Pain Archives - Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of Minnesota

Is Ketamine Therapy Effective in Treating Depression?

June 2, 2021/in Ketamine, News, Pain /by Matthew Thorson

If we had to list the most common mental health disorders, depression would be way up there. According to the World Health Organization, over 260 million individuals across the board suffer from depression globally. If left untreated, depression can even lead to suicide, an occurrence that can leave many heartbroken and affect the labor market considerably.

This type of mental disorder cannot be defined as just normal sadness. If you go through a bitter experience, you’re likely to feel unhappy and sad. That’s normal. But when it comes to depression, it is usually characterized by other symptoms such as:

Hopelessness
Suicidal Ideation
Extreme Sadness
Lack of interest in most activities, if not all
A change in sleep patterns
Weight changes
A shift in appetite
Inability to concentrate
Constant memory problems
Difficulty in making decisions
Irritable
Physical pain
Stomach issues
Headaches
Constant fatigue

As if the above symptoms are not enough, this mood disorder has been linked to autoimmune diseases. It is not unlikely for a person suffering from this specific mood disorder to also have diabetes, arthritis, and even cardiovascular issues.

While the cause of this type of mental disorder is not clear yet, there are a few contributing factors. As stated by the National Institute of Mental Health, it can be triggered by:

Environmental factors
Psychological factors
Genetic and biological factors

Before we proceed, this article aims to talk about one main treatment option for depression: Ketamine. But before we get into that, we must explore the other options.

Treatment Options

Regardless of how debilitating the condition is, it can and should be treated. Before treatment was discovered, the mood disorder under discussion could cause suicidal thoughts and even the action itself. The symptoms can affect someone’s career and relationships.

There are several ways depression can be treated, such as:

The use of Antidepressants such as SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
Lifestyle changes such as physical activity, a diet change and sleeping more
Psychotherapy methods such as Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Ketamine Therapy

Depending on how severe the condition is, one can receive one of the above options or a combination. But what do you do if the above choices don’t work? This is where Ketamine comes in to use.

Ketamine Treatment for Depression

In 1960, Ketamine was used in the War to treat injured militaries. The treatment was used as anesthesia. Today, the drug isn’t just used in prescription form to treat persistent pain and even PTSD. Two years ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permitted the drug to be used to treat depression. But not just any type of depression, but the treatment-resistant depression.

When all the other treatment choices don’t work, this is the choice most turn to.

Prior to the approval of the drug, it was still being used to treat the condition due to its effectiveness.

FDA approval has ensured that the drug’s availability is limited and is given by physicians accordingly. The only way to legally get access to this drug is through a certified doctor or physician to treat major depressive disorder, pain, or PTSD. Any other way of access to it would be considered illegal and for illegal use.

How Does the Therapy Work?

Ketamine functions as an antidepressant. However, there’s a major difference between antidepressants and Ketamine. For instance, normal antidepressants target areas in the brain, such as neurotransmitters that deal with the release and reabsorption of serotonin. Ketamine, on the other hand, targets the NMDA receptors found in the brain.

Let’s break apart how the drug works for a better understanding. Once the drug, Ketamine, is consumed, it attaches itself to the NMDA receptors. Once it has done this, the drug stimulates the release of a hormone known as glutamate.

Glutamate is what activates AMPA receptors to set about a process called synaptogenesis. Synaptogenesis causes the release of specific molecules that encourage neurons to communicate. This, according to research, has a positive impact on one’s cognitive process and mood.

How Is It Administered?

Two types of Ketamine are used in dealing with depression that has resisted other forms of treatments. They include:

The FDA approved Nasal Spray: Officially known as Spravato or Esketamine; this type uses the S molecule of Ketamine explicitly.
Intravenous Ketamine: Also known as Racemic Ketamine or IV, this type is infused into the blood. Unlike the Nasal Spray, it uses the S and R ketamine.

Is the Therapy Effective?

