Glucosamine Does Nothing For Back Pain

People who suffer chronic lower back pain due to osteoarthritis are often advised to take a natural supplement known as glucosamine. Unfortunately, a new study has been published that debunks the effectiveness of the supplement. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance within healthy human cartilage. Osteoarthritis slowly caused the cartilage around the joints to deteriorate, causing pain and swelling.

There have been numerous studies about the benefits of taking a glucosamine supplement. Some studies show the natural remedy helps relieve some joint pain while others show no noticeable pain relief. This latest study involved lower back pain in people over the age of 25. 250 participants were given a questionnaire that included things like the amount and frequency of a person’s back pain and the level of activity a person was able to perform. The questionnaires were given at the beginning of the study and again at 3 months, 6 months and at the end of the study.

Participants were either given a placebo pill or a 1,500 milligram glucosamine supplement. The participants were allowed to continue taking their regular pain medications and continue physical therapy when applicable. The results of the study indicate there was no statistical difference in the pain relief between those taking a dummy pill and those taking glucosamine. The researchers from the University of Oslo in Norway, conclude patients with lower back pain caused by arthritis receive no benefit from taking the supplement.

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