Glucosamine and Spine Osteoarthritis

Efficacy and Safety of Glucosamine Sulfate in Osteoarthritis of the Spine - A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blind Study.

Article Summary:

A 6 week study was conducted to determine if glucosamine sulfate was effective in treating the pain associated with cervical and/or lumbar spondylarthrosis. The pain and limited mobility lasted at least 6 months in all patients. Patients were administered either 1500mg of glucosamine sulfate or a placebo daily. The procedure used was a double blind study, as to eliminate bias for either treatment. Doctors performed an evaluation of the site of arthritis at the end of the study to determine effectiveness of the treatment, and the patients feeling of pain and stiffness were also taken for the site of arthritis. There was more improvement with the patients who used the glucosamine versus the placebo group. The patients also reported less pain, less stiffness, and better mobility when using the glucosamine sulfate. In addition, the glucosamine effects lasted beyond the study, suggesting a carryover effect that lasts even after glucosamine is discontinued.

Authors:
K.K. Fšrster, K. Schmid, G. Giacovelli, L.C. Rovati.

Institution:
Dept. of Clinical Research, OPFERMANN Arzneimittel GmbH, Wahl, Germany

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