Chronic Pain Archives - Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of Minnesota

Tips for Coping with & Treating Unrelenting Pain

Unrelenting pain is pain that just won’t let up. This type of pain can cause significant issues in a patient’s day to day life and severely impact quality of life. In this article, we are going to talk about unrelenting pain – and what to do when your pain won’t go away, even after it seems like you’ve tried everything.

The Nature of Pain Relief

Many chronic pain patients struggle to find pain relief that works and lasts. Pain is complex and difficult to treat because it affects each patient differently. The same can be said of pain treatment options. A patient suffering from tennis elbow may find pain relief from steroidal injections, while another may not get any relief at all from the same treatment method. So a successful pain management strategy has to be tailored specifically to each individual patient.

When It Seems Like You’ve Tried Everything

Finding the right pain relief strategy can take time. You may have to try several different treatment methods before you land on one that works for you. Here are some tips for finding pain relief that works when it seems like you’ve tried everything already:

Don’t Get Discouraged. The last thing you want to do is give up on your treatment path. Many patients will get discouraged and simply give in to the pain. But this only worsens the situation and the pain. Keep a positive attitude, and keep looking for treatment methods that may work for you.
Get Another Opinion. All patients are different when it comes to pain. The same applies to pain doctors. If you aren’t getting effective care with one pain management physician, it never hurts to get a second opinion from someone else.
Try New Treatments. Don’t be afraid to try new treatment methods (as long as they are approved treatments). There are a lot of new and exciting treatments being developed in the realm of regenerative medicine that can offer effective pain relief.

Minneapolis Pain Relief

At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN, our Minneapolis pain relief doctors have been helping patients with acute and chronic pain conditions for over two decades. Our pain physicians are board-certified and trained in all the most innovative treatment methods – including PRP, prolotherapy, and other stem cell treatments. We work hand-in-hand with our patients to determine the best treatment strategy for each individual person. If you are experiencing unrelenting pain that just won’t go away, make an appointment with a pain doctor who can help. Contact us today at our Twin Cities pain management clinics (located in Minneapolis and Edina) to set up your appointment and start living your life pain free!

Recognizing and Treating Changes in Pain

April 10, 2017/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Many people who experience chronic pain have varying levels of pain over time. Sometimes the pain increases to unbearable levels, while other times it is almost non-existent. In this article, we are going to talk about how to recognize and treat any changes in your chronic pain levels.

When Pain Gets Worse

If you’re already experiencing pain, more pain is the last thing you want to deal with. Even if you’re on a treatment plan already, you may experience an increase in pain for a variety of reasons. Maybe you sustained an injury, or a treatment that was working previously has become less effective. It can take time to find a treatment method that really works for you in the long term.

The most important thing to do if you find your pain getting worse is to tell your doctor. They can then work with you to find a course of treatment that works for your unique situation.

When Pain Gets Better

If you find your pain getting better – that’s great news! However, you may not be out of the woods yet, so don’t stop any treatment you’re currently taking. If you recently had a pain injection and notice a decrease in pain levels – the injection likely helped. But the effects of that injection may not last forever. So when you notice a pain level improvement – be happy, but cautiously optimistic.

It’s also important to keep track of what specific treatments or changes contributed to the improvement. That way you can narrow down what is working and continue down that path. Be sure to inform your doctor of any improvement in pain levels so they can keep track of what treatment methods work.

Minneapolis Pain Doctors

The Minnesota pain doctors at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN have over two decades of experience providing treatment for acute and chronic pain conditions. Our board-certified pain management physicians serve the Minneapolis / St. Paul metro area and are experienced in the most innovative pain treatments – including stem cell injections (PRP and Prolotherapy). If you are suffering through each day in pain, we can help. Give us a call today or fill out the appointment form on this site to set up your appointment at our Edina or Minneapolis pain clinics.

Is my Pain Caused by Fibromyalgia or Arachnoiditis?

March 27, 2017/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew Thorson

When you’re dealing with chronic pain, one of the most difficult (and important) issues is figuring out what is causing your pain. Only then can you work toward an effective treatment strategy. In this article, we are going to talk about the differences between fibromyalgia and arachnoiditis and how to differentiate between the two conditions.

Fibromyalgia Pain

We’ve talked about fibromyalgia before on this site. To recap, fibromyalgia is a condition that causes chronic pain throughout the muscles in the body. Some of the possible signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

Chronic Pain in the Muscles
Fatigue
Stiffness
Migraine Headaches
Difficulty Concentrating

These are just a few of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia (though there are plenty others). There is no known cure for fibromyalgia, so treatment focuses on managing the condition’s symptoms. The condition can be effectively treated with pain medication, injections, ketamine therapy and regenerative stem cell therapies.

Arachnoiditis Pain

Arachnoiditis is a less common pain condition in which the arachnoid (a member that protects the spinal nerves) becomes inflamed. Here are some of the symptoms that may indicate a diagnosis of arachnoiditis:

Numbness & Tingling in the Legs
Stinging or Burning Pain
Muscle Cramps
Bladder and Bowel Control Issues

Similar to fibromyalgia, there is no cure for arachnoiditis. But there are ways to mitigate the pain and other symptoms caused by arachnoiditis. Potential treatment modalities include pain meds, physical therapy, injections, PRP therapy, and more.

Minnesota Pain Clinic

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN is a leading provider of pain management care in Minnesota. Our board-certified pain doctors have been treating patients with fibromyalgia and arachnoiditis pain for the past two decades. We work in tandem with each patient to determine an accurate diagnosis and develop a strategy for pain management. Contact us today at our Minneapolis or Edina clinics to set up your appointment with a pain specialist and start effectively managing your pain.

I Don’t Like Pain Meds – How Can I Manage My Pain?

March 20, 2017/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew Thorson

For most people, the term “pain management” means taking a lot of pills. Pain pills are certainly one option for pain patients – but some patients can’t or don’t want to take pills for their pain. The good news is that there are many additional options available to patients who are unable or unwilling to take prescription medication for their pain. This patient education article will discuss some of the pain management alternatives for patients who can’t or don’t want to take opioids and other pain pills.

Injection Therapy

Injections are one of the most common methods for reducing chronic pain. There are several types of injections that can help – ketamine therapy, steroidal injections, nerve blocks, epidural injections, and more. The specific type of injection that works for you will depend on what’s causing your pain, and where you are experiencing the pain.

Medical Marijuana

Medicinal marijuana is a pain relief option that may be available to some patients. Medical marijuana is available in the state of Minnesota, but only for certain conditions. Ask your pain management doctor if you qualify and if medicinal cannabis is a good treatment option for your pain.

Stem Cell / Regenerative Treatments

Stem cell injections are another great alternative for patients wishing to avoid pain pills, surgery, or other methods. PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma) injections use the patient’s own blood plasma to help boost tissue regeneration and regrowth, reducing pain in the process. Prolotherapy injections work in a similar fashion, but use natural substances such as saline, dextrose, or sarapin. These procedures are completely natural, pain-free, and non-surgical.

Twin Cities Pain Management Doctors

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN provides treatment for chronic and acute pain to patients throughout the Minneapolis / St. Paul metro area, as well as greater Minnesota. Our board-certified pain management physicians have over two decades of experience and are trained in the most innovative pain management procedures and treatments including: prescription medications, injection therapy, and stem cell regenerative treatments (PRP and Prolotherapy). Contact us today to set up your appointment with one of our MN pain doctors at our Edina or Minneapolis clinics.

Living a Normal Life While Dealing with Chronic Pain

March 13, 2017/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew Thorson

People suffering from chronic pain often wonder if they will every live a normal life, free from constant pain again. In this article, we are going to offer some tips for living a “normal” life when you’re suffering from chronic pain.

Never Give Up Hope

Patients dealing with chronic pain from an injury, condition, or surgery have a tendency to fall into despair and give up hope that their pain will ever go away. But it’s incredibly important to remain optimistic and hold onto that hope. Giving in to negative thoughts can exacerbate your already existing pain and make things even worse.

Seek Professional Help

With the sheer amount of information available online, it’s easy to try and treat your pain yourself using DIY methods. This can be a good starting point, but often won’t lead to an effective long-term treatment strategy. You need to seek professional medical help from a doctor who can diagnose your symptoms, condition, and offer treatment options.

Seek Help Specifically from a Pain Specialist

It’s equally important to see a pain specialist for your chronic pain. Some patients do not realize that there is a difference between your primary care provider and a physician who specializes in treating chronic pain. Your primary care physician is trained to identify and treat a wide range of conditions very generally. A pain management doctor has a much deeper understanding of particular pain causes, symptoms, and treatment strategies.

