1. Glucosamine &Chondroitin For Painful Joints Presented By – Pamela Estwick HW 499 5/19/2015

2. What Are Glucosamine and Chondroitin?  “Glucosamine and chondroitin are structural components of cartilage, the tissue that cushions the joints”(nccih.nih.gov, n.d.).  “Both are produced naturally in the body”.  “They are also available as dietary supplements ”(nccih.nih.gov, n.d.).  “Researchers have studied the effects of these supplements, individually or in combination, on osteoarthritis, a common type of arthritis that destroys cartilage in the joints ”(nccih.nih.gov, n.d.).

3. What Are The Benefits of Taking Glucosamine and Chondroitin  “Perhaps the most important aspect of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements is that they are thought to help slow or prevent the degeneration of joint cartilage, the underlying cause of osteoarthritis pain” (Spinehealth.com, n.d.).  “Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate dietary supplements may also help alleviate existing joint pain”(Spinehealth.com, n.d.).

4. Overall Side Affects of Taking Glucosamine and Chondroitin In Otherwise Healthy Adults  “No serious side effects have been reported in large, well-conducted studies of people taking glucosamine, chondroitin, or both for up to 3 years”(nccih.nih.gov, n.d.).

5. Considerations For Patients Taking Blood Thinners  “Glucosamine or chondroitin may interact with the anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drug warfarin (Coumadin)”(nccih.nih.gov, n.d.).  Individuals on blood thinning prescriptions should consult their medical professional prior to taking glucosamine or chondroitin.

6. Considerations For Diabetic Patients  “Glucosamine might affect the way your body handles sugar, especially if you have diabetes or other blood sugar problems, such as insulin resistance or impaired glucose tolerance” (nccih.nih.gov, n.d.).  Individuals with diabetes should discuss with their doctor if it is safe to take glucosamine or chondroitin to prevent an unsafe blood sugar conflict.

7. Visiting The Doctor Prior To Starting Over The Counter Herbs and Supplements  Because joint and/or back pain happens under the skin it is not possible to tell the cause of the pain by looking at it.  Prior to self-medicating with glucosamine, chondroitin or other herbs, a visit to the doctor should be the first step.  X-rays of the joints or painful area may be necessary to determine the cause of the pain.

8. Visiting The Doctor Prior To Starting Over The Counter Herbs and Supplements  Your doctor may okay taking the herbal support on its own, not taking it at all, or taking it with other forms of treatment.  Alternative medicine treatments such as acupuncture may be beneficial in conjunction with taking glucosamine and chondroitin and doctors recommendation.

9. Recommendations Regarding Glucosamine and Chondroitin  First discuss the joint pain that you are having with your trusted medical professional.  X-ray’s may be needed to determine if you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, muscular damage, deteriorated cartilage, a tear or sprain, or other medical issue.  Different action may be needed to ease the pain and attempt to heal the afflicted area depending on the outcome of the X-ray or doctor consultation.  Additional follow-up from a specialist may be necessary, such as a referral from your doctor to a sports medicine specialist, physical therapist, or other medical professional.

10. Where Can You Find More Information About Glucosamine and Chondroitin  Web.M.D. gives a breakdown of where glucosamine and chondroitin can be found naturally and synthetically. Web.M.D.  Spine-Health goes into detail to describe the affects of osteoarthritis on the body and the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin. Spine-Health  NCCIH.gov discusses the safety, side affects, and results of scientific studies done on patients who take glucosamine and chondroitin. NCCIH.gov

11. Questions – Closing Remarks Love your joints!!!

12. References No Author (no date), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis: What You Need To Know, Retrieved May 18, 2015 from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/glucosaminechondroitin No Author (no date), Web.M.D.com, Glucosamine and Chondroitin - Topic Overview, Retrieved May 18, 2015 from http://www.webmd.com/arthritis/tc/glucosamine-and- chondroitin-topic-overview No Author (no date), Spine-Health.com, Effectiveness of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate for Osteoarthritis, Retrieved May 18, 2015 from http://www.spine- health.com/conditions/arthritis/effectiveness-glucosamine-and-chondroitin-sulfate- osteoarthritis