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Research ArticleCervical Spine

Prevalence of Cannabidiol Use in Patients With Spine Complaints: Results of an Anonymous Survey

Francis Lovecchio, Mark T. Langhans, Tianna Bennett, Michael Steinhaus, Ajay Premkumar, Matthew Cunningham, James Farmer, Todd Albert, Russel Huang, Yoshihiro Katsuura, Sheeraz Qureshi, Frank Schwab, Harvinder Sandhu, Han Jo Kim, Virginie Lafage and Sravisht Iyer
International Journal of Spine Surgery July 2021, 8087; DOI: https://doi.org/10.14444/8087
Francis Lovecchio
Hospital for Special Surgery, Spine Service, New York, New York
MD
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Mark T. Langhans
Hospital for Special Surgery, Spine Service, New York, New York
MD, PHD
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Tianna Bennett
Hospital for Special Surgery, Spine Service, New York, New York
BS
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Michael Steinhaus
Hospital for Special Surgery, Spine Service, New York, New York
MD
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Ajay Premkumar
Hospital for Special Surgery, Spine Service, New York, New York
MD, MPH
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Matthew Cunningham
Hospital for Special Surgery, Spine Service, New York, New York
MD, PHD
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James Farmer
Hospital for Special Surgery, Spine Service, New York, New York
MD
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Todd Albert
Hospital for Special Surgery, Spine Service, New York, New York
MD
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Russel Huang
Hospital for Special Surgery, Spine Service, New York, New York
MD
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Yoshihiro Katsuura
Hospital for Special Surgery, Spine Service, New York, New York
MD
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Sheeraz Qureshi
Hospital for Special Surgery, Spine Service, New York, New York
MD
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Frank Schwab
Hospital for Special Surgery, Spine Service, New York, New York
MD
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Harvinder Sandhu
Hospital for Special Surgery, Spine Service, New York, New York
MD
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Han Jo Kim
Hospital for Special Surgery, Spine Service, New York, New York
MD
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Virginie Lafage
Hospital for Special Surgery, Spine Service, New York, New York
PHD
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Sravisht Iyer
Hospital for Special Surgery, Spine Service, New York, New York
MD
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ABSTRACT

Background Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabis derivative that has been popularized as a medicinal product with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Given the anecdotal observations that several patients have reported use of CBD for spine-related pain, this study was designed to characterize CBD consumption patterns and perceived effects in patients with spine-related complaints.

Methods The study design was a cross-sectional survey. Over a 4-week period, an anonymous paper survey was administered to all patients presenting for evaluation by 1 of 9 spine surgeons at a single institution. Surveys were given upon registration for the office visit and collected by the office manager or nurse before evaluation by the surgeon. Patients were included regardless of surgical status (ie, preoperative, postoperative, or nonoperative) or region of pathology (lumbar, thoracic, or cervical). The survey consisted of multiple-choice questions on patient patterns of CBD use.

Results Out of 300 surveys, 214 (71%) were completed. CBD use for spine-related pain was reported by 54 (25.2%) patients. CBD was initially used for potential relief of back pain (66.7%), neck pain (37.0%), leg pain (35.2%), and/or arm pain (9.3%). Users also sought improvements in insomnia (25.9%) and mood (18.5%). Oil was the most popular formulation (64.8%). CBD was most often consumed 2–5 times (40.7%) or 6–10 times (31.5%) per week. The most common source of initial recommendation for CBD was friends or family (75.9%). Reported benefits were pain relief (46.3%), improved sleep (33.3%), and reduced anxiety (20.4%); however, 24.1% of patients reported no benefit from CBD use. The most reported side effect was fatigue (7.4%). Most users (63.0%) would recommend CBD to a friend for pain relief.

Conclusion CBD is already used by many patients, and further high-quality research on this supplement is essential.

Level of Evidence 4.

Clinical Relevance CBD is a commonly used by spine patients as an off label treatment

  • cannabidiol
  • analgesia
  • back pain
  • neck pain

Footnotes

  • Disclosures and COI: None of the authors have any conflict of interest or relevant financial disclosures.

  • This manuscript is generously published free of charge by ISASS, the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery. Copyright © 2021 ISASS
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International Journal of Spine Surgery: 19 (S2)
International Journal of Spine Surgery
Vol. 19, Issue S2
1 Apr 2025
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Prevalence of Cannabidiol Use in Patients With Spine Complaints: Results of an Anonymous Survey
Francis Lovecchio, Mark T. Langhans, Tianna Bennett, Michael Steinhaus, Ajay Premkumar, Matthew Cunningham, James Farmer, Todd Albert, Russel Huang, Yoshihiro Katsuura, Sheeraz Qureshi, Frank Schwab, Harvinder Sandhu, Han Jo Kim, Virginie Lafage, Sravisht Iyer
International Journal of Spine Surgery Jul 2021, 8087; DOI: 10.14444/8087

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Prevalence of Cannabidiol Use in Patients With Spine Complaints: Results of an Anonymous Survey
Francis Lovecchio, Mark T. Langhans, Tianna Bennett, Michael Steinhaus, Ajay Premkumar, Matthew Cunningham, James Farmer, Todd Albert, Russel Huang, Yoshihiro Katsuura, Sheeraz Qureshi, Frank Schwab, Harvinder Sandhu, Han Jo Kim, Virginie Lafage, Sravisht Iyer
International Journal of Spine Surgery Jul 2021, 8087; DOI: 10.14444/8087
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Keywords

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