Minneapolis Pain Clinic

At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN, we offer a variety of treatments for chronic pain conditions, including prescription medication, ketamine therapy, peptide therapy, IV infusion therapy and other injection therapies, medical marijuana, and stem cell treatments like PRP or prolotherapy. Our Minnesota pain management doctors are board certified and have over two decades of experience treating patients throughout the Twin Cities. Contact us today at our Edina or Minneapolis pain clinics to set up your appointment and start living a normal life pain-free!

My Pain Clinic is Closing – What Should I Do?

February 13, 2017/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Finding a pain doctor or clinic that you trust is an important step for pain sufferers. But sometimes pain clinics close down, or physicians move or retire, leaving patients wondering what to do next. This article will offer some tips for patients who find themselves suddenly without a pain doctor or clinic.

Don’t Despair

The most important thing to remember is to not give up. Patients who find themselves without their trusted doctor or clinic can succumb to feelings of despair, thinking that they’ll never find adequate pain relief again. This is the worst thing you can do for your pain. Keep your spirits up, don’t despair, and take action.

Start Searching for a New Clinic

Start looking for a new doctor or clinic as soon as you can. Typically, when a doctor moves or retires, they will refer their patients out to other physicians that they trust. If they don’t, do your research, ask friends and family, and find a new pain doctor that is qualified, experienced, and well regarded by patients and peers.

Ask for Your Medical Records

If possible, ask your previous doctor or clinic for your medical records so you can have these to pass along to your new doctor. Typically this won’t be an issue if your doctor is moving or retiring, but it can be harder if the clinic is going out of business.

Minneapolis Pain Clinic – Make an Appointment

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN offers pain management care to patients with acute and chronic pain. Our board-certified pain doctors have been treating patients in Minnesota for over two decades. If your current pain clinic is closing, or your doctor is moving/retiring, reach out to us today for your continued pain care needs. We have pain clinics located in Minneapolis and Edina, but treat patients throughout the Twin Cities as well as greater Minnesota. Contact us today to set up your appointment with one of our pain specialists.

Pain Flare-ups – How Long They Last & How to Treat Them

January 25, 2017/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Pain flare ups (or breakthrough pain) are increases in already existing pain that impact a person’s daily life and activities. Pain flares can be absolutely debilitating, but there are methods for treatment. In this article, we are going to discuss pain flare ups – how long they last, and how to identify & treat them when they occur.

What is a Pain Flare-up?

A pain flare-up is a dramatic increase in a person’s level of pain that occurs suddenly. Pain flares (also known as breakthrough pain) aren’t new pain, but an increase of an already existing pain. Flare-ups are highly subjective – some patients experience flares that last for a few minute or hours, while others can have flares that last for days or weeks at a time.

Pain flares are common in patients who suffer from chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and CRPS. These patients generally have bouts of time where their pain is diminished, only to have the pain flare up again out of nowhere.

So what causes a pain flare-up? Many flares are tied directly to certain chronic pain conditions. Sometimes these flares can be triggered by stress, or injury. Other times it can be set off by everyday activities like exercise, or work.

Treating Pain Flare-ups

Treating pain flare-ups requires, first and foremost, an accurate diagnosis of what’s causing the pain. Once you know what’s causing your pain, you can begin to strategize how to treat it using pain medications, injections, regenerative medicine, or other modalities. Ultimately, pain flare-ups are extremely patient-specific and should be treated as such.

Minneapolis Pain Management Clinic

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN has been providing pain management care to the Twin Cities for the past two decades. Our board-certified pain doctors are equipped to treat all types of pain, and are trained in the most innovative treatment modalities – including PRP and other regenerative medicine strategies. Whether you’ve just started experiencing pain flare-ups, or you’re dealing with a chronic pain condition, our pain management doctors have the expertise needed to devise a treatment plan that works. Contact our Edina pain clinic today to set up your appointment and get started with one of our skilled Minnesota pain physicians.

Chronic Pain’s Impact on Marriage

January 18, 2017/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Chronic pain can strongly impact an otherwise healthy long-term relationship. In this article, we are going to discuss the ways in which chronic pain can impact a marriage and offer a few tips for not letting pain get in the way of your relationship.

The Impact of Chronic Pain on a Long-Term Relationship

Anyone who has been married (or been in a long-term relationship of any kind) will tell you that it’s not always a walk in the park. There are good days and bad days, and you have to work together to get through them and make the relationship work. This can be difficult for any couple, but when one or both parties are also dealing with chronic pain, it can seem impossible.

