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Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Cannabidiol (CBD) has numerous potential benefits, and researchers are increasingly studying its use as a treatment for sciatica pain. Here, we discuss our top picks and where to buy.
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A quick look at the 6 best CBD products for sciatica:
Best gummies: Social CBD Original Gummies | Skip to Review
Social CBD Original Gummies
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Best oil: CBDistillery Relief + Relax Full-Spectrum CBD Oil, 1,000 mg | Skip to Review
CBDistillery Relief + Relax Full-Spectrum CBD Oil, 1,000 mg
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Best roll-on: PlusCBD Extra Strength Roll-On | Skip to Review
PlusCBD Extra Strength Roll-On
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Best cooling gel: Charlotte’s Web Hemp-Infused Cooling Gel with CBD | Skip to Review
Charlotte’s Web Hemp-Infused Cooling Gel with CBD
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Best drops: Absolute Nature CBD Full-Spectrum CBD Hemp Oil Drops | Skip to Review
Absolute Nature CBD Full-Spectrum CBD Hemp Oil Drops
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Best balm stick: Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Balm | Skip to Review
Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Balm
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Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
state laws
How we chose
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
Ingredients: MNT selects products containing safe and high quality, clearly labeled ingredients. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage and THC content.
Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage and how to take it.
Third-party labs: MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
ISO 17025-compliant
Available certificate of analysis (COA): MNT selects companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s COA after receiving its third-party lab results.
COA
We regularly check the products in our articles to make sure we provide our readers with safe shopping options. In this article, we replaced several products that made unacceptable claims or had outdated COAs with alternatives that continue to pass our rigorous vetting process.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.
Learn more.
Top CBD products for sciatica pain
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Social CBD Original CBD Gummies
CBD type: broad-spectrum
broad-spectrum
CBD potency: 25 mg per 2-gummy serving
COA: available online with lot number
available online with lot number
Count: 10 gummies per bag, 60 gummies per bottle
Available flavors: Peach Mango, Red Raspberry
Price per mg: $0.04
Use code “HEALTH30” for 30% off
$9.99 AT SOCIAL CBD
*Price may vary.
These gummies contain plant-based actives, such as citric acid and lactic acid, that may help support recovery, sleep, and mood while reducing stress.
citric acid
lactic acid
Each gummy contains CBD from US-grown hemp. Social CBD uses a THC-free formula that it states may interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to promote healthier sleep patterns.
Discover the best CBD gummies here.
best CBD gummies
Social CBD recommends taking two gummies daily. Each serving contains 25 mg of broad-spectrum CBD.
Why we chose Social CBD
Gummies provide an easy way to take CBD while on the go: people can store them in a bag and take them as necessary.
These gummies by Social CBD are THC-free and come in two flavors, making them a suitable choice for people who dislike the natural taste of hemp.
Additionally, these gummies use US-grown hemp, which may help reduce the carbon footprint as the result of importing hemp from other countries.
Social CBD may also be more cost-effective if a person uses its subscribe and save feature. People will save 30% on each order and receive automatic deliveries every 1–2 months.
Learn more about Social CBD here.
Social CBD
portable, making them ideal for people on-the-go
comes in two fruit flavors
each serving contains 25 mg of THC-free CBD, making them ideal for most people
gluten- and dairy-free
may not be suitable for people who prefer stronger CBD
not suitable for people who prefer products with THC
portable, making them ideal for people on-the-go
comes in two fruit flavors
each serving contains 25 mg of THC-free CBD, making them ideal for most people
gluten- and dairy-free
may not be suitable for people who prefer stronger CBD
not suitable for people who prefer products with THC
Third-party tested: yes
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $49
Third-party tested: yes
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $49
CBDistillery Relief + Relax Full-Spectrum CBD Oil, 1,000 mg
CBD type: full-spectrum
full-spectrum
CBD potency: 1,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
COA: available on product page
Use code “healthline” for 20% off sitewide or choose the subscription option for 20% off the first 2 subscription orders and 25% off the 3rd order.
$70.00 AT CBDISTILLERY
*Price may vary.
Each 30 mL bottle of tincture contains 1,000 mg of CBD, with each 1 mL serving providing 33 mg.
