Q: I am 67 years old and have some back issues due to spinal stenosis and very tight muscles. It has been recommended that I take an amino acid supplement of vitamin B-6, Lysine, iseoleucine, Valine and glutamine on a basis of two to four tablets per day with juice. Will this hurt me in any way and does it sound reasonable? I take no other medicine regularly and am in reasonably good health for my age — except for my back issues.

I read your column each day and like it very much. Thanks.

A: For those readers that may not fully know what your condition is all about, I will offer a brief summary. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the open spaces within the spine that can place pressure on the spinal cord as well as on the nerves that run through the spine. Some individuals may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may experience muscle weakness, pain, numbness, and issues with bladder or bowel function. Symptoms may vary, depending on whether the stenosis is in the lower back or neck. When the lower back is involved, there may be low back pain or leg cramps when standing for extended periods of time, or numbness and/or muscle weakness in one or both legs. When the neck is involved, a patient may experience weakness, numbness, and paresthesias (tingling) in an extremity.

The condition is commonly caused by changes in the spine as a person ages; however, there are other causes as well. An injury to the spine from such things as an auto accident, fall, or other major trauma may be to blame. A person may have a herniated disk, bone spur, Paget’s disease, or a tumor. Then, too, ligaments in the area may become stiff and thickened over time, with the disks bulging into the spinal canal. Diagnosis might be made through an MRI, the test of choice or a CT.

Treatment may be in the form of NSAIDS (both over-the-counter forms and via prescription), muscle relaxants, epidural injections, anti-seizure drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, or opioids such hydrocodone or oxycodone. On the home front, exercise, hot or cold packs and the OTC NSAIDs mentioned above may provide relief from the symptoms presented. Some physicians endorse a multiple B-complex vitamin with 1200 mcg of folic acid daily; however, there is no medical evidence that indicates it is an effective treatment for spinal stenosis. Ditto for lysine. Isoleucine and Valine are essential amino acids, indicating that humans cannot synthesize it and it must be ingested. Glutamine is yet another amino acid (a building block for proteins) found naturally in the body. It is used by some for mucositis (pain and swelling inside the mouth), neuropathy (nerve pain), to protect the immune and digestive systems in individuals undergoing radiochemotherapy for esophageal cancer, and more. Some individuals even use glutamine for symptoms of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and stomach ulcers.

Amino acids fall into three categories – essential, non-essential and conditional. Essential amino acids must come from the foods we eat and should be ingested on a daily basis, where non-essentials are produced by our bodies. Conditionals are generally non-essential, except in times of illness and stress. Humans can produce10 of the 20 amino acids. Unlike fat and starches, the human body doesn’t store excesses for later use. You don’t indicate whether a physician or friend recommended you take the supplements you have outlined; without knowing the extent of your spinal stenosis, it is difficult for me to state if you are on the right track. I do not feel that amino acids will harm you but would feel better if you were to speak with your primary care physician or specialist before beginning the regimen. Find out what the appropriate therapy is for your condition. This should allow you to make the decision as to whether supplements are right for you or not.