A New research from Oslo University Hospital in Norway looked at 250 adults with chronic low back pain and degenerative osteoarthritis.  The study was randomized with half the participants taking 1500mg of glucosamine sulfate daily and the other half taking placebo for six months.  Improvement was assessed by participants filling out questionnaires about their pain. No statistical differences were found between the glucosamine group versus the placebo group after 6 months or treatment and again at one-year followup.

Bottom line: Glucosamine may not be effective for chronic back pain based on this small trial.  Effective treatments for chronic low back pain include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, motrin, naprosyn, etc.), opiates (vicodin), acupuncture, and physical therapy.  Each therapy has side-effects that must be discussed with your doctor before starting.

Reference:

Wilkens P, Scheel IB, Grundnes O, et al. Effect of glucosamine on pain-related disability in patients with chronic low back pain and degenerative lumbar osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2010 Jul 7;304(1):45-52.