Ketamine doesn’t always work for everyone, and research is yet to uncover why. But if it does, it’s quite effective. For instance, intravenous Ketamine is known to cause a positive response after a maximum of three blood infusions. However, if the doctor sees no response from the patient, they are advised to seek other treatment options. Perhaps even a Nasal Spray might work, as long as the patient remains under medical supervision while using it.

In line with the directon of the National Institute of Mental Health, Ketamine should be administered intravenously. This way, its effectiveness is increased and will likely work better than antidepressants.

What Are the Benefits of This Treatment?

High rate of success: Research has found that it is highly effective in treating severe depression.
Acts quickly: Ketamine needs countable hours to start working and effectively treating your depression.
Provides pain relief: This takes out the need for narcotic and more addictive painkillers.
Has a calming effect: This makes it a suitable drug during surgery since it will help maintain low blood pressure.

In conclusion, Ketamine is not only approved but highly effective in treating major depression. It’s a much safer option than other medications that encourage the development of an addiction. This is true since only a few sessions can help reap positive results.

Here, at Advanced Spine and Pain Clinics of Minnesota, we offer effective ketamine therapy and many more. If you’re unsure where to look for help, look at our website to learn more about us. But if you’re ready to start treatment, book an appointment with us today. Do feel free to browse through our blog for more information.

3 Tips for Helping a Loved One in Pain

July 3, 2017/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew Thorson

It can be difficult to witness a family member, friend, or other loved one in pain. Many people in this situation want to do anything they can to help their loved one through this painful time. But what’s the best way to help in this scenario? In this patient education article, we are going to offer a few tips for helping a loved one when they are experiencing pain.

Seek Professional Help

When pain strikes, many people have a tendency to self-diagnose and self-medicate. For mild, short-lived pain this usually works just fine. However, if the pain is chronic in nature, or becomes severe, self-diagnosis and medication can be ineffective and dangerous. Chronic pain conditions are often incredibly complex and require a sophisticated analysis and treatment strategy. Encourage your loved one to seek professional help from a skilled pain management doctor.

Offer Your Support (Emotional & Physical)

Support from loved ones can be incredibly beneficial as a person recovers from a painful injury or deals with a chronic pain condition. Sometimes patients are in so much pain that they might need help physically – doing household chores, going grocery shopping, getting around the house, etc. Emotional support is equally important. Find time to call or visit your loved one to have a conversation or simply keep them company. These actions can lift their spirits and help the recovery process.

Do Some Research

Understanding the nature of your loved one’s pain can help you better comprehend what they’re going through. Do some research online and get a brief understanding of their condition and the various treatment options available.

Edina Pain Management Clinic

The board-certified Minnesota pain doctors at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN have over two decades helping patients recover from their pain. We treat both acute and chronic pain caused by a wide range of conditions and injuries – from fibromyalgia to car accident injuries. Our physicians are trained in the most innovative pain management methods – including stem cell techniques like PRP injections and prolotherapy. Contact us today at our Edina or Minneapolis pain management clinics to set up your appointment with our skilled pain physicians.

Will My Pain Go Away on its Own?

June 5, 2017/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew Thorson

When experiencing pain, one of the first questions many patients have is: “will this go away on its own, or should I seek treatment for my pain?” The answer to this question can vary significantly from patient to patient, but there are some general benchmarks you can use to determine when to seek treatment vs. when to wait. In this patient education article, we’re going to talk about how to determine whether or not your pain is going to dissipate on its own, or whether you need to seek treatment.

When is it OK to Wait?

Not all pain needs to be treated immediately by a physician. Many people experience mild pain every day that goes away on its own. Take stubbing your toe on the couch as an example. In most cases, a stubbed toe will hurt for a little bit and heal on its own. Of course, some stubbed toes are more serious and require medical attention, but these are rare cases.

