From the Guidelines
Glyco Sync is not a legitimate treatment for chronic joint pain, as there is no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. The most recent and highest quality study on the management of hand osteoarthritis, published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases in 2007 1, does not mention Glyco Sync as a treatment option. Instead, it recommends the use of oral NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration, in patients who respond inadequately to paracetamol.
- Key points to consider when managing chronic joint pain include:
- Using NSAIDs with caution, especially in patients with increased gastrointestinal or cardiovascular risk
- Considering alternative treatments, such as physical therapy, weight management, and appropriate exercise
- Avoiding unproven supplements like Glyco Sync, which may waste money and delay appropriate care
- Consulting healthcare providers to determine the underlying cause of joint pain and develop a personalized treatment plan. For example, acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours, not exceeding 4000mg daily) or NSAIDs like ibuprofen (400-800mg three times daily with food) or naproxen (220-500mg twice daily) can be used for chronic joint pain management, as supported by the study 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Chronic Joint Pain
There are various treatment options available for chronic joint pain, including medications and alternative therapies.
- Medications such as glucocorticoids (GCs) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to control pain and inflammation 2.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biological therapies are also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a common cause of chronic joint pain 2.
- Alternative therapies such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate have been shown to be effective in relieving joint pain associated with osteoarthritis 3, 4, 5.
Efficacy of Glyco Sync
There is limited information available on Glyco Sync as a treatment for chronic joint pain. However, studies have shown that glucosamine, a component of Glyco Sync, is effective in relieving joint pain associated with osteoarthritis 3, 4, 5.
- A study comparing glucosamine with ibuprofen found that glucosamine was of similar efficacy to ibuprofen in relieving joint pain 3.
- Another study found that glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, alone or in combination, did not achieve a clinically important difference in pain or function compared to placebo over 2 years 4.
- A study on the combination of glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) found that it produced a statistically significant decrease in pain and swelling, and improved functional ability of joints 5.
Safety and Tolerability
The safety and tolerability of Glyco Sync have not been directly studied. However, studies on glucosamine and other components of Glyco Sync have shown that they are generally well-tolerated 3, 4, 5.
- A study on glucosamine found that it was effective and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported 3.
- Another study found that glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate were well-tolerated, with similar adverse event profiles to placebo 4.
- A study on the combination of glucosamine and MSM found that it was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported 5.