Glenda Kozlowski's hospitalization raises awareness about low back pain and cannabis use
Hospitalized due to an acute low back pain flare-up, Glenda Kozlowski lost strength in her legs. Understand the injury and how cannabidiol works in relieving chronic spine pain.
The recent hospitalization of TV host Glenda Kozlowski, 52, reported by news outlets such as UOL and Terra, brought to light the debate on acute low back pain crises and spinal injuries. After spending three days hospitalized due to mechanical overload in the lumbar region associated with degenerative intervertebral disc changes, Glenda reported suffering pain so intense that she temporarily lost strength in her legs and fell at home.
The episode reignited discussions on effective and integrative ways to manage chronic pain and spinal overload. Curiously, the TV host herself had previously addressed on her show, PodVir com Glenda, the application of medical cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) for relieving painful conditions, spasms, and anxiety during a conversation with integrative physician Dr. Wesley Schunk.
In this article you will see:
What caused Glenda Kozlowski's hospitalization
Medical explanation: why low back pain can lock up the legs
The role of medical cannabis and cannabidiol in treating low back pain
How the endocannabinoid system works in relieving spinal injuries
Treatment guidelines for active recovery
What caused Glenda Kozlowski's lumbar overload?
Mechanical overload on the spine occurs when the lumbar region receives a demand greater than what the muscles and bone structure can support. When combined with the natural wear and tear of intervertebral discs—structures that cushion the impact between vertebrae—the spine becomes significantly more susceptible to acute pain flare-ups.
In an interview with portal Terra, doctor Guilherme Porceban, a specialist in spine surgery, explained that pain and muscle contraction can simulate or cause loss of mobility in the legs.
"Most spine problems primarily cause pain. In very intense crises, pain and muscle contraction can prevent a person from supporting themselves on their legs or standing up, giving the feeling that they lost strength. This may have occurred in Glenda's case, but only a medical examination can differentiate this situation from an actual loss of strength caused by nerve compression", highlighted Dr. Guilherme Porceban to Terra.
[LEARN MORE: Understand the difference between CBD and THC for muscle pain relief]
The use of Cannabidiol in managing pain and inflammation
On PodVir com Glenda, the host and Dr. Wesley Schunk discussed how medical cannabis has been consolidating itself as an adjuvant therapeutic tool for conditions involving chronic pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation.
Dr. Wesley Schunk explained that phytocannabinoids, especially cannabidiol (CBD), interact directly with the endocannabinoid system present in the human body, whose receptors are spread across nerve cells and body tissues. This interaction helps modulate pain signals and reduce the inflammatory process.
The use of medical cannabis oil in the context of spinal pain and muscle injuries offers relevant benefits highlighted by specialists:
Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Action: Helps reduce inflammation around intervertebral discs and nerve roots.
Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief: Dr. Wesley Schunk highlighted the role of CBD in relieving severe pain, contractures, and supporting muscle recovery.
Reduction in Heavy Medication Use: Serves as an alternative to reduce dependence on opioid analgesics, anti-inflammatories, or prescription-controlled anxiolytics/sedatives, allowing for gradual tapering under medical supervision.
Improvement in Sleep Quality: Acute low back pain compromises rest, and CBD helps regulate sleep and reduce the stress generated by the health condition.
[LEARN MORE: How to request Anvisa authorization for importing medical cannabis]
Treatment guidelines and active recovery
Although rest is necessary in the initial moments of a lumbar overload crisis, specialists emphasize that prolonged immobility should be avoided. The ideal recovery protocol involves a multidisciplinary approach:
Acute Pain Management: Targeted use of prescribed medications, thermotherapy (local heat application), and adjuvant cannabinoid therapies under medical guidance.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Gradual resumption of movement as soon as pain levels allow.
Muscle Strengthening: Focus on strengthening the core muscles (abdomen and lower back) to stabilize the spine.
Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining healthy body weight, regular exercise, and active breaks to avoid prolonged static postures.
Glenda Kozlowski's experience reinforces the relevance of seeking specialized diagnosis at the first signs of severe spine pain and highlights the importance of exploring modern, integrative therapies to restore quality of life.
Bibliographic References
TERRA SAÚDE. Perder a força nas pernas como Glenda Kozlowski é algo raro e deve ser investigado rapidamente - Entrevista com Dr. Guilherme Porceban. Available at: Terra.
PODVIR COM GLENDA / BAND ENTRETÊ. Interview and talk on the use of cannabidiol oil and integrative medicine with Dr. Wesley Schunk.
AMER, F. et al. The role of cannabinoids in management of chronic low back pain: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022.
ANVISA. Resolução da Diretoria Colegiada - RDC nº 327/2019 e RDC nº 660/2022: Regulação de produtos derivados de Cannabis para fins medicinais no Brasil.