This month, Go Integrative Health joins the conversation for National Arthritis Awareness Month by highlighting effective, natural pain management options for those living with arthritis.
Arthritis At A Glance
Chances are, you or someone you know struggles with arthritis. This condition is incredibly common, affecting one in five adults and 300,000 children throughout the US alone. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but today we are going to focus on the most common form: osteoarthritis.
What Osteoarthritis Feels Like
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage and protective cushioning in your joints begins to wear down over time. This condition is most commonly seen in those who’ve experienced joint injuries, metabolic issues, athletes, the elderly, and obese individuals.
People may develop osteoarthritis in any joint. However, it most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips and spine. Symptoms of arthritis include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Joint tenderness
- Decreased flexibility
- Swelling
- Grating sensation
Common Treatment Options For Osteoarthritis
There is no cure for Osteoarthritis. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is key to minimize progressive joint damage over time and manage pain. Common treatment options include:
- Oral pain and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications
- Topical pain relief
- Hot/cold therapy
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroids
- Surgery
Unfortunately, medications and surgery pose a risk for a variety of challenging side effects. That’s why it’s important to approach pain management and joint health holistically.
A Natural Approach To Pain Relief
In an effort to identify safe and effective treatment options for those living with osteoarthritis, researchers continue to study a range of natural options. Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM are gaining recognition as a viable treatment option for protecting joint health and decreasing inflammation.
How Glucosamine, Chondroitin & MSM Works
A variety of natural options are marketed to help manage pain and inflammation. However, glucosamine chondroitin and MSM have gained recognition among the research and medical communities.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally found in the connective tissue that cushions our joints, called cartilage. These supplements protect the cells that help maintain the structure of our cartilage. These cells are called chondrocytes. Research suggests this may ultimately slow deterioration in the joint, and by proxy, reduce pain.
MSM offers both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also plays a key role in collagen production, which is vital for maintaining healthy cartilage. These properties support MSM’s role in reducing pain and supporting lasting joint health.
Research On Glucosamine Chondroitin & MSM for Arthritis
Individually, Glucosamine Chondroitin and MSM are proving to offer effective relief for pain and improved mobility. However, in a recent Randomized Controlled Trial, researchers aimed to determine if combining these supplements may offer additional therapeutic benefits.
This study included a total of 147 patients with knee osteoarthritis. Researchers randomly assigned participants to receive one of the following protocols:
- 1500 mg per day of glucosamine, 1200 mg of chondroitin sulfate, and a placebo pill
- 1500 mg of glucosamine, 1200 mg of chondroitin sulfate, and 500 mg of MSM
- 3 matching placebo capsules
All patients received their supplement regimen once daily for 3 months. The researchers measured pain, stiffness, and physical function scores at baseline, and again at weeks 4, 8, and 12 after treatment.
Research Findings
After 12 weeks on their supplement regimen, all three groups experienced improvements in terms of pain, flexibility, and physical function. However, those who received glucosamine chondroitin and MSM supplement experienced a significantly greater improvement on all measures of pain, flexibility, and physical functioning than the other groups. These improvements were most dramatically seen at weeks 4 and 12.
Final Thoughts
If you struggle with pain, swelling and stiffness from osteoarthritis, supplementing with a combination of glucosamine chondroitin and MSM may offer a safe and effective option for arthritis management. It’s important to discuss any changes to your pain management routine with your doctor to ensure this is the right option to incorporate into your daily routine.