Don’t Let Pain Control Your Relationship

Here are some tips for not letting chronic pain get in the way of your marriage or relationship:

Be Understanding. If your partner is experiencing chronic pain, try to understand how they’re feeling. Empathy can go a long way in a relationship and allow you to see eye to eye with your partner.
Be Patient. Patience is a virtue in any relationship, and that goes doubly when chronic pain is involved. If your partner is having a bad day and experiencing a lot of pain, try not to get frustrated. Be patient and caring.
Be Proactive. It’s foolish to sit around and wait for your chronic pain to just go away. That rarely happens. Be proactive in your treatment, and make an appointment with a pain doctor who can create a strategy to manage your pain.

Twin Cities Pain Management

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN is a premier pain clinic serving the Twin Cities metro area. Our pain physicians are board certified and trained in the most innovative pain treatments available, including regenerative medicine techniques like PRP and prolotherapy. If chronic pain is disrupting your marriage or relationship, take action to manage your pain. Our Twin Cities pain doctors have over two decades treating patients with chronic and acute pain. Contact us today at our Edina pain clinic and get back on the road to living a pain free life!

3 Pain Relief Tips for Patients with CRPS

January 11, 2017/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a painful and difficult to treat condition. Many CRPS patients experience debilitating pain throughout the body on a daily basis. This pain interferes with daily life and can make it impossible to complete even the simplest of tasks. Thankfully, there are effective treatment options for CRPS. In this article, we are going to offer up a few pain relief tips for patients who suffer from CRPS.

Find a Pain Doctor

First and most importantly, find a skilled pain doctor if you haven’t already. A lot of patients try to treat their CRPS pain by themselves to disastrous results. CRPS is one of the most complicated pain conditions, and requires an intricate strategy from a pain expert in order to properly treat.

Never Give Up

Dealing with CRPS and chronic pain on a daily basis can lead patients down a path of despair, especially if treatments don’t provide any lasting pain relief. But the worst thing you can do is give in to that despair. Do your best to remain optimistic and keep trying different treatment strategies.

Be Open to New Treatments

Many CRPS patients have tried countless treatment methods already with little to no success. To these patients, it may seem like there’s nothing left to try. However, new treatments and drugs are being developed every day. Regenerative medicine treatments like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy is one such innovative treatment that is currently available to patients – Ketamine Therapy is another. It’s important to be open to trying new treatments. Every patient is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Twin Cities CRPS Doctors

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN is a premier Twin Cities pain clinic providing care to patients with both acute and chronic pain. Our pain management doctors have been treating patients with CRPS for over twenty years. We are trained and experienced in all the latest pain treatment methods including steroidal injections and regenerative medicine therapies. Contact us today at our Edina pain clinic to set up your appointment with one of our physicians and get the help you need managing your CRPS pain.

3 Tips for Reducing Inflammation in the Body

January 2, 2017/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Inflammation often goes hand-in-hand with pain. The two can feed off each other and create a vicious cycle of recurring pain. Whether you have recurring inflammation in your back, legs, foot, or elsewhere in the body, there are easy methods to cut down on the inflammation. The goal of this article is to offer up some tips for reducing inflammation in the body and help manage your pain in the process.

Eat Certain Foods, Avoid Others

Your diet has a huge impact on levels of inflammation in your body. Some foods can make inflammation worse, while others can help to reduce it. Do your best to avoid processed foot, refined sugar and flower. Instead, focus on plant-based foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. In other words, avoid eating fast food every day, and opt for a much healthier home-made meal with lots of vegetables.

Rest to Reduce Stress

Stress is one another huge factor that causes inflammation. If your body is stressed, the chances of inflammation are much higher. Make sure you are getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. In addition, engage in activities that reduce your stress levels like yoga, meditation, exercise, etc.

Know Your Allergies

It’s also important to know and avoid the things that you’re allergic to. This includes foods, animals, and seasonal allergies. Allergic reactions often involve inflammation. Avoiding these triggers, or getting proper medical treatment for them is key to avoiding inflammation.

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN has been treating Minnesota patients suffering from inflammation and pain for the past twenty years. Our team of board-certified pain management doctors is well-versed in the most innovative treatments, from nerve blocks to IV infusion therapy and regenerative medicine procedures like PRP therapy and prolotherapy. If you are dealing with chronic or recurring inflammation and pain, contact our Edina pain clinic today to set up your appointment with one of our pain relief physicians.