Tips for Avoiding a Pain Medicine Addiction

April 27, 2016/0 Comments/in Medication /by Matthew Thorson

Addiction to prescription pain medications is as serious as ever in the United States, and physicians are becoming more and more hesitant to overprescribe addictive pain killers. Even with the added scrutiny, many patients do become addicted to pain relief medication. In this article, we are going to talk about the dangers of addiction to prescription pain killers, and also offer some tips to prevent a pain med addiction.

Addiction to Prescription Meds

When most people think of addiction, they imagine street drugs like heroin or crack. But the reality is that a person can become addicted to any drug – though some are more habit-forming than others. Prescription opioids, for example, are considered highly addictive. This is why these drugs are controlled substances and you can’t buy them without a doctor’s prescription. The other side of the coin is that these medications are highly effective at reducing pain in patients.

Preventing and Treating Addiction

The best way to combat prescription medication addiction is prevention. This often requires both doctor and patient to remain vigilant. Your physician will likely keep an eye out for any of the signs of medication addiction, but you as the patient should also watch out for any signs that may indicate addiction. If you start having to take your meds more often than prescribed, for example, communicate this to your doctor so you can both take steps to stop addiction in its tracks. This can be accomplished by prescribing other, less habit-forming drugs, combined with other methods.

At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN, we are acutely aware of the dangers of prescription addiction, and make it a point to discuss the risks of addiction with each and every patient. The good news is that painkillers are not the only option for patients dealing with pain. Injections, physical therapy, and various surgical procedures may allow you to reduce your pain and avoid addictive meds altogether. To talk with a skilled pain management physician about your pain and treatment options, contact our office today to set up your very own appointment. Our physicians have been treating Minnesotans for various pain conditions and injuries for the past twenty years.

Prolotherapy Then & Now

April 25, 2016/0 Comments/in Injections, Regenerative Medicine /by Matthew Thorson

As we have discussed several times before on this site, prolotherapy is a regenerative medicine treatment in which a doctor injects a solution that stimulates tissue regeneration. Many regenerative treatments (PRP for example) are relatively new. Prolotherapy, however, is among the oldest recorded injection therapies in history. In this article, we are going to talk about the history of prolotherapy and how it has developed into the treatment used today.

Prolotherapy Then

We don’t know when exactly prolotherapy was first developed. The first use of prolotherapy on humans we can find in recorded history is back around 400 BC. There is documentation of Hippocrates using the technique to treat a shoulder injury. While this is technically considered prolotherpy, it is much different than the injections used today.

A more modern version of prolotherapy was developed in the 1830s by Dr. Alfred Velpeau, who is considered the father of prolotherapy. Until the 1920s, prolotherapy was primarily used to treat hernias, using an iodine solution. In the 1930s, Dr. Earl Gedney continued to develop prolotherapy into the treatment we use today.

Prolotherapy Now

Since it was first developed, prolotherapy has changed and advanced significantly. The biggest change that has taken place over the history of prolotherapy is the solution that is injected into the joints. Early uses utilized an iodine solution. As medical professionals began to better understand the treatment, they moved to a dextrose-based solution that is still used to this day. Prolotherapy is still used to treat joint conditions like golfer’s elbow, tendonitis, and more.

The doctors at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN are trained in regenerative medicine techniques like prolotherapy. Our pain management physicians have over twenty years of experience treating Minnesota patients for all types of pain. Contact our clinic today to set up an appointment with a pain doctor and talk about your options for reducing your pain.

Should you Trust your Gut when it Comes to Pain?

April 20, 2016/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew Thorson

You’ve no doubt heard someone tell you to “go with your gut” when you’re struggling to make a decision. It’s a common piece of advice, and trusting your gut instinct is very helpful in certain situations. So is it a good idea to trust your gut about your pain and medical situation? That’s the topic of today’s patient education article.

Trusting Your Gut

Trusting your instincts (or your “gut”) can be a powerful thing. In many situations, your gut instinct can be an incredible force for guiding your decision making. But does that same logic apply to pain conditions and injuries? To a certain extent, yes. Most patients can tell when something is not right with their bodies and it’s a good idea to listen to your gut in these instances and to seek medical help. However, this can get dangerous when a patient believes that they fully understand their condition and self-medicate. It’s best to trust your gut initially to tell you that something is wrong, and then seek expert medical advice.

