Cannabis extract proves effective for lower back pain
A cannabis-derived mouth spray has shown significant effectiveness in reducing chronic lower back pain, according to a new clinical study. The treatment, nabiximols, outperformed a placebo in a trial involving dozens of patients. Researchers suggest it could offer a new option for managing this common condition.
Chronic lower back pain affects millions worldwide, often resisting conventional treatments like painkillers and physical therapy. A recent study published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine has highlighted the potential of nabiximols, a spray containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from cannabis, to alleviate this issue.
The research, led by Simon Haroutounian at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, involved a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 70 participants suffering from persistent low back pain. Patients were divided into groups receiving either nabiximols or a placebo over 14 weeks. Those using the cannabis extract reported an average pain reduction of 1.3 points on an 11-point numerical rating scale, compared to just 0.4 points for the placebo group. Additionally, 40% of the nabiximols users achieved at least a 30% decrease in pain intensity, versus 23% in the placebo group.
"Nabiximols was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported," Haroutounian noted in the study. The treatment's mechanism likely involves the cannabinoids interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system to modulate pain signals, particularly in neuropathic components of back pain.
This finding builds on prior evidence of cannabis-based medicines for other pain types, such as multiple sclerosis-related discomfort, where nabiximols is already approved in some countries. However, the researchers emphasize the need for larger trials to confirm efficacy and long-term safety, especially given varying legal statuses of cannabis products globally. For now, the study provides cautious optimism for non-opioid alternatives amid the ongoing opioid crisis.
The trial excluded patients with recent cannabis use to ensure clear results, and side effects were mild, including dry mouth and dizziness in some cases. While not a cure, nabiximols could complement existing therapies for the 80% of adults who experience low back pain at some point.