★★★★★
While waiting for my spinal fusion, I got desperate and started researching natural supplements. I found a supplement that contains collagen, hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulfate and started taking it almost 3 months ago. My lower back is in less pain and, for the first time in years, I sat in a hard chair for more than a few minutes and was able to walk for 30 minutes yesterday! Neither of these tasks would have been possible just 3 months ago.
Even though it is still early in treating with these supplements, I am hopeful for a recovery that will allow me to work again and have a life again (especially since insurance denied the fusion). Had I not taken these supplements for myself, I would have never believed it! Also, per recommendations I found on the interweb, I am taking a "loading dose" of 8 pills a day (double the daily dose for the first 12 weeks) of the collagen supplement from The Vitamin Shoppe.
Hyaluronic Acid
★★★★★
I have a herniated disc at location L4-L5. I'm in my 50s and have had it for 5 years. I tried glucosamine chondroitin with some Hyaluronic Acid (HA) in the past but I think the reason it did not help was the dosage and maybe stomach acid a little. I even tried to bounce on a ball to exercise my spine to get moisture into the spine but it didn't work. I realized that my body needed some nutrient. I was stumped.
I had been looking on and off for years on supplements for synovial fluids. The first failure with the supplement kind of dashed my hope. This past month, I did read Ted's post and saw that he was having success with 4 grams of horse HA in a solution divided up over 14 days with many people. I also read other posts on internet indicating that HA has positive effect on synovial fluid so I upped my dose and made sure I used small molecule kind.
I have taken the supplment for the last 7 days at a dosage of 5 caps in morning and 5 caps at bedtime which totals 500mg HA, 5000mg collagen 2000mg chondroitin per day. My back has dramatically improved. I could actually feel improvement after 2 days.
I can't tell you at this point whether it has cured my herniated disc but I don't feel that pain when bending. I will evaluate my progress every two months. I was hesitant about posting too soon but given the result so far, it should be the first supplement you take for this condition because it hits at the root of why the condition came about. You should get some chiropractor treatments if you have never done so.
I am lowering the dose to 6 caps a day and plan to keep taking it for at least a year. I am thinking that the body may now have everything it needs to heal naturally so I will just be patient and let nature do its job. I will adjust to fewer capsules if I see enough improvement in other areas also. I developed aged spots. That is another sign of deficiency. Maybe it will improve my eyes also.
The formula I use with small molecule Hyaluronic Acid also includes collagen and chondroitin. I am using Biocell. Many products use their stuff. Shop for the best price but make sure it contains the small molecule HA. Be aware that stomach acid neutralizes HA so take on empty stomach.
It should be noted that HA is another form of glucosamine except that it is much more effective. Glucosamine is for all practical purposes obsoleted by Hyaluronic Acid.
