November 2016 - Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of Minnesota

3 Tips for Staying Sane with Chronic Pain

November 30, 2016/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Chronic pain is enough to drive a person crazy. Imagine all the tasks and responsibilities you deal with on a day-to-day basis. Now imagine that you have to accomplish all of your tasks while simultaneously dealing with pain that just won’t go away. Chronic pain makes even the simplest of daily tasks more difficult, leading to frustration, stress, and anxiety in addition to the pain itself. In this article we are going to offer a few tips for keeping your sanity when you’re dealing with chronic pain on a daily basis.

Stick to Your Routine

It can be easy to shut down and do nothing all day when you’re in pain. But if you do this all the time, it can exacerbate the pain and have a negative impact on your sanity. Stick to your daily routine as much as you can without pushing yourself too far. Having a structured schedule will help you maintain your sanity.

Find Fellow Pain Sufferers for Support

While it may not directly treat your pain, support from friends and family can significantly improve your outlook. You can also find support via various internet forums for people dealing with pain. Knowing that you’re not alone in your pain can go a long way.

Don’t Self-Medicate

A lot of chronic pain patients try to treat their pain themselves with over-the-counter medications, or worse, with drugs and alcohol. These methods may provide temporary relief, but typically make the pain even worse in the end. What you need to do is develop a strategic approach to treating the pain. This is where an experienced pain management doctor can help by diagnosing the cause of your pain, and piecing together a treatment plan that works for your needs.

The chronic pain doctors at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN have over twenty years of experience treating patients with painful injuries and conditions. Our providers are board certified in pain management and trained in the latest treatment methods including injection therapy and regenerative medicine techniques. We treat patients in the Twin Cities Metro area as well as greater Minnesota. If chronic pain is driving you crazy, don’t suffer in silence. Contact our Edina pain clinic and get the care you deserve.

3 Questions To Ask During your Appointment with a Pain Doctor

November 28, 2016/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Pain is a complex and confusing thing. You may not understand what’s causing your pain, or how to best treat it. There are many questions patients have about their pain, its causes, and associated treatment options. In this article, we are going to discuss some common questions patients have after their clinic visit with a pain management doctor.

What is the Cause of My Pain?

The first thing your pain physician should do is diagnose your pain. Without a solid diagnosis, you can’t hope to form a successful treatment strategy. So the first thing you should ask your doctor about is the source of your pain.

What can I Expect from my Pain?

Pain comes in many shapes and sizes. Some pain resolves quickly, while other pain recurs and comes back time and time again. Based on your diagnosis, your physician should be able to give you an indication of what you can expect from your pain moving forward. Remember, each patient experiences pain differently so don’t expect your doctor to give you an exact roadmap of how your pain will behave. But based on a proper diagnosis, they should be able to give you a general idea.

What Treatment Options are Available?

Appropriate treatment options vary widely based on what exactly is causing your pain. There is no one-size-fits all treatment option for a certain condition or injury. There are many different treatment approaches for a given condition. Your pain management physician should walk you through all of your options and recommend a treatment strategy that suits your needs.

Contact a Twin Cities Pain Doctor

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN is the premier pain management clinic in the Twin Cities Metro area. Our board certified pain doctors are trained and experienced in the most innovative pain treatment methods including trigger point injections, and regenerative medicine therapies. With over twenty years of experience treating acute and chronic pain patients in Minnesota, we have the experience and knowledge to give you the pain care you deserve, and answer any questions you may have about your pain. Contact our Edina pain management clinic today to set up your appointment with one of our skilled pain physicians and get on the road to recovery!

Can I Cure my Pain by Stopping a Certain Sport or Activity?

November 23, 2016/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Pain can be caused by a lot of different factors – from degenerative conditions, to acute injuries. Patients dealing with pain may find that their pain gets worse when the engage in certain activities, such as exercise, playing sports, or doing yard work. In these situations, patients will often just stop engaging in these activities in the hopes that it will reduce their pain. In this article, we are going to discuss whether stopping a specific activity (such as playing a sport) can reduce your pain.

