October 2016 - Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of Minnesota

Preventing & Treating Opioid-Induced Constipation

October 31, 2016/0 Comments/in Medication /by Matthew Thorson

Constipation is a common and annoying side effect of a lot of prescription opioids. But patients who experience opioid-induced constipation don’t have to just deal with this side effect. There are actions you can take to diminish this and other side effects. This pain management patient education article is all about opioids and constipation. We are going to talk about why certain opioids cause constipation, and how to deal with this common side-effect.

Why do Opioids Cause Constipation?

All drugs have side-effects – from nausea and vomiting, to dizziness and headaches. These side effects differ among patients, as each patient reacts differently to different drugs. So why do some opioids cause constipation in patients? Quite simply, many opioid drugs slow down the passage of food through the gastric system.

Preventing & Treating Opioid-Induced Constipation

If you are experiencing constipation from your prescription opioids, what are your options? Here are some ways to prevent and treat opioid-induced constipation:

Lifestyle changes. Sometimes treating opioid-induced constipation is as simple as adding more fiber to your diet, or exercising more often.
Changing your prescription. There are many different prescription opioids available, and side effects differ with each medication. If one opioid is causing constipation, another may offer similar pain relief without that unwanted side effect.
Laxatives & Other Medications can also be effective at reducing constipation, but you should always consult with your prescribing physician before you start taking other medications with your prescriptions.

Edina Pain Specialists

At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN, we treat patients with all types of acute and chronic pain conditions. No matter what your situation, if you’re in pain, there are options for treatment. Our experienced pain management physicians work with each patient to determine the best treatment strategy for their individual situation. Every patient is unique and their pain management needs to fit their circumstances. That’s where we come in. Give us a call today at our Edina pain management clinic to set up your appointment with one of our Twin Cities pain doctors.

Managing Pain During Spine Surgery Recovery

October 27, 2016/0 Comments/in Surgery /by Matthew Thorson

There are many types of spinal procedures – each used to treat a specific injury or condition of the spine. While these procedures are aimed at reducing back pain, the surgeries themselves can cause pain during recovery. In this article, we are going to discuss a few of the different types of spine surgery procedures, and how to deal with pain as you recover from each.

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is perhaps the most common spinal surgery. This procedure is often used to treat nerve issues related to a herniated disc in the spine. During surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the back and removes part, or all of the herniated spinal disc. Then, in order to keep the spine stable, the surrounding vertebrae are fused together using surgical hardware like rods and screws, and sometimes with the help of a bone graft.

Spinal Disc Replacement

A total disc replacement procedure aims to accomplish the same goal as a spinal fusion – reducing pain and other issues caused by a spinal disc. But, unlike the fusion procedure in which the adjacent vertebrae are fused together, a spinal disc replacement utilizes an artificial disc to take the place of the removed disc. The benefits of the spinal disc replacement are that it preserves motion better than the fusion. In other words, you can bend, twist, and turn more freely after this procedure.

Pain Management after Spine Surgery

Both of these procedures are minimally invasive. Even so, patients can experience a lot of pain during the days and weeks after a procedure. The surgical wounds take time to heal, and on top of that your body needs to adjust to the changes brought on by surgery. It’s important to work with a pain management specialist to make sure that you have the best recovery possible. After the procedure, your pain can be controlled with over-the-counter pain killers, prescription opioids, and other drugs. Additionally, a physical therapy routine can be quite helpful in treating pain and improving your mobility after surgery.

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN has been treating post-op spine surgery patients for over two decades. Our doctors are board certified in pain management, and will work with you to develop a treatment strategy that fits your unique needs. Contact us today at our Edina pain clinic to set up an appointment and get back on the road to a pain-free life!

Chronic Ankle Pain Conditions & Treatments

October 24, 2016/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Everyone has experienced ankle pain to a certain extent at some point in their lives. Ankle pain can be annoying in the mildest cases, and absolutely excruciating in the most extreme. In this article, we are going to talk about some of the conditions and injuries that commonly result in ankle pain – and how to best treat ankle pain when it arises.

