cannabinoid therapy · cbd for chronic pain · CBD for Tarlov cysts · CBG pain relief · chronic pain · Full-spectrum CBD for chronic pain · holistic chronic pain · natural relief for nerve pain · perineural cysts management · sacral nerve pain · Tarlov cyst treatment · May 31, 2025

What Doctors Don’t Tell You About Tarlov Cysts — And What You Can Do About It

What Are Tarlov Cysts — and Why Do They Hurt So Much?

Tarlov cysts, also called perineural cysts, are fluid-filled sacs that form on the nerve roots in the sacral spine. While often asymptomatic, they can wreak havoc when they compress nerves, causing:

Chronic pelvic or lower back pain
Sciatic nerve-like sensations
Tingling, numbness, or burning
Headaches, bladder, and bowel dysfunction

📚 Read the full peer-reviewed overview of Tarlov cysts here

While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, studies suggest links to:

Inflammation
Trauma (injury, childbirth, or spinal surgeries)
Connective tissue disorders
Congenital weakness of the nerve sheath

Can Cannabinoids Help with Tarlov Cyst Pain?

The short answer: YES.
While there’s no magic cure (yet), cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN have been shown to reduce inflammation, nerve sensitivity, and pain perception — all of which can make life with a Tarlov cyst far more manageable.

Here’s what the research says:

✅ CBD: Cannabidiol

CBD works as a neuromodulator, helping calm overexcited nerves and reducing neuroinflammation.

Double-strength dose recommendation:
100–200 mg daily (split AM/PM)

✨ Relieves nerve pain
✨ Reduces inflammation
✨ Helps with anxiety and emotional fatigue

✅ CBG: Cannabigerol

CBG supports dopamine regulation, fights inflammation, and blocks GABA reuptake, which helps calm nerve pain and enhance clarity.

Recommended dose:
40–80 mg in the morning (add a second PM dose if needed)

🔋 Daytime energy boost
🧠 Mental clarity
🔥 Inflammation fighter

✅ CBN: Cannabinol

CBN has gentle sedative effects, helping improve sleep, which is often disrupted in chronic pain cases.

Nighttime dose:
20–40 mg, one hour before bed

🌙 Eases nighttime pain
💤 Supports deeper, longer sleep
😌 Helps relax spasming muscles

Natural Movement and Mobility: What You Can Do With Tarlov Cysts

Contrary to popular belief, staying totally sedentary may make nerve pain worse. The goal here is smart, structured movement:

✅ Pelvic floor exercises to support sacral nerve roots
✅ Gentle yoga (think cat-cow, not crow pose)
✅ Low-impact cardio like recumbent cycling or swimming
✅ Core stabilization routines to ease spinal pressure

Even 15–20 minutes daily can improve blood flow and decrease flare-ups.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet = Less Pressure, Less Pain

Your plate matters. Here’s how to eat your way to a calmer nervous system:

Eat More:

🐟 Wild-caught salmon or sardines
🥬 Dark leafy greens
🫐 Berries, turmeric, ginger, flaxseed
🧄 Garlic, olive oil, bone broth

Avoid:

🚫 Processed foods
🚫 Refined sugars and sodas
🚫 Gluten and seed oils (if you're sensitive)

This isn’t a trendy cleanse. This is about minimizing systemic inflammation and helping your body recover.

Mind-Body Practices That Work (and No, It’s Not Woo-Woo)

If you’ve ever had a pain flare-up from stress alone, you already know your nervous system is deeply intertwined with your emotions.

Try this daily reset formula:

🧘 10 min guided meditation or Yoga Nidra
📓 5 min pain journaling
🌬️ Box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4)

It’s not fluff. It’s nervous system regulation — and the data supports it.

CBD + Tarlov Cysts: Are There Side Effects?

Yes, CBD can mildly interfere with how your liver metabolizes other medications by affecting CYP450 enzymes. But for most people — especially those not on heavy seizure or immunosuppressive meds — it’s a non-issue.

Always consult your doctor before starting any new therapy, but know this: