Does glucosamine help alleviate back pain caused by osteoarthritis?

Most pain relief creams, etc. target the muscles, rather than the nerves that are affected by osteoarthritis. I have heard that glucosamine may be helpful in treating arthritis. I am not looking for a cure, just pain relief. I am currently taking high doses of Ibuprofen, which can cause liver damage. I would rather take something that targets the source of the problem. Has anyone taken glucosamine and had positive results for back pain relief?

Yes with chondrontin mixed with it, it will help arthritis pain and is alot more healthy than ibuprofen. You might want to get off of the ibuprofen for a while as it alone does not have long lasting results. Aleve has naproxin in it and very helpful.
It concerns me that you say osteoarthritis, but you nerve pain relief?? OA usually causes severe joint pain. So if you are experiencing nerve pain as well you should see you doctor, because you may have ruptured or herniated a disc. Source(s): Chronic OA pain patient

glucosamine is very healthy for you. seriously. ive had back/shoulder pains along with my family members. my nana is very into health products and glucosamine has helped her so much.....its a wonderful thing
add chrondroitin to it and you might be surprised. The 2 together are supposed to work but they are not cures. But some help is better than nothing
My husband has had considerable shoulder pain. I started him on 500 mg Glucosamine and 400 mg Chondroitin (combined in chewable form) along with 1000 mg Flaxseed Oil in softgels. He takes each three times a day with his meals. He noticed after a couple days considerable relief. I don't know if it will help with your situation, but it would be worth a try.
Glucosamine helps rebuild the discs and cartilage between bones by providing a building block. You have to drink tons of water to make this regeneration possible. It could not hurt osteoarthritis but is more effective and meant for curing degenerative bones/discs.
Def. not instant or quick pain relief.

My grandma gets acupuncture and weekly massages for pain management. Especially massages, try a chiropractor or even better is Chinese medicine massage therapist. Alternative medicine is out there, but can be very effective for pain relief especially with back problems.