I just had an MRI done on my lower back, besides the two fusions it showed quite a bit of arthritis. Have any of you guys had any benefit from taking glucosamine, chondroitin and the like? I think I’d swallow a frog if I was told it would help at this point. Thanks guys.

2 years ago I was talking with the orthopedic surgeon about my knee & chronic low back pain.

One of the options was to try Glucosamine Sulfate with chondroitin sulfate. Took a couple weeks to get pain decreased to nearly zero.

I'm astonished.

Some report that they help.

They didn't do anything for me. Actual science doesn't seem to have discovered any real evidence that they help. But, I don't think they can hurt, so may as well give them a try. Even if it is a placebo effect or something else, maybe you will get some relief.

^^ sounds like a good idea, I’ll pick some up and be a guinea pig. Thanks!

It seems the trials I have seen did not demonstrate a consistent benefit, but they are pretty safe so giving them a spin and seeing what happens is reasonable. I have had some luck with this, as well as stout doses of omega 3 fatty acids (esp DHA ), and I have heard good things about undenatured chicken cartilage supplements, but have not seen data beyond manufacturer claims.

I took GC for a couple years mostly for knee and back pains. Wasn't convinced it did a damn thing.

Recently I started back again for some hip pain, I'm convinced it's helping. Still no help in knee and back. I believe it must depend on what the pain is caused by exactly.

I am well aware that doctors seem reluctant to give any credence to potential benefits of Gluco/Chon use. I'll give you my experience:

I hired on in a LE capacity with the State of WA. I was already experiencing discomfort in both knees due to old athletic injuries from skiing and football, but I was able to pass the physical exertion at the Academy... OK hammering down a lot of Ibuprofen as needed.

It was when I got on the actual job and was on my feet 12 hours a day, wearing the required duty boots that I began having serious problems. Early in the shift I would be OK, but by mid shift I could feel play in each knee with each step. The weight of the boots was more than the compromised tendons and ligaments could accommodate. With each step the inertia of the extra weight of boot would cause the excessive play in the knee to cause severe pain, as the knee reacted to the excess play in the joint... is felt as though there was bone on bone contact with each step!

Fortunately, my Dr at the time had been a long distance runner, who had experienced knee problems of his own, and was willing to experiment for himself. He suggested (on the down-low) that I might want to go to Costco and get the Glucosamine/Chondroitin tablets and give them a try. I did...

It took about three or four weeks for results to become apparent, with a gradual lessening of the "slap-slap" jarring bone on bone feeling. As time went on, it continued to improve until I was actually without pain at the end of the shift. After a few months I decided to test my own results, arguing with success, right???

I quit taking the supplement, and almost exactly a month later began to note the damned discomfort returning. Let it continue for a couple of weeks like that, then said to myself, "Screw This!" and went back to taking my two tablets each morning.

Once again, it took the better part of a month, and the discomfort gradually went away, and is still pain free to this day in both knees! 15 years and a retirement later!

You can bet the farm that the only way to get my Glu/Chon away from me again is when I'm found lying there, expired!

So, put me in the column for "Those it has definitely Helped!"

Now, if the all knowing medical profession could find something that would relieve the disaster in my hands and wrists caused by arthritis, everything would be Hunky-Dory!

Don

Thanks for the responses guys, my German Shepherd Dog’s vet recommended some as a previntative for arthritis in his hips. I’m in the “it can’t hurt” camp. I’ll order some tomorrow.

Turmeric

My orthopedic surgeon told me that there aren’t any valid studies regarding it. That being said, he told me he takes it and suggested I consider it. It was kindof the CYA Rx.

A few years back when I started running again after a few decades of not running, my knees were giving me issues. I started drinking Joint Juice every day and it made all the difference in the world. It felt like I had teenaged knees again.

The stuff worked great for me.

Related in a way, but involves our oldest dog (10.5 year old boxer). Last year she was slow to get up from laying down, slow up and down the stairs, and just generally slowing down altogether.

We started her on some chewable treats with glucosamine among other things in them, and she now no longer has any problems whatsoever. She runs around the yard like she’s a puppy at times, no problems whatsoever getting up, going up and down the stairs, etc. It’s like she’s not even half her age anymore. At least as far as moving around...she still enjoys her naps though.

It did nothing for me. Tried it for 6 months and zero relief. Prescription NSAIDs do the job. Piroxicam works well but you have to drink tons of water and get blood tested while on it long term.

Glucosamine chondroitin with MSM, turmeric, fish oil and acetomeniphen help me.
Drinking 2 liters of water daily is also suggested.
If possible, keep moving the affected areas.
Good luck.

quote:

Originally posted by RAMIUS:
Turmeric

This, along with GC for me. This combination has done wonders for by back and knee pain.

Brand names recommended for these products?

I have arthritis in my hands and knees. My Doctor is concerned that long term use of Meloxicam will damage my kidneys. So I started taking glucosamine. It takes a few months to "kick in", but it DID help me and I continue to take it. Morning and evening.

CBD oil has helped my arthritis more than anything I've ever tried.

http://www.greenremedy.com/pro...cbd-tincture-orange/

I take Tumeric, 2000 units daily. I get it at Kroger or Walmart, the cheapest brand available. It all contains the same thing-powdered spice.

quote:

Originally posted by dry-fly:
Thanks for the responses guys, my German Shepherd Dog’s vet recommended some as a previntative for arthritis in his hips. I’m in the “it can’t hurt” camp. I’ll order some tomorrow.

Victor brand Hero dog food has it in the food as an ingredient.



https://victorpetfood.com/prod...in-free-hero-canine/