Lower Back Pain Not Relieved by Glucosamine

Glucosamine is used by many for pain relief. A new research study published in the Journal of American Medicine says the supplement doesn’t have any effect on lower back pain. The research was conducted at a hospital clinic in Norway with 250 adults over the age of 25. Each adult had chronic lower back pain for more than six months, and degenerative lumbar osteoarthritis. Patients in the study were also given MRIs. To be included in the 250 participant group, a patient’s MRI had to show a degenerative process taking place in the lower back. The reason for this requirement is the belief held by some that glucosamine has the ability to generate cartilage growth.

The study group was split into two sections of 125 patients. Each section received either a daily intake of 1500 milligrams of glucosamine, or placebo for six months. Each participant received three glucosamine capsules daily, or three placebo capsules containing cellulose. At six and twelve months, assessments were made about the pain levels. The study results indicated glucosamine doesn’t reduce lower back pain.

“Our findings suggest that glucosamine is not associated with a significant difference in pain-related disability, low back and leg pain, health-related quality of life, global perceived effect of treatment, or use of concomitant medications or therapy.”

The authors did note glucosamine could still hold some benefit for osteoarthritis of the knee, and that several studies showing such benefits could have merit. One of the strengths of their study, they said, is that glucosamine is a prescription medication in Norway, and therefore could not be contaminated with over-the-counter products. In other words, the glucosamine they used in their study was very likely to be only that, and have no other ingredients because it is regulated.

One peculiar aspect of the study results is that both groups reported an improvement in lower back function. Such information could be an indication of the power of belief in the experience of pain. If a person believes they are receiving a treatment that works, their pain might be relieved in some manner. They might also have a better attitude about accepting it, and working with it instead of being angry and sad.

Image Credit: Waldo Jaquith

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Danuta W.

2:51AM PDT on Mar 27, 2012

Thanks for the information.

send a green star

Pat W.

10:53PM PDT on Mar 25, 2012

Everyone is also different re: pain thresholds. Some things work for some folks. But he person with the pain is the only one that can determine what works for them... I use glucosamine a notice a difference w/out using it.

Emma S.

2:18PM PST on Nov 15, 2011

I'm sitting here with lower back pain today. I shall have to do some more research.

Nancy S.

8:27PM PST on Mar 11, 2011

KS G.

4:33AM PST on Mar 8, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Sanjay K.

5:25PM PST on Dec 6, 2010

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KATHLEEN C.

9:18AM PDT on Sep 25, 2010

I have to wonder what form of glucosamine was used in this study. Clinical studies have shown that glucosamine HCI (which is in most over the counter brands) is useless. Only the SUlFATE form is proven to be effective and has been proven to be even 14% more effective when combined with chondroitin. Glucosamine SULFATE has been a miracle for me with several spinal injuries due to a car accident, plus arthritis. I have gone from bedridden to functioning with little pain and stiffness.

Krisshan K.

8:33AM PDT on Aug 8, 2010

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Khorshed S.

3:09AM PDT on Aug 2, 2010

Back pain sufffers consider investing in an ergonomic back chair. Correct posture is very important for slight relief from pain. Any relief is a let up on the outlook to life !

Edwin K.

7:20PM PDT on Aug 1, 2010

"The study also fails to note that glucosamine is usually taken in combination with condroitin and may not be effective if taken on it's own." -- Steve R.
Glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin and methylsulfunylmethane (MSM) when used in combination can help arthritis sufferers ease their pain.
I should know. I don't have lower back pain anymore.