S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) versus celecoxib for the treatment of osteoarthritis symptoms: a double-blind cross-over trial. [ISRCTN36233495].

Background: S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a dietary supplement used in the management of osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms. Studies evaluating SAMe in the management of OA have been limited to Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for comparison. The present study compares the effectiveness of SAMe to a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor (celecoxib) for pain control, functional improvement and to decrease side effects in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine among the ethnic elderly.

Objective: We sought to explore whether the elderly are high users of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and to determine which modalities they use. We also sought to describe patterns and positive predictors of CAM use among 3 ethnically diverse groups of community-residing elderly.

Design: A 7-page questionnaire was developed and translated into Spanish and Vietnamese.

Effectiveness of four conservative treatments for subacute low back pain: a randomized clinical trial.

Study Design: A randomized, assessor-blinded clinical trial was conducted.

Objective: To investigate the relative effectiveness of three manual treatments and back school for patients with subacute low back pain.

Summary Of Background Data: Literature comparing the relative effectiveness of specific therapies for low back pain is limited.