Canna River’s Calm Gummies are what you need.
Shop: Calm Gummies
Product Details
3rd-Party Lab Tested: Yes (available here)
Free Shipping: Free shipping on all orders
Returns: 7-day returns
Conclusion: A Natural Supplement for Sciatica?
CBD works differently for everyone, and it’s definitely not a one-size-fits all solution to sciatica.
However, many people have found it beneficial for this soul-crushing form of nerve pain, and some people with chronic sciatica have found that CBD helps them take less of whatever pain medication they’re on.
Given its variable efficacy, CBD may completely replace your medications, or it may merely supplement what you’re taking.
Either way, most people find that it helps them in some way, and we’d encourage you to give it a try – just be sure to speak to your doctor beforehand so they can advise you on how best to use it.
Related: CBD for Bursitis
CBD for Sciatica: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about CBD for sciatica.
Will CBD help sciatica?
Research suggests CBD may have benefits for pain and inflammation, which means it may have therapeutic potential for sciatica. However, more research on CBD is needed to verify these benefits, and CBD is not an FDA-approved treatment for sciatica.
Does CBD take away nerve pain?
There is no research to indicate that CBD predictably reduces nerve pain, however, preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence suggest it may have physically relaxing benefits.
What is the most effective pain relief for sciatica?
Over-the-counter pain relievers, heat or ice, stretching, and resting in bed all may improve sciatic pain.
How often should you take CBD for nerve pain?
We recommend taking CBD daily for nerve pain, and using it consistently for at least 2 weeks. This will allow the CBD to build up in your system and begin working.
Which oil is best for sciatica pain?
Full-spectrum CBD:CBG is the most beneficial hemp-derived cannabinoid combination for sciatica that you can get in an oil.
Sources
[1] Abraham, Antony D et al. “Orally consumed cannabinoids provide long-lasting relief of allodynia in a mouse model of chronic neuropathic pain.” Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology vol. 45,7 (2020): 1105-1114. doi:10.1038/s41386-019-0585-3
[2] Hjorthøj, Carsten et al. “Cannabis-based medicines and medical cannabis for patients with neuropathic pain and other pain disorders: Nationwide register-based pharmacoepidemiologic comparison with propensity score matched controls.” European journal of pain (London, England) vol. 26,2 (2022): 480-491. doi:10.1002/ejp.1874
[3] Schilling, Jan M et al. “Cannabidiol as a Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Survey of Patients’ Perspectives and Attitudes.” Journal of pain research vol. 14 1241-1250. 5 May. 2021, doi:10.2147/JPR.S278718
[4] National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on the Health Effects of Marijuana: An Evidence Review and Research Agenda. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2017 Jan 12. 4, Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids.
[5] Haney, Margaret. “Cannabis Use and the Endocannabinoid System: A Clinical Perspective.” The American journal of psychiatry vol. 179,1 (2022): 21-25. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2021.21111138
[6] Hua, Daniel Ying-Heng et al. “Effects of cannabidiol on anandamide levels in individuals with cannabis use disorder: findings from a randomised clinical trial for the treatment of cannabis use disorder.” Translational psychiatry vol. 13,1 131. 21 Apr. 2023, doi:10.1038/s41398-023-02410-9
[7] De Gregorio, Danilo et al. “Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and reverses both allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain.” Pain vol. 160,1 (2019): 136-150. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001386