This product contains medium-chain triglyceride oil from fractionated coconut oil, making it unsuitable for people with tree nut and coconut allergies.
medium-chain triglyceride oil
The company claims that this tincture may help relieve pain and promote relaxation.
pain
Discover our guide to the best CBD tinctures here.
best CBD tinctures
Why we chose CBDistillery
CBDistillery only uses two ingredients for its oil: MCT oil and full-spectrum hemp extract. This makes the tincture a good option for people who prefer to ingest products with a short and clean ingredient list.
The company also uses US-grown industrial hemp, which can limit its carbon footprint. Choosing to purchase from a company that uses US-grown hemp may be a more environmental choice.
Another bonus is CBDistillery’s subscribe and save feature. People can choose automatic deliveries with free shipping every 4–12 weeks and receive 30% off their order.
Veterans, firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and active military can benefit from 30% off every order without subscribing. People will need to verify their status with ID.me while checking out.
Read our CBDistillery review.
Read our CBDistillery review.
provides a high amount of CBD per serving
available in different strengths, making it suitable for most people
not suitable for people with a tree nut or coconut allergy
may be too potent for people who are new to using CBD
no flavor options
provides a high amount of CBD per serving
available in different strengths, making it suitable for most people
not suitable for people with a tree nut or coconut allergy
may be too potent for people who are new to using CBD
no flavor options
Third-party tested: yes
Returns: returns within 60 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
Third-party tested: yes
Returns: returns within 60 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
PlusCBD Extra Strength Formula Roll-On
CBD type: full-spectrum
full-spectrum
CBD potency: 200 mg per 1.13 oz bottle
COA: available on product page
Use code “healthline40” for 40% off.
$27.99 AT PLUSCBD
*Price may vary.
PlusCBD states that this product will work quickly to soothe pain and nourish the skin.
This full-spectrum roll-on contains warming camphor and cooling menthol to help ease aches and pains. It also contains rich fatty acids and moisturizing botanicals such as jojoba oil and green tea extract that may help soften skin.
camphor
jojoba oil
green tea
PlusCBD recommends using this roll-on first thing in the morning or immediately after exercise.
Discover our top picks for CBD balms for athletes here.
top picks for CBD balms for athletes
Why we chose PlusCBD
PlusCBD does not use parabens, sulfates, or phthalates in its products. There is evidence that these compounds, especially phthalates, can be detrimental to human health.
detrimental to human health
Other benefits of PlusCBD include its subscribe and save feature and its rewards club.
By subscribing to automatic deliveries every 30, 60, or 90 days, people can benefit from 50% off their first order and 25% off every order thereafter.
The PlusCBD Loyalty Program provides points for every dollar a person spends. There are three tiers of rewards, with people gaining more points amongst other benefits the more they spend with the company.
Read about our most trusted CBD brands here.
CBD brands
easily portable
quickly absorbing and non-greasy formula
may help reduce aches and pains
contains THC, which some people may wish to avoid
has a long ingredient list
easily portable
quickly absorbing and non-greasy formula
may help reduce aches and pains
contains THC, which some people may wish to avoid
has a long ingredient list
Third-party tested: yes
Returns: full refund within 90 days
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Third-party tested: yes
Returns: full refund within 90 days
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Charlotte’s Web Hemp-Infused CBD Cooling Gel
CBD type: full-spectrum
full-spectrum
CBD potency: 510 mg per 1.7-oz container
COA: available online with batch number
available online with batch number
$39.99 AT CBD.CO
*Price may vary.
The cooling gel comes in a 1.7 ounce (oz) bottle with an easy-to-use pump.
Charlotte’s Web claims that CBD cooling gels can soothe aches and pains, so this product may be suitable for people with sciatica.
The gel contains arnica and menthol alongside the full-spectrum hemp extract.
arnica
Why we chose Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte’s Web is a certified B Corp, which means the company has made a commitment to transparency and environmental and social performance.
certified B Corp
Additionally, while not every product is organic, Charlotte’s Web states that all of its products contain organic hemp from family farms in the US. By purchasing from this company, people may reduce their environmental impact and help stimulate the economy.
states
Read our review of Charlotte’s Web here.
review of Charlotte’s Web
free from eight major allergens
vegan and cruelty-free
the arnica and menthol may irritate more sensitive skin
free from eight major allergens
vegan and cruelty-free
the arnica and menthol may irritate more sensitive skin
Third-party tested: yes
Returns: free returns within 15 days
Shipping: calculated at checkout
Third-party tested: yes
Returns: free returns within 15 days
Shipping: calculated at checkout
Absolute Nature CBD Full-Spectrum CBD Hemp Oil Drops
CBD type: full-spectrum
full-spectrum
CBD potency: 500 mg per 30-mL bottle
COA: available on product page
Use code “HEALTHLINE40” for 40% off
$59.99 AT ABSOLUTE NATURE CBD
*Price may vary.
