[anonymous]

Don’t allow him to step up and down, buy doggie steps for every couch and bed that he goes to. Google “doggie steps” to see the different styles.
Don’t let the dog jump in and out of the car, pick him up. It may take a couple of weeks but you will see a difference in his gait and posture.

Any effective medication has possible side effects. The risks versus benefits have to be weighed. Usually the benefit of pain relief is well worth it.
Supplements are not medication and will have no effect on pain. Not all supplements are benign and also can have possible ill effects.
Emergency room visits are way up due to humans taking supplements and having adverse effects, some quite serious. Supplements are not FDA approved, sometimes the ingredients or dosage amounts are not accurate.
That being said, some supplements may have benefits, but one has to be very cautious.
Also, some supplements may interact and interfere with the absorption of real medication.
Best to discuss with the vet, first.