Glucosamine and Chondroitin For Back Pain

Glucosamine and chondroitin are two very popular

 supplements that are often recommended to help 

reduce back pain and joint stiffness. However, many 

people do not know what these compounds are, how 

they work, and if they are effective.

Glucosamine is a compound that is a precursor 

(a precursor can be though of as the main ingredient 

in a recipe) to another class of compounds called 

glycosaminoglycans. Glycosaminoglycans form the frame

 work of cartilage.

Unfortunately, we can not just take glycosaminoglycans 

directly because this compound cannot be absorbed by the

 digestive track since it is a polysaccharide 

(clump of sugar molecules) and our body can only absorb

 monosaccharides (single sugar molecules). Glucosamine

 however is a monosaccharide used to make 

glycosaminoglycans and can be absorbed by our digestive tract, 

making glucosamine the perfect candidate to provide the body 

with materials to make the framework of cartilage.

In short, taking glucosamine is thought to protect cartilage 

by providing materials to create the framework that supports 

cartilage tissue.

Chondroitin (particularly condroitin sulfate) is the other primary

 constituent of cartilage tissue. Tiny chondroitin sulfate 

molecules branch off from the wire-like framework provided

 by glycosaminoglycans. Chondroitin is what fills in the empty 

space between branches of glycoaminoglycans.

To simplify the theory, taking a glucosamine and chondroitin 

supplement to build cartilage is just like eating extra protein 

to build muscle. Even if your body wanted to produce more 

cartilage, it could not do it without the base constituents!

Taking these two supplements together has been shown by

 a variety of studies to improve joint function, reduce pain, 

and slow the onset of osteoarthritis. However, not all types

 of glucosamine and chondroitin are created equally.

In particular, research favors the sulfate variety of both 

types, so when you pick out a glucosamine and chondroitin 

supplement, glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are

 the most researched varieties. Note that glucosamine is 

generally made from shellfish, so if you have a shellfish allergy, 

make sure you get a non-shellfish variety.

Aside from the possibility of allergy, these two supplements

 are an easy and cheap way to reduce joint pain, reduce 

the risk of developing osteoarthritis, and slow down the

 progression of the osteoarthritis in cases where it is 

already present.

For more great articles on chronic back pain treatment,  visit my lower back pain website so you can once and  for all stop saying stop my pain!