Supplements For Back Pain: What Helps, What's Hype

Answer:

Back pain is a common problem among adults in the U.S., with nearly 40% of people reporting general back pain and 8% reporting chronic back pain (National Council on Aging, 5-13/2025; CDC, 7/2021). The incidence is even higher among older adults, affecting 46% of people 65 and older (National Council on Aging, 5-13/2025). Potential strategies for managing back pain include improving sleep habits, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, physical therapy, and use of over-the-counter or prescribed anti-inflammatory or pain-relief medications (such as NSAIDs) (National Council on Aging, 5-13/2025).

Some people may also consider using supplements to help reduce back pain. There is limited evidence that certain supplements may provide modest benefit. Meanwhile, some others don't seem to work, and some that are promoted for back pain relief have not been evaluated for this use in clinical studies.

Sign in as a member to learn which of the following supplements may help and which might not: Alpha-lipoic acid, cannabidiol (CBD), chuchuhuasi, collagen, devil’s claw, fish oil, glucosamine, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), pregnenolone, proteolytic enzymes, turmeric, vitamin D, and white willow bark.

Also see our article about topical menthol creams, such as Biofreeze, for pain relief.