Glucosamine Fails to Ease Aching Backs | Arthritis Information

 

Although it is widely used, glucosamine has no effect on chronic low back pain and degenerative lumbar osteoarthritis, researchers said.

In a large randomized double-blind trial, patients getting both glucosamine and placebo had similar changes in pain-related disability after six months of treatment and six months of follow-up, according to Philip Wilkens, MChiro, of Oslo University Hospital in Norway, and colleagues.

There was also no difference in pain itself, health-related quality of life, and the use of other medications or therapies for pain, Wilkens and colleagues said in the July 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

"Based on our results," the researchers concluded, "it seems unwise to recommend glucosamine to all patients" with chronic low back pain and degenerative lumbar osteoarthritis.

 

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Rheumatology/Arthritis/21035

DH takes a combo of glucosamine/chondroitin/msm supplement for his knees and lower back, as recommended by RD and it does seem to help him.  RD said the combo is more effective rather than a single component drug and it works well for him, with few side effects.

Here is a good sight that explains about all three supplements and how they work:

http://www.painclinic.org/jointpain-glucosamine.htm

I like this sight and have found it helpful.  Thanks for the food for thought Lynn!

thanks Lynn and waddie You're welcome Babs
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com