Blog - Page 2 of 19 - Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of Minnesota

Medical Marijuana for Glaucoma in Minnesota

August 7, 2017/0 Comments/in Medical Marijuana /by Matthew Thorson

Glaucoma is one of the conditions that qualifies for medical cannabis treatment in the state of Minnesota. In this article, we are going to talk about the benefits of medical cannabis for treating glaucoma in Minnesota.

Treating Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition in which the nerve that connects the eye to the brain is damaged. This is typically the result of excessive pressure in the eye. Symptoms of the condition are often very subtle. Sometimes patients don’t experience any symptoms other than a slow loss of vision, but the condition can cause pain in the eyes as well. Treatments can include medications, surgery, and medical marijuana.

The Medical Cannabis Process in Minnesota

If you do have glaucoma and you are interested in receiving medical cannabis as a form of treatment, you first have to go through the appropriate process. In Minnesota, medical marijuana is only available to patients suffering from certain conditions (glaucoma being one of those qualifying conditions). If you do suffer from glaucoma, the first step is to speak with an approved medical cannabis doctor. This physician can diagnose your condition and determine whether or not you are a good candidate for medical marijuana. Once your physician has approved your prescription, you will then receive an email from the Minnesota Office of Medical Cannabis with further instructions. You are required to register with the office before finding a medical cannabis patient center to receive your prescription.

Minneapolis Medical Cannabis Doctor

If you are suffering from glaucoma or another qualifying condition, medical marijuana may be the best treatment option for you. At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN, our board-certified pain management doctors have over twenty years of experience treating patients throughout the Twin Cities area. Our physicians are also approved to prescribe medical marijuana to patients in the state of Minnesota. Contact us today at our Edina or Minneapolis pain clinics to set up an appointment with one of our skilled pain physicians and see if you qualify for medical cannabis.

Am I a Good Candidate for PRP Injections?

July 31, 2017/0 Comments/in PRP /by Matthew Thorson

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are becoming more and more widespread as a method for reducing pain and recovering from injuries. Many patients who are curious about PRP injections want to know if they are good candidates for the procedure. In this article, we are going to talk about what makes a good candidate for PRP injections.

PRP Therapy 101

First, let’s offer a brief refresher on what PRP therapy is and what it treats (you may also wish to visit our blog post called, PRP Therapy Explained). PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. PRP injections are a regenerative medicine treatment method that helps naturally stimulate regrowth and regeneration of damaged tissue. How exactly does it work? First, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient. That blood is put through a centrifuge that works to separate out the platelet-rich plasma. That PRP solution is then injected back into the patient near the affected area. This blood plasma (rich in platelets) goes to work immediately repairing degenerated tissue.

What Makes a Good PRP Therapy Candidate?

PRP injections can be an effective treatment option for a wide range of patients. Unlike surgery – which can be quite dangerous for patients of a certain age or with certain conditions – PRP injections are non-invasive. In particular, you may be a good PRP candidate if you have experienced any of the following conditions or injuries:

MCL, ACL, or Meniscus Tears
Rotator Cuff Tears
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Osteoarthritis
Repetitive Stress Injuries

If you are curious about PRP therapy injections, ask your physician if you are a good candidate. You can also reach out directly to a PRP injection doctor for evaluation and treatment.

Minnesota PRP Injection Doctor

At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of Minnesota, our board-certified pain management physicians have been treating patients in the Minneapolis / St. Paul area for decades. We are well versed in the most innovative treatment options available, including PRP injections and other stem cell treatments. Whether you’ve sustained an injury, or you’re dealing with a degenerative condition, PRP therapy can help reduce your pain and rejuvenate your body. Reach out to our Minnesota PRP doctors today and set up your appointment at our Edina or Minneapolis pain clinics.

Medical Marijuana for Intractable Pain

July 24, 2017/0 Comments/in Medical Marijuana /by Matthew Thorson

Intractable pain is a rare type of pain that is constant, intense, and incurable. Even though the root cause of this type of pain cannot be cured, there are methods for reducing and managing the pain – including medical marijuana. In this article, we are going to talk about how intractable pain can be effectively treated with medical marijuana, as well as the process for obtaining a prescription for medical marijuana in Minnesota.

What is Intractable Pain?

