Can A Supplement Help Relieve Stress And Tension From Sitting All Day?

Sitting behind the wheel to get to work, being perched at the desk all day in front of a computer, and then relaxing at night on the sofa adds up to a sedentary lifestyle for many Americans. For many, it is taking a major toll on the body in ways that can cause tension and discomfort. According to UCLA Health, sitting for prolonged periods of time is not only linked to back pain, but stress on other parts of the body like the neck, arms, and legs. It can also put serious pressure on our spinal discs to the point where they may become strained.

Working on the ergonomic arrangement of your workstation may be able to help (via UCLA Health), but what if there was a natural supplement that could relieve much of this pain, tension, and discomfort? According to a 2017 study published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology, the cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant show both strong anti-inflammatory action and inhibition of pain signals in the body. This makes them a potential treatment for joint pain and rheumatic diseases. These actions were found with both THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, and CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is available over the counter across the US.

Cannabidiol, or simply CBD, has been making headlines in the last couple of years in the natural health community due it's its purported wide range of medicinal properties and its natural, non-toxic makeup. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many of the companies marketing CBD are not in compliance with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and may be putting consumers at risk. However, it also acknowledges that there are "potential opportunities" for CBD to be used therapeutically. Some of the most studied uses for CBD are in pain relief and relaxation, which may be of use to those suffering from pain and tension due to sitting for hours on end.

According to a 2021 study published in the Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology, scientists concluded that observational research supports the use of CBD for low back pain. They also suggest that it may even be a viable alternative to morphine in some medical settings. Interestingly, CBD appeared to help at the psychological level in patients with lower back pain, reducing their "fear" level. This also plays a role in the pain and discomfort associated with lower back pain. With CBD products available at supermarkets, health foods stores, and online, those who suffer from pain and tension related to a sedentary lifestyle may want to speak to their doctor about this potential treatment.