Health News
Published: July 26, 2010
JULY IS HERBAL AND PRESCRIPTION AWARENESS MONTH
A pain relief specialist discusses the pros and cons of prescription
remedies and their herbal counterparts
(Pinellas Park, Fla.) July 19, 2010 – Herbal supplements have been credited with aiding everything from digestion to depression- but how much is too much when it comes to your body? According to the Mayo Clinic, these pseudo-medications don't even require FDA approval before being put on the market. Sure, you can read the ingredients on the back, but unless "M.D." comes after your last name, you probably won't know what kind of chemical reactions to expect when taking multiple supplements or medications.
How You Can Risk a Reaction
Charles Friedman, D.O. of Pain Relief Centers offers the explanation that, "If a patient is being treated for an ailment with prescription medication, there are already numerous chemical processes going on in that person's body. Now if the same patient decides to add an over-the-counter supplement, they could elicit a lethal reaction from the chemicals involved."
While there are few restrictions keeping herbal supplements off of supermarket shelves, they should still be considered potent drugs. The FDA only requires labels to display the herb's name, the manufacturer's information, ingredients and serving size. But for the average consumer, lengthy and complex nomenclature for active ingredients hardly leaves an impression. So how do you know if you're safe from any unintended side effects?
"It is absolutely vital that you talk to your doctor about any and all of the medications and supplements that you are taking," urges Friedman. "Your doctor will know how to work with the active ingredients to keep you safe."
Medication in Moderation
Friedman adds, "Prescription pain medications are notoriously addictive. Any sort of prescription or non-prescription drug should be used as a last resort, and in moderation." And in the field of pain relief, there are multiple therapies and procedures to reduce or eliminate symptoms. But as far as medication in general, Friedman strongly advises people to "Be conservative. Only medicate if your quality of life is significantly affected and other therapies aren't working out. Always do this under the supervision of your healthcare provider."
Still questioning the safety of your OTC meds? Here's a list of who should stay away from herbal remedies:
- Those who are less than 18 years of age, or over 65
- Patients who are having surgery
- Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding
- Those who are already taking any form of prescription or supplement
About Pain Relief Centers:
Pain Relief Centers are multi-specialty practices that use a combination of innovative and minimally invasive treatments that help relieve patients' pain and improve their quality of life. Pain Relief Centers' Board-Certified physicians utilize advanced technology and interventional therapies to diagnose and treat pain effectively. Pain Relief Centers' comprehensive approach ranges from osteopathic manipulation and nerve ablation to minimally invasive spine procedures. Pain Relief Centers treat a variety of conditions such as neck and arm pain, back and leg pain, complex regional pain syndrome, degenerative disc disease, failed back syndrome, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. Pain Relief Centers works with patients to improve their pain and return them back to their busy lives. www.PinellasPain.com