A patient diagnosed with intractable pain typically experiences extreme levels of pain on a constant (or near-constant basis). Intractable pain patients are often housebound and can’t get up or leave the house as a result of the unrelenting pain they are experiencing. This pain can be caused by a variety of conditions and injuries including: degenerative spinal conditions, fibromyalgia, neuropathies, and more.

By definition, intractable pain cannot be cured by any known method. However, the pain itself can be mitigated with treatment options such as medical marijuana.

Medical Marijuana Process in Minnesota

If you are experiencing intractable pain, you may be a candidate for Minnesota medical marijuana. The process for getting a prescription for medical marijuana in Minnesota starts with contacting a local medical marijuana doctor who can diagnose your condition and determine your candidacy. If you are certified for the program, you will then have to register with the Office of Medical Marijuana before you can visit a Minnesota cannabis patient center to receive your prescription.

Minnesota Pain Doctors

At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN, our board-certified pain management physicians have over two decades of experience treating patients in the Twin Cities area. We treat a wide variety of conditions and injuries – from intractable pain and chronic pain conditions to sports-related injuries. We work with each patient to address their unique pain circumstance and strategize a way to manage the pain. Our treatment options include everything from steroid injections, to medical marijuana, to prescription meds, to regenerative stem cell treatments like PRP therapy. Contact us at our Minnesota pain clinics (located in Minneapolis and Edina) today to schedule an appointment with one of our pain doctors.

PRP Therapy as an Alternative to Orthopedic Surgery

July 17, 2017/0 Comments/in PRP /by Matthew Thorson

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a relatively new treatment option that can help patients avoid the invasiveness and pain that often accompanies orthopedic surgery. In this article, we’re going to talk about how PRP injections can act as an effective for many patients.

Orthopedic Surgery

There are a wide variety of orthopedic surgical procedures that can be used to treat a range of conditions and injuries. Here are a few examples:

Knee surgery for ACL, MCL & Meniscus tears
Ankle surgery for ligament tears
Spine surgery for herniated discs

In many cases, these injuries and conditions can be treated with PRP injections – allowing patients to avoid surgery.

PRP Injections

PRP therapy is a relatively new treatment option that’s been around since the mid 2000s. Despite its young age, PRP injections are becoming increasingly popular as a treatment option for injuries and degenerative conditions. PRP uses the patient’s own blood to encourage regrowth and rejuvenation in the body. The process begins by extracting a small amount of the patient’s blood. That blood is then spun in a centrifuge to separate out the platelet-rich plasma. That plasma is then mixed together with some other “ingredients” and re-injected into the patient’s body at the site of the injury (the knee, foot, etc.). Once injected, the PRP mixture goes to work rebuilding damaged tissue. PRP injections offer an excellent alternative to surgery for many orthopedic injuries and conditions.

Twin Cities Pain Management Doctors

At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN, we treat each patient with care and compassion. Our board-certified pain management physicians have been treating patients throughout the Twin Cities for over two decades. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, dealing with a chronic pain condition, or have been in injured in an accident, we can help reduce your pain. Our team is trained in the most innovative procedures available – including PRP therapy. If you have been told you need orthopedic surgery, investigate PRP therapy first to see if you are a good candidate. Our primary pain relief clinics are located in Minneapolis and Edina, but we provide care to patients throughout the Twin Cities, as well as greater Minnesota. Contact us today to set up your appointment.

PRP Therapy for Meniscus Tears

July 10, 2017/0 Comments/in PRP /by Matthew Thorson

Meniscus tears are unfortunately common and can be quite painful. There are many pain management options for tears of the Meniscus. In this article, we are going to discuss Meniscus tears and how they can be effectively treated with PRP Therapy, also known as platelet rich plasma injections.

Meniscus Tears

The Meniscus works to cushion your knee and balance weight across the knee. A working Meniscus is essential to your knee’s ability to function properly. Meniscus tears occur due to excessive turning or twisting when the foot is planted. It is a common injury among basketball and football players. As the body ages, the Meniscus can wear out and make injury more likely.

How PRP Therapy Works

PRP injections are a stem cell medicine treatment that use the patient’s own blood plasma to naturally regenerate damaged tissue. Here’s how the process works:

A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient.
That blood is then run through a centrifuge that separates out the platelet-rich plasma.
After that, the platelet-rich plasma is re-injected into the patient’s body at the area of injury.
The platelets go to work immediately and begin to rebuild damaged tissue and rejuvenate the area.

