TL;DR

• MSM is a natural sulfur compound that helps reduce joint inflammation.
• Studies show it may lower osteoarthritis pain and improve movement.
• Consider a gradual approach under guidance from a doctor trained in natural healthcare.

(Educational only — not medical advice)

There are many effective natural ways to control pain, click to read more. 

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a natural sulfur compound. Research shows it can help calm inflammation in the body. It does this by slowing down certain chemical signals that trigger swelling and pain — including NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6.[1-4]

MSM may also help by reducing the release of substances from mast cells — cells involved in allergic and inflammatory reactions.⁵–⁶ When those chemical messengers are reduced, fewer immune cells rush into the joint, so swelling and irritation go down. MSM has even been patented as an anti-inflammatory nutrient.[7-9]

What Studies Show in People with Arthritis

Clinical research on people with osteoarthritis shows encouraging results:

• Less pain — measured using standard pain scales like VAS and WOMAC¹⁰–¹²
• Better joint movement and daily function — many patients report they can move more easily [10-12].

So MSM may help not only with pain relief, but also with getting back to normal activities.

References:

  1. The anti-inflammatory effects of methylsulfonylmethane on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in murine macrophages. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2009;32:651–656.
  2. Methylsulfonylmethane inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Cytokine. 2015;71:223–231.
  3. The effect of distilled methylsulfonylmethane (msm) on human chondrocytes in vitro. Osteoarthr. Cartil. 2007;15:C123.
  4. The anti-inflammatory effects of methylsulfonylmethane on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in murine macrophages. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2009;32:651–656.
  5. The role of nitric oxide on endothelial function. Curr. Vasc. Pharmacol. 2012;10:4–18.
  6. A regulator of mast cell activation and mast cell-mediated inflammation. Clin. Exp. Immunol. 2002;129:4–10.
  7. Use of Methylsulfonylmethane to Relieve Pain and Relieve Pain and Nocturnal Cramps and to Reduce Stress-Induced Deaths in Animals. 4,973,605. U.S. Patent. 1989 Jul 26.
  8. Dietary Products and Uses Comprising Methylsulfonylmethane. 4,863,748. U.S. Patent. 1986 Jun 26
  9. Dietary and Pharmaceutical Uses of Methylsulfonylmethane and Compositions Comprising It. 4,514,421. U.S. Patent. 1982 Sep 14 Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2009 Dec; 1(6): a001651
  10. The role of msm in knee osteoarthritis: A double blind, randomized, prospective study. Osteoarthr. Cartil. 2007;15:C231.
  11. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: A pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthr. Cartil. 2006;14:286–294.
  12. The effect of methylsulfonylmethane on osteoarthritic large joints and mobility. Int. J. Orthop. 2014;1:19–24.