Chronic Ankle Pain Conditions & Injuries

The ankle is a complex body part and requires a comprehensive understanding to successful diagnosis and treatment. Here are a few of the conditions and injuries that can lead to chronic pain in the ankle:

Ankle sprains and strains. These can happen during sports and exercise, or simply by stepping on something and rolling your ankle.
Ankle fracture. Broken ankles are typically caused by high impact activities. That could be a slip and fall accident, car crash, sports injury, etc.
Osteoarthritis of the ankle. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is simply the result of normal wear and tear on the body’s joints over time. This breakdown can cause swelling, inflammation, and pain.

These are just a few of the most common conditions and injuries that can cause chronic ankle pain. If you are experiencing constant or recurring pain in your ankle, it’s important to seek medical attention quickly to address the issue.

Ankle Pain Treatment Options

Just like any other type of pain, ankle pain requires a diagnosis before beginning any treatment. A physician can perform a physical exam, as well as other diagnostic tests (MRI, x-ray, CT scan) in order to get to the bottom of your ankle pain. With a diagnosis in hand, you can begin working towards an effective treatment plan. Based on your diagnosis, a treatment plan may include pain medications, injections, surgery, or regenerative medicine techniques.

The pain management physicians at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN are dedicated to treating patients suffering from chronic and acute pain – no matter what the cause. If you are dealing with ankle pain on a daily basis, work with a pain management doctor to get to the bottom of your pain and craft a strategic solution. We treat patients throughout the Twin Cities metro area, but our primary pain clinic is located in Edina near Southdale mall. Contact us today to set up your very own appointment with one of our skilled Minnesota pain doctors.

3 Tips for not Being Nervous for your Pain Doctor Appointment

October 19, 2016/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Iatrophobia is the medical term for fear of going to the doctor. Many people have anxiety and fear about going to the doctor. Some people have so much anxiety that they put off or avoid going to the doctor, even if they have a serious condition or injury that needs attention. Here are a few tips for not being nervous before and during your appointment with a pain management doctor.

Do Some Research

Look up your doctor and clinic before your appointment. Take a look at their website, online profiles, social media accounts, etc. That way you’ll have some general background on your provider – you’ll know what they look like, what their specialties are, and hopefully a good idea of what to expect.

Learn What to Expect

On that note, many providers and clinics will have some information on what you can expect during your appointment. Check out your provider’s website and see if your provider offers such information. If you can’t find it online, give their clinic a call and ask how to best prepare.

Take Your Mind Off of the Appointment

After you’ve done some research and learned what to expect from your appointment, try to take your mind off of it. Many patients who are nervous about an appointment tend to focus a lot of their attention on the appointment, which can make the anxiety even worse. Make plans with family or friends, get some exercise, play a game, or watch a movie. Do something healthy to take your mind off of the thing that’s causing you anxiety.

The pain management physicians at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN have over two decades of treating Minnesota patients for all types of chronic and acute pain. We do everything we can to make each patient feel comfortable during appointments, and throughout treatment procedures. If you are living in constant pain, there are options to reduce your pain. Contact us today at our Edina pain clinic to set up your appointment and take steps to relieve your pain.

3 Tips for Getting through School with Chronic Pain

October 17, 2016/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Whether you’re in high school, college, grad school, law school, or medical school, getting through your schoolwork and classes while in pain can be incredibly frustrating. In this article, we are going to offer some tips for getting through school when you’re suffering from chronic pain.

Eat Well

The stresses and anxiety that go along with school often result in a poor diet. Students often don’t have time to make themselves a healthy meal, so they resort to fast food, frozen pizzas, and junk food. Other students compulsively eat when they’re stressed. What many don’t realize is that your diet has a huge impact on your health and pain. If you are already dealing with chronic pain, a junk food diet can make the pain even worse, while a healthy diet can improve the pain – not to mention your overall health.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is another essential element of your overall health that often eludes students. Whether you’re pulling an all-nighter to cram for a test or finish a paper, many students find themselves coasting on only a couple hours of sleep each night. With such a small amount of sleep, many have to supplement with excessive caffeine – which only makes matters worse. Do your best to get a decent night’s sleep (ideally 6-8 hours per night).

