Question
Hi,
I have had pain and weakness from diagnosed stenosis of cervical area for about a year.  I have gone through the typical drug list without positive effect, so I stopped taking them.  I have not done the steroid shot since the pain has only been about 2-3 on the scale of 10 and I'm afraid of shots etc.  Here's the question.  Over the last few months, the pain has gotten LESS, although I still have substantial weakness on that side.  And I have not changed my daily activities and exercise.  Any idea on what could account for that?  The only difference is that I have added Glucosamine to my daily vitamins and supplements.  I am awful suspicious of anecdotal accounts of effectiveness of any herbal or other supplement, although I admit to trying out stuff in the hope of success.  So....any thoughts?

Answer
Carl,

Symptoms such as pain associated with cervical stenosis can fluctuate. There is a strong connection between pain and inflammation. It is likely that the inflammation in the cervical area is down which will result in less pain.

It is possible that the Glucosamine is playing a role in the reduction of inflammation. There is conflicting results among the studies of Glucosamine. There is some evidence that it can play a role in reducing inflammation. The bottom line is it will not hurt you and if you are having less pain then it will not hurt to continue.



Rusty
http://arthritis-symptom.com/alternativel-arthritis-treatments/glucosamine.htm