Back Pain & Sciatica

Chronic back pain is one of the most common reasons that patients start looking into medical cannabis, but can it actually help? And, if so, can you access it within the UK?  The short answer is yes, medical cannabis may help to alleviate the symptoms of chronic back pain. It is also legally available in the UK to eligible patients, who can receive a prescription from a specialist. 

Sciatica is a condition characterised by the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which extends from your lower back down to your feet. This nerve plays a crucial role in transmitting sensory and motor signals to and from the lower limbs. While most cases of sciatica resolve within 4 to 6 weeks, it is possible for the symptoms to persist for a longer duration. The discomfort experienced can vary from mild to severe, often accompanied by pain, tingling, or numbness along the affected leg. Seeking appropriate medical attention and implementing targeted treatments can help alleviate the symptoms and promote a quicker recovery.

Despite advancements in understanding back pain, the lack of effective and lasting treatment options remains a significant challenge. Managing non-surgical back pain has been identified as a primary contributor to the current issues surrounding the overprescription of opioids. Additionally, post-operative pain management poses a complex challenge for patients undergoing spine surgery.

Back pain continues to be a prevalent issue not only here in the UK, but globally. While there is a range of both 'over-the-counter' and prescribable pharmaceuticals available, many patients are seeking natural therapeutic options that don’t cause excessive side effects or risk of dependence and can be easily added to a holistic treatment plan.

Back pain. What starts as a small niggle can quickly spiral out of control, leading to a lifetime of chronic discomfort. And while there is a huge range of conventional pharmaceutical options available to help manage and control back pain, the need for new, effective therapeutic allies is ever-present. Opioids are the most commonly prescribed pain relief for chronic back aches, but the potential for addiction and other heavy side effects related to long-term opioid use has led to an increased focus on alternative therapeutic options.