Visit a Pain Doctor

If your pain persists after implementing these changes, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a pain management specialist. You may have a condition that needs to be treated with more than lifestyle changes. A pain doctor can fully diagnose your condition, and work with you to develop a treatment plan that incorporates all of your needs so you can focus on your studies.

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN specializes in the treatment of chronic pain conditions and injuries. Our team of pain management doctors are experienced in numerous treatment methods, including injection therapy, radiofrequency ablation, and regenerative medicine injections. If you are dealing with a chronic pain condition and its impacting your schoolwork, get the pain relief you need by visiting a pain management specialist. Our pain doctors treat each patient individually and work to create a treatment strategy that fits. Contact us at our Edina pain management clinic today to set up your appointment and get back to feeling like your pain-free self!

Chronic Pain Medications & the Heart

October 12, 2016/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain, Medication /by Matthew Thorson

Painkillers are often the first resource for patients who suffer from chronic pain. While pain medications can work wonders in reducing pain, they can have adverse effects on other areas of the body when taken to excess. In this article, we are going to discuss a few of the common medications used to treat chronic pain and their potential impact on the heart.

NSAIDs

NSAIDs are over-the-counter medications that you can get at any local drugstore. Examples include advil, and ibuprofen, and the like. NSAIDs are very common, and at the recommended doses, typically don’t pose much of a risk of any side effects. However, when a patient takes too much, they can contribute to kidney damage, increase blood pressure, and cause congestive heart issues in patients who have with a history of heart conditions.

Opioids

Opioids are controlled substances – meaning you can’t get them without a prescription from a pain doctor. These pain drugs are highly effective at reducing patient pain, but they are also highly addictive. The biggest thing you need to worry about with opioids is avoiding dependency and addiction. When used as directed, there shouldn’t be any heart health issues.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) & Aspirin

Acetaminophen and Aspirin are common over-the-counter painkillers. These medications do not work as effectively as other prescription medications (chronic pain patients often have to take a good amount in order to feel relief). That being said, NSAIDs pose little risk to heart health when taken in appropriate doses.

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN has over two decades of experience treating Minnesotans for chronic pain conditions. Our pain management doctors will work hand-in-hand with you to determine the root cause of your pain and how it can be treated most effectively. Treating chronic pain requires a coordinated, team approach, and we will work with any other medical professionals when necessary to ensure that you receive the best possible care. Contact our Edina pain clinic today to set up your appointment and get back on the road to a pain free life!

Detox for Chronic Pain Patients

October 10, 2016/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Prescription opioids are a common form of treatment for patients suffering from chronic pain conditions. Although they work well to reduce pain in many cases, they are also highly addictive. As a result, the patient and the prescribing physician need to take a proactive approach to avoid addiction. The topic of this article is detox for chronic pain patients. We are going to discuss the potential for patients to become addicted to prescription opioids, and when detoxing is necessary to prevent an overdose.

Addiction, Overdose, and Detox

Prescription painkillers are some of the most common treatment methods for chronic pain patients. Pain relief medication can work wonders in treating chronic pain. However, these medications need to be prescribed strategically in order to be effective. Many pain relievers are highly addictive, and many physicians have a history of simply throwing prescription opioids at a patient’s pain. This is an incredibly dangerous game, as it can lead to the patient getting addicted to the pain killer, and potentially overdosing.

If you are taking a prescription opioid for your pain and you think you may be forming an addiction, tell your doctor right away. Many patients are reluctant to do this because they think that if they tell their doctor, they will lose their prescription for the drugs that are keeping their pain at bay. While your doctor will likely cancel your prescription if it’s becoming habit-forming, there are many other treatment options that can be helpful in reducing your pain. You will likely need to detox from the addictive drug first. After that, your pain specialist can develop an alternative treatment strategy for your pain.

