Natural Product Use Among Veterans with Chronic Pain

A recent survey of U.S. military veterans with chronic pain found widespread use of natural products, including vitamins, herbal supplements, and cannabis, often alongside or in place of prescription pain medications. Conducted as part of the Veterans' Administration's Whole Health Options and Pain Education (wHOPE) trial, the study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Results were published in the journal Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health.

The study surveyed 52 veterans with chronic pain, with 80% reporting disabling pain every day. Sixty-seven percent were prescribed non-opioid medications, 15% used opioids, and 17% used no prescription pain drugs. The most commonly used natural products were vitamins and minerals (94%), followed by herbal or botanical supplements (60%), and cannabis (40%). One-third of participants said they had substituted natural products for prescribed pain medications.

Many veterans expressed concerns about the safety of combining natural products with medications or with each other. About half worried about possible interactions, but only 52% had discussed their use of natural products with a healthcare provider. Nearly all participants (98%) believed that providers should talk with patients about these products to help prevent harm.

The study highlights a communication gap between patients and providers and a need for better information. Although many clinicians lack training on natural products, several evidence-based online resources are available. The researchers suggest that improving provider knowledge could support shared decision-making and help ensure safer and more effective pain management for veterans.