These CBD drops only contain whole-plant, full-spectrum, CBD oil, and MCT oil. Each 1 mL serving contains 17 mg of CBD and approximately 3 mg of other cannabinoids.
The CBD comes from organic and non-GMO hemp in Colorado. Absolute Nature states that it uses CO2 extraction, which it claims leads to minimal processing.
The company recommends this product for people who use CBD regularly at lower doses.
Why we chose Absolute Nature
Absolute Nature is USDA Organic-certified and states that its products are 100% US-made. Additionally, the company says that it uses as few ingredients as possible, which may appeal to those who prefer a shorter ingredient list.
The company also states that its products are pesticide-free. The hemp it uses is not GMO-modified.
Another bonus is that Absolute Nature uses ISO 9001-certified and cGMP-certified facilities. This means the facilities meet state and federal quality requirements.
ISO 9001-certified
cGMP-certified
USDA-certified organic
the company claims it is eco-friendly
vegan, gluten-free, pesticide-free, and non-GMO
only available in an unflavored variety
not suitable for people who are looking for a higher dose of CBD
USDA-certified organic
the company claims it is eco-friendly
vegan, gluten-free, pesticide-free, and non-GMO
only available in an unflavored variety
not suitable for people who are looking for a higher dose of CBD
Third-party tested: yes
Returns: free returns within 14 days
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Third-party tested: yes
Returns: free returns within 14 days
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Lazarus Naturals Relief + Recovery Full Spectrum CBD Balm Stick
CBD type: full-spectrum
full-spectrum
Price per mg: $0.01 to $0.02
CBD potency: 3,600 mg per 2.54-oz stick
COA: available online
$42.00 AT LAZARUS NATURALS
*Price may vary.
This CBD balm is available for $12 for a 16 g stick containing 800 mg of CBD, or $42 for a 72 g stick containing 3,600 mg of CBD.
This CBD balm stick contains full-spectrum hemp extract.
Ingredients include capsaicin and menthol, which may help alleviate pain and inflammation with cooling and warming sensations.
The manufacturers claim this balm may suit athletes, people who travel often, and those looking for easy topical application of CBD.
Why we chose Lazarus Naturals
Lazarus Naturals is B Corp-certified, which means it has made a commitment to be environmentally and socially sustainable.
Additionally, it uses Colorado-grown hemp, which may reduce the company’s carbon footprint and help support the economy.
Lazarus Naturals offers support to veterans, people on long-term disability, and those in a low-income household by offering 60% off each order. People can apply through their account with the company.
easily portable, as people can put it in their pockets or bags to use out and about
reportedly easy to apply
available in two different sizes
not suitable for people who need to avoid eating grapefruit, as advised by a healthcare professional
the menthol may irritate sensitive skin
easily portable, as people can put it in their pockets or bags to use out and about
reportedly easy to apply
available in two different sizes
not suitable for people who need to avoid eating grapefruit, as advised by a healthcare professional
the menthol may irritate sensitive skin
Third-party tested: yes
Returns: returns within 90 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50
Third-party tested: yes
Returns: returns within 90 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50
CBD for sciatica comparison
The following table compares the CBD products in this article on price, form, and more.
Social CBD
CBDistillery
Plus CBD
Charlotte’s Web
Absolute Nature
Lazarus Naturals
How to choose
Shopping for CBD can be confusing as so many products are available, and people may not be familiar with much of the terminology around CBD.
Manufacturers tend to use three main types of CBD in their products. These are:
Full-spectrum CBD: This contains all cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, including CBD and up to 0.3% THC.
Full-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD: This contains a mixture of cannabinoids. It does not usually contain THC but may have trace amounts.
Broad-spectrum CBD
CBD isolate: This is pure, isolated CBD without other cannabinoids.
CBD isolate
Some research indicates that full-spectrum CBD may work best due to its “entourage effect.” This is where the various other cannabinoids and compounds in the cannabis plant work together with CBD to heighten its beneficial effects.
However, this does not mean that full-spectrum CBD is the best option for everyone. Each person needs to find what works best for them and their symptoms.
