Back pain. Neck pain. Knee pain. These are typically chronic conditions that happen due to age, lifestyle or sports-related injuries. It affects the quality of life and people will practically try anything to find some comfort and relief.
There are many joint pain supplements and medications on the market today making all sorts of promises. But do they really work? Is there science to back it up?
First, let’s tackle the heart of the issue: The pain.
Some people want to mask the pain and inflammation. Others want to improve their joints with more mobility and flexibility.
Pain alleviation can be accomplished by prescription or over-the-counter medications. And two main ingredients tend to take care of that. That is Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen is in products like Tylenol.
NSAIDs are products like Aleve (naproxen sodium); Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen).
Risk Or Reward?
Just because something is ‘popular’ does not mean it’s without potential risk. According to research, a little more than 55,000 Americans each year experience acetaminophen overdoses. And almost 17,000 people die each year from NSAID complications.
Even worse, one big name joint pain medication, Celebrex, has on their own website that it may “…increase the chance of heart attack or stroke that can lead to death.” Even the American Heart Association (AHA) warned against the drug for people at risk of heart problems.
Relief can also come in the form of steroidal injections (administered by a doctor) such as Cortisone or Prednisone. These help reduce inflammation and thereby provide relief. But there are warnings and side effects that may come along with long term use of these two drugs. But your doctor may recommend this if the benefits outweigh the risk.
For those that are looking for a more ‘natural’ approach, supplements with active ingredients such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate maybe the answer.
Glucosamine sulfate is a natural chemical found in the human body that surrounds the joints and aids in lubrication. It’s also found naturally in other places such as shellfish (the shell).
According to the According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Glucosmaine Sulfate is ‘likely effective’ for osteoarthritis in the knee with ‘some supporting evidence’ showing it may also help the hips and spine.
In addition to pain reduction (which studies show does not happen for everyone, such as older or heavier osteoarthritis sufferers), glucosamine sulfate has also been show to, with long term use, slow down joint deterioration.
Chondroitin Sulfate is a chemical normally found in cartridge and around the joints in the human body. It is also found in other animal sources. It has been found to be ‘possibly effective’ (when taken orally) for reducing osteoarthritis pain. But it has ‘insufficient evidence’ for relief with osteoporosis (weak bones).
There’s also a few other natural ingredients that may help alleviate joint pain.
One is called, White Willow Bark, and has been used to treat lower back pain. Although there are conflicting studies showing its effectiveness with osteoarthritis (some reports suggests it does help; others are inconclusive).
The other ingredient is Hyaluronic Acid (HA). Studies show when patients with osteoarthritis were injected with HA by their doctor, they had moderate improvement in joint pain and stiffness. Whether HA can help with joint deterioration is unknown.
So why don’t most consumers know all of this information?
The answer is simple: Because many people suffering from osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or chronic joint ailments are so tired of living in pain, they are almost desperate for that ‘magic pill’ to help them feel better and improve the quality of their life. They are at their wits end. And don’t do their due diligence. It is all out there on the Web.
And in all fairness to supplement providers, they are required to have on their label, “This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”
This pretty much tells you out loud: LET THE BUYER BEWARE.
So it’s important for consumers to do their own home work and read up on the active ingredients, possible side effects and other critical information before they pop a joint pain relief pill.
A good place to start is researching independent, consumer product review websites. One popular site is BuyerReview.com. There’s actually a ‘top 10’ list of best joint supplements which includes top players in the joint pain supplement industry with rankings for:
- How fast the product works
- If it provides rapid pain relief
- If it helps with stubborn arthritis
- If it helps with inflammation
- If it cushions the joints
- If it lubricates the joints
- If it works on all the body’s joints
In the end when taking supplements and over-the-counter medications, it’s important for consumers to do their research, have realistic expectations, and consultant their doctor.
In the joint pain relief arena, there are a few products that appear to actually provide a solution to the chronic problem of joint pain (and some with deterioration), but those are few and far between.
Do your home work. Be wise. Be judicious. Most of all, be aware.
My diversified background includes nearly 20 years of experience in financial and health publishing, financial services, marketing, and law.
I am the author of the #1 Amazon web marketing best-seller,Content Is Cash [Que Publishing, 2011].
I frequently speak at prominent marketing conferences/forums such as Specialized Information Publishers Association (SIPA) and Financial Publisher's Association (FPA).
Professionally, I have worked as a consultant as well as for entrepreneurial companies, top publishers, and Fortune 500 companies.
I received a Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Nova South Eastern University.
I have been recognized throughout my career with various awards for quality, innovation, teamwork, and new product/new business development.