A good rule of thumb when determining whether or not to seek further treatment is to listen to your body’s pain signals over the course of a few days. If you stub your toe and it really hurts the day of the stubbing, but dissipates over the next day or two, you are likely OK. However, if the pain does not resolve (or gets worse) over the following couple days, then it’s time to consider seeing a doctor.

When to Seek Treatment

There are certain situations in which it’s obvious that you need immediate medical treatment. Severe car accidents, for example, often necessitate a trip to the Emergency Room. For other pain symptoms that require immediate medical care see our article on the topic.

Minneapolis Pain Clinic

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN treats patients for acute and chronic pain conditions throughout the Twin Cities. Our board certified pain management specialists have decades of experience treating everything from headaches to degenerative spine conditions. We are well versed in all the most innovative treatment options, including stem cell techniques like PRP injections and Prolotherapy. No matter what type of pain you are experiencing, you have treatment options. Contact our Minnesota pain doctors today to set up your appointment at our Edina or Minneapolis clinics.

Tips for Coping with & Treating Unrelenting Pain

May 1, 2017/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain, Pain /by Matthew Thorson

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!

Spring Activities that can Cause Pain

April 24, 2017/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Spring has sprung here in Minnesota, and that means people are getting out of the house and engaging in activities that have been on hold during the winter. But these spring activities can often lead to increased levels of pain. In this patient education article, we are going to talk about a few common spring activities that can result in pain and related symptoms.

Yard Work

Yards take a lot of work to maintain. From mowing the lawn, to emptying the gutters, to maintaining a garden, these tasks can take a physical toll on the body. Lifting and hauling mulch can cause back pain. Kneeling down to plant flowers can hurt your knees, and using various garden tools over time can lead to the development of arthritic conditions. Make sure you’re always practicing good form with these movements, and if you do start experiencing pain – seek medical help.

Outdoor Running / Jogging

Shin splints are perhaps the most common pain condition related to running – whether outdoors or inside on a treadmill. Running outdoors presents its own unique set of potential risks. Jogging on uneven terrain can lead to foot and ankle injuries, for example.

Golf, Tennis & Other Sports

Golf, tennis, and other outdoor sports also start up again this time of year. To avoid pain and injuries remember to focus on proper technique with your tennis or golf swing. It’s also important to warm up before these physical activities.

Minneapolis Back Pain Doctors

The pain management doctors at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN have been treating patients for back pain in the Twin Cities area for over two decades. We offer a wide range of treatment options for acute and chronic pain – including pain medication, injections, spinal stimulation, and stem cell therapies such as PRP and Prolotherapy. The most effective treatment for you will depend heavily on your specific condition, injury, and medical history. A skilled pain management physician can take all of these factors into account when developing a treatment strategy. Reach out to us today to set up your appointment with one of our board-certified pain doctors at our Minneapolis or Edina pain clinics.

Pain Symptoms that Need Immediate Medical Attention

April 17, 2017/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew Thorson

When you’re in pain, it can be difficult to figure out whether your symptoms warrant a trip to Urgent Care, or if you should wait and see if the pain and symptoms resolve on their own. In this article, we are going to discuss a few pain symptoms that should be checked out immediately by a medical professional.

Head Injuries & Pain

Head injuries should always be examined as soon as possible by a doctor. Even minor concussions are considered traumatic brain injuries, and can cause serious pain and cognitive issues such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and headaches. Always seek medical attention after a head injury of any kind.

Chest Pain & Heart Attack Symptoms

Another instance when you should seek immediate medical help is when you notice the tell-tale signs of a heart attack. Sudden pain in your chest and/or arm, accompanied by shortness of breath can indicate a heart attack. If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or someone else – get to the hospital as soon as possible.

Stroke Symptoms

Common stroke symptoms include a sudden loss of feeling on one side of your face or body, as well as difficulty speaking or communicating. Strokes need to be treated as soon as possible to avoid serious health issues.

Serious Fractures & Cuts

Severe bone fractures and deep cuts should also be treated right away. Deep wounds can cause massive blood loss that may be life-threatening. Bone fractures typically cause an immense amount of pain, and can cause serious issues if not treated as quickly as possible following an accident or injury.