CBD products are available in many different forms, including:
gummies
gummies
tinctures
tinctures
oils, which a person takes orally
oils
balms, creams, and massage oils, which a person applies topically
balms
creams
massage oils
Each type of product has benefits and drawbacks. For example, a person does not have to worry about determining the dosage with gummies, as each will contain a specific amount of CBD.
However, it can be difficult to know exactly how much CBD a person is applying to the body with topical products.
As CBD products are not currently regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it can be difficult to know what a person is getting when purchasing a CBD product. All the products in this article have passed our screening process.
Learn more about buying CBD.
Learn more about buying CBD.
CBD and pain
Many studies demonstrate links between CBD use and reduced symptoms of various ailments, including anxiety, nausea associated with chemotherapy, some forms of epilepsy, and pain. This means that CBD could also help with sciatica pain.
links
anxiety
chemotherapy
epilepsy
Using cannabis to treat pain is not a new phenomenon. Many groups have noted their use of cannabis for many ailments, from joint pain and muscle spasms to conditions such as gout and malaria.
muscle spasms
gout
malaria
However, the scientific proof backing many of these potential benefits remains unclear.
Researchers have suggested that CBD may be beneficial for a range of clinical conditions, including:
may be beneficial
pain
inflammation
inflammation
epilepsy
sleep disorders
sleep disorders
multiple sclerosis
multiple sclerosis
anorexia
anorexia
schizophrenia
schizophrenia
depression and anxiety disorders
depression
Again, more research is necessary before researchers can definitively say that CBD can help relieve pain. However, there is a lot of evidence to suggest that it might.
evidence
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
CBD
How to use CBD products for sciatica
To get the most out of using CBD for sciatica pain, determine the specific goals for its use:
Easing pain in a sore spot: Individuals experiencing sciatic flare-ups in a specific location may find a topical product best suits their needs, such as a salve containing CBD.
Providing quick relief: CBD oil or tinctures may work quicker than other CBD products.
Maintaining a consistent level of CBD: CBD capsules or gummies give people a more accurate idea of how much CBD they are taking and offer a convenient way to manage CBD use.
There is limited scientific evidence to support the use of CBD for sciatica pain in particular. One 2020 study found that treating chronic pain with CBD for 7 days or more was helpful.
7 days or more
However, further research into using CBD for pain is needed, and a person should speak with a doctor before using any CBD products.
Risks and side effects
As with anything a person ingests, especially for medicinal purposes, CBD can cause side effects.
In studies, the most common side effects associated with CBD products include:
fatigue
fatigue
changes to appetite and weight
appetite
diarrhea
diarrhea
It is also very important for a person to ensure they discuss the use of CBD products with a healthcare professional, as CBD can interact with several different medications.
interact
If a person takes any medications or supplements that warn of interactions with grapefruit, they need to be careful using CBD. This is because they both interfere with drug-metabolizing enzymes known as cytochrome P450 enzymes.
One study in mice suggests that, in large quantities, CBD may cause liver toxicity. However, it is important to note that the researchers fed these mice very large quantities of CBD-rich cannabis extracts.
may cause
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most common questions and answers about using CBD for sciatica pain:
Research is ongoing, as current studies do not provide conclusive evidence that supports the use of CBD to ease sciatica pain.
However, a 2019 study in mice has shown promising results for treating chronic pain, such as sciatica, with CBD.
2019 study
Researchers have also found that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which could help reduce pain.
Researchers
Ice packs or ice massages may provide some relief in the first week after an injury or development of sciatica. After a week or so, heat can help promote blood flow and relax muscles.
Gentle movement and stretching can also support blood flow, promote healing, and reduce pain.
stretching
A person should consult a doctor to determine which treatments may work best.
Learn more about sciatica.
Learn more about sciatica.
CBD does not cause people to feel “high.”
THC is a psychoactive compound found in cannabis and may cause a high feeling.
Learn more about the differences between CBD and THC.
Learn more about the differences between CBD and THC.
A 2021 study has found that CBD can help alleviate nerve pain, although analgesic effects can vary depending on the dosage.
2021 study
Further research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of CBD in treating nerve pain.
A person should seek a doctor’s advice before using CBD products.
Summary
Research to date, anecdotal claims, and historical evidence suggest that CBD may ease symptoms of a variety of health conditions, including pain.
A variety of oral and topical CBD products are available in numerous strengths. However, anyone wishing to try CBD should speak with a healthcare professional first, as it may interact with certain medications.