Pain Caused by a Specific Activity

It is absolutely true that specific activities can cause a person’s pain. Your pain may be caused by an injury you sustained while playing basketball or lifting weights. Furthermore, certain activities can make pre-existing pain even worse. If you already have back pain, you may find that it becomes unbearable during exercise, or even during routine household tasks like doing the dishes or vacuuming.

Don’t Sacrifice the Activities You Love

While it is possible that a specific sport, exercise, or activity may be causing or contributing to your pain, you shouldn’t have to stop doing the things you love because you are in pain. The best course of action is to first identify the root cause of your pain. Once you have a diagnosis, you can work with a qualified pain doctor to find a pain relief strategy that fits your needs. This will allow you to continue exercising, playing sports, and engaging in the activities you love while simultaneously decreasing your pain levels.

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN has over two decades of treating patients with chronic and acute pain. Pain management requires open communication and collaboration with an experienced team of pain management specialists. Our Edina pain doctors are experienced in many types of pain treatment options including prescription opioids, injection therapy, regenerative medicine techniques, and more. Contact us today to learn more about your pain relief options and see how our Minnesota pain specialists can help you live a pain free life.

3 Potential Obstacles in Getting the Pain Care You Need

November 21, 2016/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Treating pain is tricky, and there are many barriers that can prevent a patient from getting proper pain care. In this article, we are going to talk about some of the potential obstacles that may stand in your way of getting the pain management care you need.

Insurance

Health insurance is perhaps the biggest potential obstacle that patients face when seeking pain management care. The doctor or clinic you want to visit may not be covered under your insurance plan. That’s why it’s important to always check with the clinic and your insurance provider to get the full details of coverage before you make an appointment. Most clinics (including ours!) will help you to determine whether or not a particular appointment or treatment is covered under your plan.

Appointment Schedules

Scheduling conflicts are another big potential barrier for patients. Many pain clinics are only open during normal business hours. If you can’t get off work during the day for a couple hours, it can be difficult to schedule an appointment. In addition to work schedules, many patients have family obligations to consider. For example, if you have an appointment after work, do you take your child with you, or arrange a babysitter?

Doctors

Doctors are another potential obstacle to getting the pain relief you need. Some doctors may think you’re exaggerating your pain, while other physicians may be fixated on a treatment strategy that just isn’t working for the patient. This highlights the importance of getting multiple opinions about your pain and treatment options.

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN has more than two decades of experience treating Minnesotans for chronic and acute pain. Our pain management physicians work with each patient to provide an individualized treatment strategy. Each patient is different, and each treatment approach should fit the patient’s unique needs. We understand that various obstacles can prevent you from getting the pain care you need. That’s why we do everything we can to help patients with insurance questions, appointment issues, and other factors that may be standing in the way of the pain relief you deserve. Contact us today at our Edina pain clinic to set up your appointment with one of our Twin Cities pain doctors.

Chronic Pain Management after Pregnancy

November 16, 2016/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew Thorson

In previous articles we have talked about some options for controlling pain during pregnancy and labor. But pain associated with pregnancy often does not stop after birth. Many mothers experience pain throughout the body in the weeks and months after giving birth. In this article, we’re going to focus on treating pain that crops up after pregnancy. We’ll walk through some of the most common types of pain that may occur post-partum, and some of the best treatment options available.

Post-Pregnancy Pain

The body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy and labor. After the fact, your body needs time to adjust, and that can come with some pain. Here are a few types of pain that can affect mothers after giving birth:

Afterpain contractions that occur as the uterus shrinks back to its normal size
C-section related pain
Labor-related muscle pain and fatigue
Pain in the abdomen
Soreness in the vaginal area

Just like with pregnancy itself, recovering from labor can vary wildly from mother to mother. If you are experiencing significant pain or pain that won’t go away after your labor, it’s important to contact your doctor to see what your pain management options are.

