In the fall of 2008, a paper was published reporting on an extension of the Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), a study I summarized several years ago in Dynamic Chiropractic.1,2 In the extension portion of the trial, approximately one-third (572) of the original 1,583 subjects continued to take one of five treatments for an additional two years: glucosamine, 1,500 mg/day; chondroitin, 1,200 mg/day; glucosamine (1,500 mg) and chondroitin (1,200 mg); Celebrex, 200 mg/day; or placebo. Knee joint space was measured radiographically at baseline, 12 and 24 months. The mean two-year loss in joint space, with adjustment for diseases and other risk factors, for each of the five study groups was as follows (listed in order of increasing joint-space loss):
| Follow-Up Results From the Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) | |
| Group | Joint-Space Loss |
| Glucosamine | 0.013 mm |
| Chondroitin | 0.107 mm |
| Celebrex | 0.111 mm |
| Placebo | 0.166 mm |
| Glucosamine and chondroitin | 0.194 mm |
A few months later, results of another two-year study was published.3 In that study, 622 patients with knee arthritis had randomly received either 800 mg of chondroitin sulfate or a placebo for two years. Radiographic analysis at baseline, 12 and 24 months was performed. After two years, the mean joint-space losses were as follows:
| Results From the Study on Osteoarthritis Progression Prevention | |
| Group | Joint-Space Loss |
| Chondroitin sulfate | 0.070 mm |
| Placebo | 0.310 mm |
The authors concluded that the radiographic progression of joint-space loss was reduced in patients who took chondroitin sulfate compared to those who took placebo. The authors also noted that pain was noticeably reduced in the chondroitin group. This conflicted with the conclusions of the GAIT extension, which, according to the authors, were statistically insignificant.
For some people, glucosamine and chondroitin will have varying degrees of benefit. Research has yet to determine who will be a responder, nor can we say if chondroitin, glucosamine or the combination of the two delivers the best results. Until that happens, the best advice we can give to our patients is to take a trial-and-error approach and stick to what works best.
References
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
