Sciatica
Medical cannabis can help to provide natural relief for the persistent pain and discomfort caused by sciatica, supporting improved mobility and quality of life.
Sciatica is a condition where the nerve running from your lower back to your feet, the sciatic nerve, becomes compressed. This can cause mild irritation lasting just a few weeks, or severe pain lasting months or years. Not all lower back pain is sciatica, but UK estimates suggest this is the case for up to 43% of those with lower back pain.
Symptoms
Sciatica typically causes pain in one leg, buttock, or in the back. It can feel like a sharp pain, burning pain, tingling or numbness, and usually eases after a few weeks.
Treatments
With rest, sciatica usually gets better on its own. However, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain medications depending on severity. They might also suggest applying heat or cold to the area, moving regularly to minimise inflammation, osteopathic manipulation such as massage, or in extreme cases, surgery. Studies suggest medical cannabis can help those with chronic radicular neuropathic pain, which includes sciatica.
35%
A 2018 study on men with nerve pain – including sciatica – found medical cannabis reduced pain from 53% to 35%
50.8%
In a 2020 study on patients with lower back pain using medical cannabis, 50.8% were able to stop all opioid usage
38.7%
A 2023 study found 38.7% of adults with chronic pain reported that using cannabis decreased their use of physiotherapy
Get high quality medicinal cannabis fromthe doctor to your door.
Word from our expert
Dr Sunil Arora Chief Medical Officer
Sciatica can cause debilitating pain, often radiating from the lower back down through the leg, with sudden onset of breakthrough pain that can be difficult to control.
Medical cannabis could help manage this pain and inflammation, promoting relaxation and improving mobility. In our experience, cannabis can offer relief for those suffering from sciatica, providing an effective alternative to traditional pain medications and helping to improve overall quality of life.
At Emerald, our team of experts can help you explore medical cannabis treatments for sciatica that work for you, providing you with a safe, natural option to restore balance in your life.