Treating Pain after Pregnancy

Treatment options for post-partum pain are wide-ranging. Some common treatment methods include over-the-counter and prescription painkillers, physical therapy, chiropractic, injection therapy, and regenerative medicine injections. Each mother recovers differently after pregnancy. Some may feel very little pain, while others (particularly those who have had a C-section) may be in a lot of pain and need pain management help during the recovery process.

The Minnesota pain management physicians at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN have over two decades of experience in the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Our doctors are well versed in all the latest pain relief techniques including regenerative medicine therapies. If you recently had a baby and you’re experiencing post-partum pain, there are options for pain relief. Contact our Edina pain doctors today to set up your appointment and get back to living your life free from pain.

Heel Pain Causes & Treatment Options

November 14, 2016/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew Thorson

The heel is a part of the body we don’t often think about until something goes wrong. Heel pain can be particularly nasty and disrupt even the most mundane every day activities like walking to the bathroom. In this article, we are going to discuss heel pain – its potential causes and associated pain management options.

Heel Pain Conditions & Injuries

Heel pain can be caused by a variety of conditions and injuries – each with their own specific treatment recommendations. Here are just a few of the more common conditions and injuries that can cause heel pain:

Plantar Fasciitis
Bursitis
Achilles Tendonitis
Arthritis
Stress Fractures
Heel Spurs

Many of these conditions develop over time as the body breaks down (arthritis, bursitis, etc.). Other times, heel pain is the direct result of an acute injury – a car accident, sporting accident, or something similar. Regardless of the cause, heel pain should be identified, diagnosed, and treated right away so you can go on walking and living your life without having to deal with pain every step you take.

Treatment Options for Heel Pain

Effectively treating heel pain is dependent, first and foremost, on an accurate diagnosis. In determining the cause of your pain, your doctor will likely perform a physical examination, in conjunction with a medical history, and potentially additional diagnostic tests like x-rays and MRI scans. Depending on the root cause of the heel pain, treatment options may include prescription medications, custom orthotics, injection therapy, or surgery. Regenerative medicine treatment methods like PRP and prolotherapy injections are a somewhat new and innovative treatment for heel pain that can offer pain relief without surgery. These procedures are all natural and promote regeneration and regrowth of your body’s cells.

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN offers acute and chronic pain management care to patients throughout the Minneapolis / St. Paul Metro area. Our pain doctors have over twenty years of experience treating patients with a wide variety of pain conditions and injuries – including heel pain. If your heel pain is preventing you from walking, exercising, or doing daily activities, contact us today to set up an appointment. Our primary clinic is located in Edina, but we care for patients throughout the state of Minnesota.

Myelomalacia – Symptoms & Pain Treatment Options

November 9, 2016/0 Comments/in Back Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Myelomalacia is a somewhat rare condition that results in a softening of the spinal cord. Not many people are even aware of this condition, but it is extremely serious and can even be deadly. Knowing the signs and symptoms of myelomalacia can help in the course of early treatment. This patient education article is all about Myelomalacia – its causes, symptoms, and pain relief options.

What is Myelomalacia?

Myelomalacia occurs when hemorrhaging happens within the spine, or when something halts the flow of blood to the spinal cord – which results in a “softening” of the spinal cord itself. Typically, this is caused by an acute injury – a car accident for example – but it can also happen due to degeneration of the spine over time.

Here are some of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a diagnosis of myelomalacia:

Pain along the spine
Paralysis or any loss of feeling in the legs or arms
Functional loss in any body part

Myelomalacia is a very serious condition that needs to be treated as soon as possible to avoid permanent nerve-related damage. If you notice any of these symptoms, see a medical professional right away to get a full diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Myelomalacia

An MRI scan will likely be necessary to fully and accurately diagnose the condition. Once obtained, your doctor can walk you through your options for treatment. If the condition has put any spinal nerves in danger, a minimally invasive surgical procedure may be necessary. If not, other non-surgical options like injections can be explored.

