Study Proves Glucosamine Ineffective For Treating Back Pain

Many back pain sufferers take a glucosamine supplement in an effort to ease their pain. According to a new study, glucosamine has no significant effect on the pain. Lower back pain is a common ailment among those with degenerative arthritis. Earlier studies revealed that some knee pain and other joint pain associated with osteoarthritis was eased by taking a glucosamine supplement. More than 20 million Americans suffer from some type of arthritis.

Norwegian researchers at Oslo University Hospital and the University of Oslo conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the natural remedy. The researchers evaluated 250 people over the age of 25 who had chronic lower back pain. The participants were given a questionnaire that covered the pain and disability each person suffered from at the study’s onset, at the three and six month marks and again at one year. The participants were allowed to continue taking any prescription medications for their back pain.

Researchers did not find any real difference in the group assigned a dummy pill and those that were given a 1,500 milligram glucosamine pill. Glucosamine is an inexpensive alternative to the pricier pain medications that are often from the narcotic family. Glucosamine is naturally produced within the healthy cartilage in the human body. The supplement is believed to help reduce swelling associated with arthritic joints. The swelling can be painful. Researchers do agree more studies are needed to determine if the supplement can help other back pain sufferers.

The study has been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.