Even though the majority of patients use NSAIDs for pain control, side effects such as dyspepsia, gastrointestinal bleeding, exacerbation of blood pressure and renal failure can limit their use. Therefore new treatments are actively sought. In addition, there is a very real trend among patients with rheumatological problems, to seek alternative therapies, which are thought to be safer and more natural, for pain relief.

The prime goal of this 12 month study is to enable patients and physicians to make informed decisions when considering the use of Lignisul MSM to alleviate the pain of osteoarthritis; the most common form of arthritis in patients over 40 years of age and it is commonly found in the knee and hip joints. It will have strict inclusion criteria including: disease duration, pain intensity, previous use of NSAIDs or analgesic therapies, and age. The ultimate aim will be to demonstrate the effectiveness of Lignisul MSM compared to naproxen, offering sufferers an alternative therapy that works, improving their physical function and quality of life.

Lignisul MSM is a nutritional supplement that provides biologically-active sulfur. It is manufactured by the Carolwood Corporation and is an all-natural, ultrapure MSM. Recent pilot studies of methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM), indicate that it may offer a safe, non-toxic way to help ease the pain of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions in humans. Considering that sulfur concentration in arthritic cartilage has been reported to be one-third the level in normal cartilage suggests that supplementation with MSM could lead to repletion of sulfur with beneficial effects.