A dietary supplement for the management of patients with back pain

Background and study aims
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a disease of the lumbar (lower) spine caused by wear and tear on the intervertebral discs, vertebrae, vertebral joints or ligaments. Treatment is usually through pain and exercise therapy. The aim of this study is to investigate the 3-month intake of a dietary supplement as an accompanying measure to medical treatment. The food supplement, which has been sold in pharmacies for several years, is a combination of certain nutrients (collagen type II, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine,
bamboo extract, L-lysine, and vitamin C) that occur naturally in the intervertebral disc and are intended to improve back pain or at least contribute to the maintenance of the spinal column function.