I need help. I had an L4-5 fusion in 1985 that didn't fuse properly, so I am done with Western medicine, I hope. But my spine is not in good shape, and I need to try something.

The discs are degenerated, arthritis, etc. quite a bit for a 52 year old. I'm trying Glucosamine HCL and MSM (2000 mg of each per day. I haven't been using the Chondroitin, because I have read that the molecules are too big to digest through the intestinal walls?

And HA taken orally seems to be in some doubt, too...

I am willing to try alternative medicines, but what?

Thanks...

Robert

Hi,
The combination of Glucosamine/Chondroitin was suggested by a Gastroenterologist to me and my wife for arthritus pain. I have been on straight Clucosamine Sulfate capsules, 750 mg per day, for the past 6 years, for an arthritic spur over my right shoulder... great results... no pain.
The HCL and MSM did not work for me, after trying it for about 8 weeks, but the Clucosamine Sulfate does.
The combination of Glu/Chond is helping my wife now, with her arthritus, after about 3 months.
She also has deterioating lower spine discs. but it doesn't help that.
Darvocet, taken when needed, eases the pain quite a bit. She cannot take Ultram, or Ultracet, due to the Tramolene causing severe vomiting and severe nausea.
I hope this helps you some, and wish you the best of luck. I am 63.

Check with an acupuncturist.

Have no idea if they can help you here but they worked a near miracle on my wife's pain (completely different type) and I know others who've had great success w acupuncture.

I was a skeptic, and it took time for her to be completely healed, but her pain was cut in half after several treatments over 2 weeks. This meant no more painkillers, no more sleepless nights almost immediately. Then the treatments were more spread out... took something like 2-3 years to get completely pain free... she'd still have occasional flare-ups. But I've got to tell you, everything her acupunturist has said he could do for her, he's done.

So worth a try or at least a talk with an acupuncturist. If it helps let us know.