Chronic Pain Management in Minnesota

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN employs some of the best and most experienced chronic pain doctors in the state of Minnesota. Our pain management physicians work hand-in-hand with each patient to develop a treatment strategy that works to effectively reduce your pain. If you are going through life in chronic pain, there are options for treatment that can get you back to doing the things you love. Contact our Edina pain clinic today to set up an appointment with one of our chronic pain doctors.

Still in Pain after Multiple Surgeries – Treatment Options

October 5, 2016/0 Comments/in Pain, Surgery /by Matthew Thorson

When a patient elects to have surgery, they hope that the procedure will reduce their pain in the long-term. That is often true, but sometimes patients require numerous surgeries and may still experience pain. What should you do if you’ve been through multiple procedures without any pain relief? In this article, we are going to discuss what to do if you are still experiencing pain long after you’ve had multiple surgical procedures.

Pain after Surgery

A certain amount of pain after surgery is to be expected. Surgery involves trauma, and the body needs time to heal from the surgical wounds. Your surgeon will likely prescribe you some pain medications to help you through the first days and weeks of your recovery. Depending on the specific procedure performed, physical therapy may also be helpful.

In some cases, patients need to undergo multiple surgical procedures. A patient may (re)injure themselves during the recovery period, or a pre-existing condition may necessitate another procedure (for example, degenerative disc disease may cause another collapsed spinal disc after a spine fusion).

What to Do when Pain Persists

If multiple surgeries have done nothing to reduce your pain, it’s time to look into alternative treatment options. An experienced pain management doctor can fully examine your situation and medical history, and put together a strategy for reducing your pain. There are many methods for controlling pain, such as:

Physical therapy
Chiropractic
Injection Therapy
Regenerative Medicine (PRP, Prolotherapy)
And More.

The pain management physicians and staff at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN have been treating patients for chronic and acute pain conditions for over twenty years. Whether you’ve just started experiencing pain, or you’ve been dealing with it for years, we have the experience and knowledge to help. If you are in pain after a surgical procedure, talk to a pain management specialist. Contact us today at our Edina pain clinic to set up your appointment with a skilled pain doctor and get back to living your life pain-free!

Treating Pain Caused by Typing

October 3, 2016/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew Thorson

If you work in an office setting, chances are you spend a good portion of your day typing. Even if your occupation doesn’t require you to use a computer regularly, you likely use computer, tablet, or smartphone at home or throughout the day. In order to use all of these devices, you have to type, either using a keyboard or your thumbs on a touchscreen. Because it’s such a repetitive action that many people engage in almost every day, sometimes typing can lead to pain in the fingers, hands, wrists, and arms. In this article, we are going to tackle some of the causes of and treatments for typing pain.

Typing Pain Causes & Conditions

Typing pain can stem from several conditions and injuries. Here are some potential conditions that may be the underlying cause of your typing pain:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Dislocations and Fractures
Tennis or Golf Elbow
Joint, muscle, tendon, or ligament injuries

Treatment Options for Typing Pain

Treating typing pain – or any type of pain, for that matter – requires first an accurate diagnosis. A skilled physician can determine the source of your pain using a physical examination, coupled with diagnostic imaging tests. Once a diagnosis is reached, you can then begin to formulate a strategy for treating the pain with medication, physical therapy, injections, regenerative medicine, or other tactics.

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN provides pain management solutions to patients throughout the Twin Cities. Our pain specialists have over two decades of experience treating acute and chronic pain patients. We offer a wide range of treatment options, from pain medications, to injections, to regenerative medicine techniques. If you are experiencing pain when you type, set up an appointment with a pain management physician to see what’s causing your pain and what you can do about it. Our primary pain clinic is in Edina, but we serve patients throughout the Minneapolis / St. Paul metro and surrounding suburbs.