Expert Advice   Print Version Q. I keep reading about doctors prescribing Glucosamine for arthritis. Will this medication help my back pain? A. Controlled studies have shown that Glucosamine can help ease the pain of knee osteoarthritis. However, these were short-term trials spanning a four to eight week period. Since osteoarthritis is a chronic problem, future studies will need to look at the long-term benefits of Glucosamine. A second question is whether people with osteoarthritis of the spine will get the same benefits as those with knee osteoarthritis. This has not been confirmed clinically. Yet some doctors feel there are enough benefits to encourage their patients to supplement with Glucosamine. Although you may find some relief, there are no studies yet that show with certainty that your spine condition will improve by taking Glucosamine. Print Version		Anatomy and Function of the Spine Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Diagnostic Tests for Spine Problems Q. When can I play golf, ride a bike, or go hiking after spine surgery? A. It depends on the type and location of your surgery. A micro-discectomy… Clicking on any of the links will take you to a Web site to which this Privacy Policy does not apply. You are solely responsible for your interactions with such Web sites. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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