Treating Pain Objectively

The fact is that sometimes patients are too close to their own situation to make a completely objective diagnosis of their pain. That’s where a skilled pain management physician can come in, examine your condition without any bias, and talk you through your treatment options. Even medical professionals who experience pain may be unable to make a completely unbiased diagnosis of their condition.

Treating pain conditions requires a strategic approach from a skilled physician. At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN, our providers have over two decades of combined experience treating Minnesotans for all types of patient pain. Our pain management doctors will diagnose your condition and work with you to establish a treatment plan that fits your unique needs. Contact us today to set up your appointment.

Prolotherapy Costs & Insurance

April 18, 2016/0 Comments/in Injections, Regenerative Medicine /by Matthew Thorson

The first thing most patients want to know when it comes to any treatment is: “how much is this going to cost me?” It’s a valid question that you should be asking about your medical care, as well as other purchases. In this article we are going to talk about the general costs associated with prolotherapy treatment, and what you can expect to pay for your treatment.

Prolotherapy & Health Insurance

Currently, most health insurance plans do not cover prolotherapy injections. The reasoning for this is too complicated for this article, but rest assured that prolotherapy is a legitimate pain relief treatment that is widely used by pain physicians.

All health insurance plans are different and you should always check with your health insurance company before undergoing any treatment to learn about your coverage.

Cost of a Prolotherapy Injection

So if prolotherapy is not covered by your health insurance plan, how much can you expect to pay for the treatment? Costs vary by clinic, the number of injections needed, and the area of the body being injected. The initial examination by a physician to determine if prolotherapy may be useful will typically be covered by insurance (depending on your plan), but the injections themselves are not covered by most plans. On average, a prolotherapy injection costs between $150 and $300. If you are curious about how much a specific injection will cost, do not hesitate to contact your doctor’s office to request a price quote.

The regenerative medicine experts at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN have decades of experience performing prolotherapy injections. If you are experiencing joint pain, prolotherapy may be your ticket to recovery. Contact our clinic today to set up your appointment with one of our Minnesota prolotherapy doctors, and plot a course for treatment.

Prolotherapy – Who is a Good Candidate?

April 13, 2016/0 Comments/in Regenerative Medicine /by Matthew Thorson

As we’ve discussed in previous articles, prolotherapy is a regenerative medicine treatment that involves injecting a sugar solution into a patient’s body to rebuild tissue and reduce pain. While prolotherapy is a great and effective treatment for many conditions, it isn’t the best fit for every patient. In this article, we are going to talk about what makes a good candidate for prolotherapy, and whether prolotherapy injections can help treat your pain.

Who is a Good Candidate for Prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is most effective at treating joint injuries and conditions that cause pain. So any patient who has suffered a joint injury may be a good candidate. More specifically, prolotherapy may be right for you if you experience any of the following:

Damaged or lost tissue, especially surrounding the joints
A clicking noise in the joint
Muscle spasms in addition to the pain
An inconclusive MRI or CT scan
Pain that improves with rest

These are just a few of the most common characteristics that make up a good prolotherapy candidate. You should always see a qualified regenerative medicine doctor before you undergo prolotherapy or any other pain management treatment.

Who is Not a Good Candidate for Prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is not an appropriate treatment approach for every patient in pain. If you experience any of the following, prolotherapy is likely not a good treatment option:

Loss of feeling in the area
Bladder or bowel control issues
Severe loss of range of motion

These characteristics often indicate an underlying element that is best treated with other methods.

The experienced regenerative medicine specialists at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN have been treating Minnesotans in the Twin Cities metro area for a combined two decades. Our providers are trained in prolotherapy and other regenerative techniques and can guide you through your pain and find the best treatment for your situation. Contact us today to set up your appointment with one of our Minnesota pain management doctors.

When to Seek a New Pain Management Doctor

April 11, 2016/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew Thorson

All doctors have different practice methods, and sometimes those methods clash with patient expectations. When that happens it may be necessary to find a new doctor who better fits your needs. In this article, we are going to discuss the qualities that make up a great pain management physician, and talk about what to do if you are unsatisfied with your pain management doctor.

Qualities of a Good Physician

Here are some of the qualities of a great pain doctor:

A Good Listener. Your doctor needs to listen to your concerns in order to effectively treat your pain. If your physician is dismissive or doesn’t listen well, you may want to search for someone who is a better fit.
A Great Track Record. You want to have a doctor on your side who has a great history of successfully treating patients. Look for online reviews from other patients, talk to other medical professionals you know, and ask the doctor about their professional history.

