Many months of taking it did not appear to benefit people suffering from chronic low back pain (LBP) and degenerative lumbar osteoarthritis (OA), compared with placebo, according to findings from researchers from Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo.
It has been found both unwise and unnecessary to recommend these supplements to people.
Osteoarthritis affects over 20 million Americans, and pain in the lower back is the second most common concern for these individuals.
Study details
The efficacy of glucosamine sulfate for reducing pain-related disability and sensations of pain was evaluated in 250 people with chronic LBP and degenerative lumbar OA. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either glucosamine sulfate (1,500 mg, Pharma Nord, Denmark) or placebo (cellulose) for six months.
At the end of the intervention, the researchers noted no statistically significant difference between the groups
“To our knowledge, this is the first large, long-term trial investigating the efficacy of glucosamine in patients with chronic LBP,” wrote the researchers. “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 researchers admit that the participants recruited may not have responded to glucosamine. They also note that, although records showed participants consumed about 80 percent of the capsules, “the dose-response for glucosamine might require higher adherence to demonstrate efficacy”.
“Glucosamine may be more effective in other body articulations than in the lumbar spine,” they added.
In an accompanying editorial, Andrew Avins, MD, from Northern California Kaiser-Permanente described the study as “high-quality”. The apparent null results “were disappointing but should not be discouraging”, he added.
“Clearly, much more work remains before realizing the kinds of success in the treatment of chronic LBP that other conditions have experienced. With an objective and determined focus, sufficient support, greater collaboration, and a working partnership with patients, there is every reason for optimism, however cautious,” added Avins.
Read the full story at: http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Glucosamine-fails-to-ease-lower-back-pain-Study
Source and thanks to www.nutraingredients.com.
