LaGrange, IL – May 2004 - People are taking over-the-counter herbs (considered dietary supplements) in greater numbers than ever before, for everything from general health improvement to chronic conditions like back pain. Herbs can have benefits; but like prescription drugs, they can also have unwanted side effects, cause drug interactions and potentially cause surgical complications. It is important for health care consumers to educate themselves, so they can avoid unnecessary health risks.
The North American Spine Society (NASS) has created a brochure, Herbal Supplements: “Natural” Doesn’t Always Mean Safe, to help consumers learn about the safe and unsafe uses of herbs. Many herbs have drug-like effects and even those that are generally safe can be dangerous or have side effects under certain conditions. For example, herbs can interact with anesthesia or other medicines in surgery, or cause excessive bleeding. Drug-herb interactions unrelated to surgery are also common. According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, roughly 15 million adults are at risk for possible adverse interactions between prescription drugs and herbs or high dose vitamins.
NASS’ educational brochure provides:
- Background on herbal supplements
- Tips for safe use (ie, the belief “if one is good, more must be better” can be downright dangerous) and potential adverse effects
- Instructions on reporting adverse events and searching the Internet for credible information
NASS’ patient education brochure on herbal supplements can be purchased by healthcare providers in packs of 25 and can be found on the NASS Web site or by contacting the North American Spine Society at (630) 230-3600.
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NASS is a multidisciplinary medical organization dedicated to fostering the highest quality, evidence-based, and ethical spine care by promoting education, research, and advocacy. Since its start in 1985, NASS has grown to nearly 4,000 members in 22 spine-related specialties. NASS members are MDs, DOs, and PhDs, including orthopedics, neurosurgery, physiatry, pain management, and other disciplines. Nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, chiropractors, physical therapists, practice administrators, and other allied health care professionals involved in spine care are also represented as affiliate members.
For further information, contact:
North American Spine Society
Toll-free: (866) 960-6277 Direct: (630) 230-3600