- With Mayo Clinic rheumatologist
April Chang-Miller, M.D.
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April Chang-Miller, M.D.
April Chang-Miller, M.D.
Dr. April Chang-Miller is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology and is a consultant in the Division of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
Dr. Chang-Miller's primary field is rheumatology with special interests in inflammatory joint diseases called seronegative spondyloarthropathies such as ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. She also cares for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica.
The New York City native is a graduate of the Yale University School of Medicine and had been with Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., between 1991 and 2002 when she relocated to Mayo Clinic, Arizona. She is a fellow in the American College of Rheumatology and has been on the board of directors of the Arthritis Foundation North Central Chapter.
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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 April Chang-Miller, 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.
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