Looking for a prescription?
Find a Doctor
Find a UK-based prescribing clinician for medical cannabis.
Lower Back Pain in the UK
- Lower back pain affects over 2.5 million people daily in the UK
- It is the leading cause of disability and workplace absence
- NSAIDs, physiotherapy, and opioids are conventional options but often inadequate long-term
- Medical cannabis is available on private prescription from specialist pain clinicians
Medical cannabis for lower back pain is prescribed by specialist pain clinicians in the UK. It is not available via the NHS for this indication, but telehealth specialist clinics provide access UK-wide.
Evidence for Cannabinoids in Back Pain
- A 2015 systematic review found moderate evidence for cannabinoids in chronic non-cancer pain
- Project Twenty21 data shows meaningful pain score reductions in musculoskeletal patients
- Neuropathic back pain components — from disc herniation or spinal stenosis — respond particularly well
- Both THC and CBD have analgesic mechanisms relevant to spinal pain pathways
The strongest cannabinoid evidence in back pain exists where there is a neuropathic component — sciatica and spinal stenosis with nerve involvement respond particularly well.
Treatment Options
- Cannabis oils for sustained background pain control throughout the day
- Vaporised flower for breakthrough pain — onset within 5-15 minutes
- Combination THC:CBD products address both nociceptive and neuropathic components
- Evening-dosed capsules for night pain and improved sleep quality
Most UK prescribers recommend starting with an oil or capsule for background pain control, adding a vaporiser for breakthrough episodes.
