2010 Glucosamine ineffective for Low Back Pain Medscape

Description: Report on Effect of Glucosamine on Pain-Related Disability in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain and Degenerative Lumbar Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Wilkens P, Scheel IB, Grundnes O, Hellum C, Storheim K JAMA. 2010;304:45-52
Article Summary - Glucosamine has been routinely recommended help treat peripheral joint osteoarthritis.[1] Its use has been advocated in chronic low back pain (LBP) conditions, too. However, its effect in patients with LBP has not been well studied. In this double-blinded, randomized, controlled study by Wilkens and colleagues, 250 patients older than 25 years of age with a history of chronic LBP (> 6 months) and degenerative lumbar osteoarthritis were given either 1500 mg of oral glucosamine or placebo for 6 months. Patients were evaluated at the end of the 6 months, and then at 12 months. No statistically significant difference was seen with any of the outcome measures (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, LBP at rest, LBP during activity, and EuroQol-5 Dimensions) at 6 or 12 months.