Twin Cities Pain Clinics

The board-certified pain management doctors at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN have over two decades of experience treating patients throughout Minnesota for all types of pain – from acute to chronic. If you or a loved one is living a life in pain, reach out to us today to set up an appointment. We work hand-in-hand with each patient to develop a unique strategy that fits their individual needs. Contact our pain management physicians today and set up your appointment at our Minneapolis or Edina clinic.

Treating Pain After a Hyperextension Injury

April 3, 2017/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Hyperextension injuries are relatively common (especially among athletes), and can be quite painful. Identifying a hyperextension injury when it happens is essential before moving forward with pain relief treatment options. This article focuses on treating back pain after a hyperextension injury. We will talk about what causes hyperextension injuries, and how they can be best treated when they occur.

What is a Hyperextension Injury?

A hyperextension injury occurs when you extend a limb too far too quickly, stretching your ligaments out past their normal range of motion. These injuries most often occur during sports and exercise (athletes are potentially vulnerable to these injuries). However, they can also occur at work, or due to accidents (slip and falls, car crashes, etc.).

Hyperextension injuries can impact several parts of the body, including:

Knee
Arm
Wrist
Fingers
Elbows
Shoulders

Treating Hyperextension Injuries

Hyperextension injuries can be extremely painful and also decrease a person’s overall functionality and range-of-motion. A solid treatment strategy has to be built on an accurate diagnosis, so that’s the first step in the process. Your doctor should be able to diagnose your hyperextension injury with a routine physical exam, medical history, and potentially additional imaging tests (such as x-ray, CT scan, or MRI). Treatment options vary based on the extent of the injury. Most hyperextension injuries can be effectively treated with conservative methods such as rest, injections, pain medication, and potentially PRP injections to stimulate natural regeneration.

Twin Cities Pain Physicians

At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN, our board-certified pain management doctors have been treating patients throughout the Twin Cities for several decades. We offer pain relief treatment options for acute and chronic pain from a variety of injuries and conditions. Our pain physicians are trained in the most innovative of treatment options, including regenerative stem cell procedures such as PRP and Prolotherapy injections. Contact a Minnesota pain doctor now and set up an appointment at our Minneapolis or Edina clinics today.

Pain Management Tips for Dealing with an Achilles Injury

March 6, 2017/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew Thorson

Achilles tendon tears are incredibly painful and debilitating. Without a properly functioning achilles tendon, you can’t jump, run, or walk normally. These tears are common among athletes, but can impact anyone. In this article, we are going to offer a few tips for dealing with the pain associated with an achilles tendon injury.

Take Time to Rest

Achilles tendon injuries require time and rest to heal. Some patients try to push themselves and get back to physical activity before they are fully healed. But returning to physical activity too quickly after an achilles injury can lead to delays in healing and extended pain. Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter so you can recover as quickly as possible.

Seek Pain Management

Even though achilles injuries can take time to heal, that doesn’t mean you need to suffer through the recovery in pain. Talk to a pain doctor to see what options you have available to control your pain.

Consider Stem Cell Therapies

Achilles injuries can also be effectively treated using regenerative stem cell therapies like PRP – Platelet Rich Plasma. PRP injections use the patient’s own blood plasma to promote all natural tissue regrowth. The procedure involves taking a small draw of the patient’s blood, then running it through a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma. Upon completion, the PRP solution is re-injected back into the damaged area. That plasma immediately goes to work repairing damaged tissue in the area, reducing pain in the process. Contact a pain doctor today to see if you are a good candidate for stem cell therapy.

Pain Clinic in Minneapolis

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN has been treating patients throughout Minneapolis / St. Paul and the surrounding suburbs for the past two decades. Our physicians are board certified in pain management and treat acute and chronic pain from various conditions and injuries. We work with each patient on an individual level to create a treatment plan that works for each patient’s unique needs. Whether you need pain medication, injections, or regenerative stem cell therapy, our doctors have the experience needed to give you the best possible treatment. Contact our Minnesota pain doctors today at one of our Twin Cities pain clinics to set up your appointment.

