Sciatica and Medical Cannabis

What Causes Sciatica?

The most common causes of sciatica include:

• Slipped disc – also called a herniated or ruptured disc. This is when the soft cushion-like tissue between the bones in your spine pushes out. Slipped discs can be a result of breakdown over time or from an acute back injury and can reduce space around your spinal cord.
• Spinal stenosis – an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal that your nerves pass through.
• Spondylolisthesis – one of the bones in your spine slips out of line with those above or below it. It is often caused by trauma or degeneration of the intervertebral discs and the joints between each vertebrae.
• Piriformis syndrome – a rare neuromuscular disorder where your piriformis muscle tightens, putting pressure on your spinal nerves which causes sciatic nerve pain.
• Injury – back injury from falls, car accidents or sports injuries.

What are the Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica causes pain, and sometimes numbness in the leg. It usually affects one leg at a time. The symptoms of sciatica can vary from a mild ache to a burning sensation or severe pain. Moving, sneezing or coughing can make the symptoms worse.

Common symptoms of sciatica include:

• Moderate to severe stabbing, burning, or shooting pain.
• Tingling sensation, like pins and needles.
• Muscle weakness.

If you experience more serious symptoms, you should contact your GP immediately. In rare cases, sciatica-like symptoms can signal a serious underlying condition, such as cauda equina syndrome or spinal tumours.

Serious symptoms of sciatica include:

• Sciatica on both sides.
• Severe weakness or numbness in both legs.
• Numbness around your genitals or bottom.
• Loss of bowel or bladder function.

The symptoms of sciatica can be similar to other pain conditions such as back pain and musculoskeletal pain. Persistent or long-standing sciatica can also lead to other complications, such as insomnia or anxiety.

Treatment Options for Sciatica

Sciatica often improves after 4-6 weeks but it can last longer. It affects every person differently. It is important to continue with day-to-day activities where possible.

For many patients, a consistent self-care routine including gentle, regular exercise and stretching may help manage sciatica symptoms and support recovery. A GP may also recommend over-the-counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen gels or co-codamol. Some people find that hot or cold packs provide short-term comfort.

If symptoms do not improve, your GP may refer you to another healthcare professional to explore further treatment options. Imaging, such as an X-ray or CT or MRI scan, may be considered to help identify the underlying cause of the pain.

A physical therapist can recommend specific exercises for how to help sciatica pain by reducing the pressure on the nerve. Physiotherapists can also massage the bones and joints in painful areas to reduce inflammation.

Chronic pain is difficult to deal with, so it’s understandable if you feel sad or depressed. It’s important to get help for your mental wellbeing as this can impact the pain you feel.

When first-line treatments are not effective or suitable, other options may be discussed. These can include prescription medicines such as muscle relaxants, steroid injections, or, in certain cases, surgery.

If symptoms remain persistent and other therapies have been unsuccessful or inappropriate, a specialist doctor may be able to consider whether medical cannabis is a suitable option as part of your care plan.

If medical cannabis is prescribed, your specialist will keep your GP informed to support safe, joined-up care. Patients are encouraged to maintain regular communication with their healthcare providers so their treatment plan can be monitored and adjusted appropriately.

Medical Cannabis for Sciatica

Medical cannabis is not a first-line treatment for sciatica and is not suitable for everyone. If you have tried conventional treatments that have not been effective or well-tolerated, you can book an appointment with Curaleaf Centrum Medyczne.