When you are searching for a new pain specialist, keep an eye out for these qualities.

When to Look for a New Doctor

Most patients find it difficult to switch physicians, but the truth is that it’s necessary in certain situations. If your physician isn’t listening to your concerns, ignores you, or just doesn’t seem like he cares about your pain, it may be time to switch things up. In these scenarios it’s always best to move on quickly instead of drawing out the inevitable.

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN physicians have been treating Minnesotans for chronic and acute pain for over twenty years. Our providers have the knowledge and experience to guide you through your situation and find the treatment approach that works for you. If you are suffering through life in pain, pick up the phone and call Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN to set up your appointment with one of our Twin Cities pain doctors.

Prolotherapy FAQs

April 6, 2016/0 Comments/in Regenerative Medicine /by Matthew Thorson

Prolotherapy is a regenerative injection therapy that can help patients recover from joint injuries and reduce joint pain. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about prolotherapy injections. With that in mind, here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about prolotherapy.

What is Prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is a form of regenerative medicine in which a patient is injected with a solution that stimulates the body’s natural healing process. These injections help restore damaged tissue, particularly surrounding the joints in the body. This irritant solution stimulates the body to create more tissue to replace that which has been damaged. Patients usually receive several prolotherapy injections over the course of several weeks or months.

What Solution is Injected?

The solution injected is typically made up of glucose and anesthetic agents. Your surgeon will tailor a solution to fit your specific injury or condition.

What Can Prolotherapy Treat?

Prolotherapy is most effective at treating joint pain and related conditions and injuries. Specifically, prolotherapy can help treat pain in the knees, hips, elbows, ankles, wrists, and shoulders.

Can Everyone Benefit from Prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy can help many patients with joint pain. However, each patient should be examined by a qualified pain management specialist before a treatment course is decided.

Does Prolotherapy Hurt?

Patients may feel some mild irritation during and immediately after an injection, but prolotherapy is considered to be generally painless.

Who Can Give Prolotherapy Injections?

Prolotherapy injections are given by physicians – typically pain management doctors. Make sure you have a qualified prolotherapy specialist administering your injections.

Prolotherapy can help treat numerous conditions. Contact Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN to see if you are a good candidate for prolotherapy. Our Minnesota based pain management physicians have been treating patients for over twenty years and can diagnose and treat your condition effectively. Call today to set up your appointment.

Prolotherapy vs. PRP Injections

April 4, 2016/0 Comments/in Injections, Regenerative Medicine /by Matthew Thorson

Prolotherapy and PRP therapy are both regenerative techniques. Since they share a lot of similarities, many patients get them confused with one another. But the fact is that both techniques are used to treat different conditions and injuries. In this article, we are going to talk about the similarities and differences between two regenerative medicine treatments – prolotherapy and PRP injections.

The Difference between PRP & Prolotherapy

In a general sense, PRP therapy and prolotherapy share a lot of similarities. They both fall under the umbrella of regenerative medicine. Both treatments promote and accelerate the body’s own natural healing processes to reduce pain and rebuild tissue. However, the specifics of each procedure differ significantly.

PRP injections use a portion of the patient’s own blood to promote regeneration and healing. The doctor draws blood from the patient, separates out the platelets and plasma in a centrifuge, and then injects the platelet-rich plasma into the patient’s body. These platelets then go to work rebuilding damaged tissue.
Prolotherapy also involves injections that encourage tissue regrowth. The difference is in the injected substance. While PRP therapy involves injected the patient’s own blood back into their body, prolotherapy consists of injecting an irritant solution – typically made up of glucose and other substances. This substance is injected into an injured area, and causes mild irritation that prompts the body’s regenerative qualities to go to work.

Both PRP and prolotherapy can be used to effectively treat degenerative conditions, and injuries that cause patients pain. Visit a regenerative medicine specialist to see if either of these treatment methods is a good fit for your situation.

Minnesota Regenerative Medicine Doctors

The pain management physicians at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN are experts in the field of regenerative medicine. Our providers have been trained in PRP and prolotherapy, and have treated countless patients with these techniques. Set up your appointment today with one of our regenerative medicine doctors and see if PRP or prolotherapy can help you.