Ladder Fall Injuries & Related Pain

February 27, 2017/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew Thorson

With spring just around the corner, many Minnesotans will soon find themselves outside doing yardwork that often requires the use of a ladder. Falling from a ladder can lead to a variety of injuries and related pain. In this article, we are going to talk about injuries and pain resulting from ladder falls, as well as some options for managing and relieving related pain.

Injuries Resulting from a Ladder Fall

Whether they happen at work or in your backyard, ladder fall injuries can be incredibly painful. Here are some potential injuries a persona can sustain when falling from a ladder:

Fractures and Broken Bones
Sprains, Strains & Bruises
Concussions and other Traumatic Brain Injuries
Spinal Injuries (Slipped Discs, Pinched Nerves, etc.)

In addition to these acute injuries, ladder falls can also exacerbate pre-existing conditions like bursitis, arthritis, and the like – leading to increased pain.

Treatment Options

Treating pain from ladder fall injuries depends heavily on the extent of the injuries sustained in the accident. To get an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will perform a standard physical exam, and potentially order some imaging tests such as MRI, CT scan, or X-ray to confirm a diagnosis. After you have a diagnosis in hand, you can move forward with treatment options. Depending on the severity of your injuries, treatment options may include pain medications, injections, surgery, or physical therapy. Regenerative stem cell injections can also be an effective treatment tool. PRP therapy and prolotherapy are both natural, surgery alternatives that can significantly decrease pain by encouraging natural tissue regrowth.

Minnesota Pain Management Clinic

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN offers pain management care to patients throughout the Twin Cities. Our Minnesota pain management doctors are board-certified and have over two decades of experience treating acute and chronic pain. We partner with each and every patient to develop a treatment strategy that works for their unique needs. If you are dealing with pain after a ladder fall accident, contact us today at our Minneapolis or Edina pain clinics to set up your appointment.

Minnesota Winter Sports Injuries & Pain Treatments

January 16, 2017/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew Thorson

The winters are long in Minnesota, but we make the best of them by being outside as much as possible – in spite of the cold. Winter sports like skiing, hockey, and broomball are quite common in the state of Minnesota. But just like any other sport, there is the possibility of injury and pain. In this article, we are going to talk about a few of the more common injuries that a person can sustain while playing winter sports in Minnesota. We’ll also offer some pain management tips for these injuries.

Hockey Injuries

Hockey is one of the more physically intense sports ever invented. As a result, there are a lot of injuries associated with the sport including, shoulder dislocations, ligament tears in the knee, herniated spinal discs, and more. Hockey also involves a lot of elbow and shoulder movements (checking, passing the puck, etc.). Over time these small actions can add up to overuse conditions like tennis elbow.

Broomball Injuries

Broomball is a popular amateur sport in Minnesota that’s very similar to hockey but without skates and with a ball rather than a puck. As a result many of the injuries associated with hockey also apply to broomball. Additionally, leg and ankle injuries are more common with broomball as falls are much more common than in hockey.

Skiing Injuries

Skiing can lead to a variety of severe injuries caused by falls on the slopes. Broken bones, fractures, dislocations, and sprains are all common among avid skiers. In addition to potential severe injuries related to falls, skiing is also very hard on the knees. Over years of skiing, this can add up to degenerative arthritis and related knee pain.

Twin Cities Pain Doctors

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN provides acute and chronic pain care to patients throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding metro area. Our pain care providers have over twenty years of experience treating patients for all types of winter sports injuries – from back injuries to whiplash. We are also trained in the most innovative procedures, including regenerative medicine injections (PRP and prolotherapy). Contact our Edina pain management clinic today to set up your appointment with one of our board certified pain physicians.