- With Mayo Clinic internist
Brent A. Bauer, M.D.
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Brent A. Bauer, M.D.
Brent A. Bauer, M.D.
Brent Bauer, M.D., is board certified in internal medicine. He is a consultant in the Department of Internal Medicine and director of the Department of Internal Medicine's Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dr. Bauer, a native of Madison, Wis., is also an associate professor of medicine at Mayo Medical School and a graduate of Mayo Medical School.
He serves on the editorial board of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter and EmbodyHealth Newsletter and has been with Mayo Clinic since 1992, first practicing at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., before joining Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., in 1996.
Dr. Bauer's principal research focus is the scientific evaluation of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies that patients and consumers are using with increasing frequency. He has authored several book chapters and papers on this topic, and is the medical editor of the "Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine." Dr. Bauer also spearheaded a collaboration between Mayo Clinic and Gaiam in the creation of a series of 10 DVDs (Mayo Clinic Wellness Solutions). These DVDs address common health problems (for example, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure) with integrative medicine approaches that empower people to take charge of their health.
Dr. Bauer is a member of NIH-NCCAM study section and is currently collaborating on over 20 studies being conducted at Mayo Clinic evaluating CAM therapies ranging from acupuncture to valerian. He is also a member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society; the American Federation for Medical Research; the North Central Cancer Treatment Group and other professional organizations.
Definition (1)
- 'Degenerative changes' in the spine: Is this arthritis?
Complications (2)
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Can it affect the eyes?
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Can it affect the lungs?
Treatments and drugs (5)
- Arthritis pain medications: Do they raise blood pressure?
- Botox injections: Can they relieve arthritis pain?
- Prednisone withdrawal: What are the symptoms?
- see all in Treatments and drugs
Lifestyle and home remedies (4)
- MSM for arthritis pain: Is it safe?
- Water exercise for arthritis: Does pool temperature matter?
- Rheumatoid arthritis diet: Do certain foods reduce symptoms?
- see all in Lifestyle and home remedies
Alternative medicine (3)
- Yucca: Can it relieve arthritis pain?
- Mangosteen juice: Can it relieve arthritis pain?
- Glucosamine supplements: Can they rebuild cartilage?
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Question
MSM for arthritis pain: Is it safe?
Are there any adverse effects from long-term use of MSM for arthritis pain?
Answer
from Brent A. Bauer, M.D.
Few studies have examined the long-term effects of the dietary supplement called methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). One study suggested that it's safe to take MSM for up to 12 weeks. But further research is needed to assess its safety for long-term use.
There's no conclusive evidence that MSM is effective in reducing arthritis pain. Two small studies have suggested that MSM may reduce joint pain in people with osteoarthritis. Side effects of MSM may include stomach upset, diarrhea and headache.
Although there is great interest in using MSM to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, more research is needed to determine its potential benefits and risks.
Next questionWater exercise for arthritis: Does pool temperature matter?
- MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed June 17, 2009.
- Kim LS, et al. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: A pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2006;14:286.
- Usha PR, et al. Double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study of oral glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane and their combination in osteoarthritis. Clinical Drug Investigation. 2004;24:353.
- Brien S, et al. Systematic review of the nutritional supplements dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2008;16:1277e.
