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Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Back Pain
Glucosamine and ChondroitinGlucosamine and Chondroitin are building blocks of cartilage. Both substances also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. G&C have been used for over 40 years as nutritional supplements. Glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally found in the human body. Glucosamine is also found in the exoskeleton of crabs, lobsters and shrimp (chitin). Chondroitin is found in the cartilage of other animals. Shark and cow cartilage are the most common sources of nutritional chondroitin supplements.Glucosamine and Chondroitin as Back Pain TreatmentsG&C will not work specifically to relieve back pain. They will help to build cartilage, and keep your joints functioning smoothly. Osteoarthritis in the spine can erode the cartilage around the spinal bones. Without the protective cartilage, the vertebrae can rub against each other, causing pain. Bone spurs can also form around the spinal facet joints. Facet Joint Syndrome can also wear away the cartilage protecting the vertebral facet joints. Degeneration of the cartilage leads to increased friction in the spinal joints. This bone on bone contact is the reason for facet joint pain. Using glucosamine and chondroitin helps to re-build lost cartilage and increase the protective measures in the spinal joints.Recommendation on Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Back PainI tried to use various forms of these substances for several years. My back pain was so severe, that I was trying EVERYTHING in order to find some relief. I never noticed any positive effects from either glucosamine or chondroitin. However, I did not have arthritis in my spine or facet syndrome. I had herniated discs and back muscle pain. I did not know that G&C would not be of any use to me…I would recommend trying glucosamine and chondroitin if you are suffering from osteoarthritis back pain. The substances are natural and will not harm you. They might help other painful arthritic areas as well. Quality supplements are expensive. Too bad health insurance will pay huge sums of $$$ for addictive and dangerous prescription drugs, but will not help with the cost of helpful, natural supplements… 7/20/06 Revised 7/3/08
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