Glucosamine May Be Ineffective for Back Pain

Glucosamine sulfate may not help alleviate chronic lower back pain, a new study suggests.

Glucosamine is a natural compound that is part of healthy cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate is one of the most commonly used supplements, and it has shown consistent benefit in relieving pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. It has been proposed that glucosamine sulfate may improve other types of osteoarthritis and that it may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be useful in treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Researchers at Oslo University Hospital in Norway recruited 250 adults who had chronic lower back pain and degenerative osteoarthritis of the lower back. Half of the patients were randomly assigned to take 1500 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate, while the other half took a placebo for six months.

After the six-month treatment and again at a one-year follow up, the participants filled out questionnaires about their pain, pain-related disabilities and quality of life. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups.
Additional research is necessary to fully assess the effect of glucosamine in adults with chronic lower back pain before conclusions can be made.

Conventional treatment options for patients with lower back pain caused by osteoarthritis include physical therapy and exercise, surgery and medications. Commonly used medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin®) and celecoxib (Celebrex®), narcotic or opiate pain relievers such as hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Lortab®) and oxycodone extended release (OxyContin®), corticosteroids (such as prednisone) and muscle relaxants.

Some other integrative therapy options with strong supportive evidence for treating osteoarthritis include acupuncture, chondroitin sulfate and willow bark. Therapies with good evidence for back pain include cayenne, chiropractic therapy, devil's claw, hydrotherapy, physical therapy and willow bark.

Source: Natural Standard

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