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN offers unparalleled pain management care to patients in the Twin Cities and throughout greater Minnesota. Our pain specialists have over two decades of experience treating patients who are living their lives in pain. We offer a wide variety of treatment options – from prescription medications, to injection therapy, to regenerative medicine techniques. Whether you’re suffering from acute or chronic pain, we’ve got the knowledge and experience needed to get you on the right path the pain relief. Contact us today at our Edina pain clinic to set up your very own appointment with one of our experienced pain management doctors.

Should I Avoid Pain at all Costs, or is a Little Pain OK?

November 7, 2016/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew Thorson

We talk a lot about how to reduce and manage pain (both acute and chronic) stemming from a variety of injuries and conditions. But should your goal always be zero pain, or is a little bit of pain good? That’s our topic for today’s pain management article.

The Nature of Pain

Pain is the body’s way of telling us something is wrong. As such, our ability to feel pain is absolutely essential for survival. When you touch a hot pan on the stove with your fingers, pain signals are sent to and from your brain to your fingers. This is basically the body telling you “That’s too hot – don’t touch!”

Imagine what would happen if you weren’t able to feel this pain. Your body wouldn’t immediately alert you to the fact that the oven is too hot. As a result, you would likely burn yourself much worse than you would have if you’d felt the pain and removed your hand right away.

When to Take Action

So our ability to feel pain is an essential survival tool, and the goal should not be feeling no pain whatsoever. That being said, if you are suffering from pain as the result of an injury or chronic pain condition, you shouldn’t just accept that you can’t do anything about your pain. There are many options available to treat all types of pain! It’s also important to manage expectations when it comes to pain. Don’t expect to never feel any pain again after a treatment. Most times, it doesn’t work that way. It’s all about effectively managing the pain over time.

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN is one of the leading providers of pain management care in the state of Minnesota. Our pain specialists have over two decades of experience treating acute and chronic pain from a variety of conditions and injuries. If you or a loved one is suffering through pain, take action and get the treatment you need. Our pain care team will fully diagnose your pain, find out the cause, and develop a treatment strategy that fits your particular needs. Contact us at our Edina pain clinic today to set up your appointment.

Minnesota Regenerative Medicine Injections

5 Conditions & Injuries That Can Be Treated With Regenerative Medicine

November 2, 2016/0 Comments/in PRP, Regenerative Medicine /by Matthew Thorson

We talk a lot about PRP therapy, prolotherapy, and other regenerative medicine treatment options. These methods are offer a non-surgical, all natural alternative for many common conditions. Since they are relatively new in the medical field, many patients aren’t aware of their usefulness in treating many injuries and conditions. In this article, we are going to discuss five conditions and injuries that can be effectively treated with regenerative medicine techniques like PRP and Prolotherapy injections.

Tennis & Golf Elbow

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow – two common repetitive strain injuries – can impact tennis players, golfers, and other patients who perform repetitive motions involving the elbow and arm. The result is recurring pain from damaged tendons in the area. Regenerative injections can help naturally repair this damaged tissue and reduce pain.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the knee occurs when the cartilage in the knee breaks down over time. PRP and prolotherapy injections use natural healing methods to regrow damaged tissue and decrease the pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel is a repetitive stress injury common among office workers who type at a computer all day. The condition is characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers as a result of an entrapment of the nerves that pass through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. PRP injections can help reduce nerve pain from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears, and tendonitis can prevent a person from exercising, playing sports, and even doing everyday tasks. PRP injections utilize a patient’s own blood platelets and plasma to encourage natural healing and regrowth.

Ankle Tendinosis

Tendinosis of the ankle occurs when the peroneal tendons that wrap around the ankle begin to swell, typically as the result of repetitive overuse activities. Regenerative treatments can decrease this swelling and associated pain naturally, and avoid the need for surgical intervention.

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN is one of the leading providers of regenerative medicine treatments in the state of Minnesota. Our Twin Cities pain management doctors have over two decades of experience treating patients with chronic and acute pain. If you are experiencing any of the above listed conditions, give us a call today. Contact us at our Edina pain management clinic today to set up your appointment and see if you are a good candidate for a regenerative medicine treatment plan.