This is a completely natural and relatively painless process that offers an excellent alternative to surgery for many patients. Furthermore, PRP can be used to treat a wide range of injuries and degenerative conditions. Ask your doctor if PRP therapy is a good treatment option for your Meniscus tear.

Twin Cities Pain Management

Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN offers the most innovative pain relief methods available. Our pain management physicians are board-certified and have over twenty years of experience treating patients throughout the Twin Cities Metro area. Whether you’re dealing with an injury or a chronic pain condition, we have the knowledge and experience to reduce your pain. Contact us today to set up your appointment with one of our Minnesota pain relief specialists. Our primary clinics are conveniently located in Minneapolis and Edina, but we work with patients throughout the state of Minnesota.

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.

PRP Injections for ACL Tears

June 26, 2017/0 Comments/in PRP /by Matthew Thorson

ACL tears in the knee can cause a significant amount of pain and severely decrease a patient’s mobility. Many patients who hear about ACL tears think that the only effective treatment option is surgery – but that’s not always the case. In this article, we are going to talk about ACL tears and how they can be effectively treated with Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, also known as PRP injections.

ACL Tears

An ACL tear is an injury to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (which connects the shinbone to the thighbone) in the knee. This injury is most often caused by a sports or exercise injury. Many basketball, football, soccer, and tennis players (both amateur and professional) have sustained ACL injuries. Symptoms of an ACL tear can include pain and swelling in the knee and leg, as well as a decreased range-of-motion.

PRP Injections vs. Surgery

Surgery is a common treatment option for ACL tears and injuries. It’s true that some severe ACL tears may be best treated with surgery – especially in professional athletes who want to return to peak level performance as quickly as possible. However, many ACL tears can be treated with alternative methods.

PRP injections offer patients an all-natural, non-surgical alternative for the treatment of ACL injuries. PRP therapy uses the platelet-rich plasma from the patient’s own body and re-injects it to stimulate regrowth and regeneration in the injured area. The procedure is non-invasive and relatively pain-free, especially when compared to surgery.

PRP Therapy Clinic in Edina

At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN, our board certified pain management physicians have decades of experience treating patients for all types of painful injuries and conditions. We are trained in the most innovative procedures – including PRP injections – and have the knowledge and expertise to help you manage your pain. Contact our skilled PRP therapy doctors today to set up your appointment. We have clinics located in Edina and Minneapolis, but treat patients throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs. Give us a call today to see if Platelet-Rich Plasma is right for you.

Can I Get Medical Marijuana for my Back Pain in Minnesota?

June 19, 2017/0 Comments/in Back Pain, Medical Marijuana /by Matthew Thorson

Medical cannabis is still relatively new in Minnesota and a lot of patients have questions about the process itself and whether or not medical marijuana is an option for their condition. In this article, we are going to talk about the conditions that qualify for medical marijuana in Minnesota and answer the question: “can medical marijuana be prescribed for back pain in Minnesota?”

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana

In order to receive a prescription for medical cannabis in the state of Minnesota you need to be diagnosed with a qualifying condition. Not all conditions are eligible for medical marijuana treatment in Minnesota. Here are the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana:

Intractable Pain
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Seizures
Cancer
Severe and persistent muscle spasms
Glaucoma
Terminal illness with severe pain, nausea, and/or wasting
HIV/AIDS
Tourette’s Syndrome
Chronic Cachexia (wasting and/or severe nausea)
Crohn’s Disease

If you have one of the above conditions you could qualify for prescription medical cannabis. Lower back pain is a very general symptom that could be caused by a wide variety of conditions (including some of the above). So to answer the question of this article, yes medical marijuana can be prescribed to treat low back pain as long as it is caused by one of the above qualifying conditions.

Twin Cities Medical Marijuana Doctor

The first step in the process is to find a Minnesota pain doctor who is able to prescribe medical marijuana (like us), and make an appointment to discuss your situation. Our Minnesota pain doctors are board-certified in pain management and have decades of experience treating patients with all types of conditions and injuries. We are also qualified to prescribe medical cannabis in Minnesota. Contact our Minneapolis / St. Paul medical marijuana doctors today to see if you qualify for medical cannabis in Minnesota.

PRP Therapy for Whiplash

June 12, 2017/0 Comments/in PRP /by Matthew Thorson

Whiplash is a relatively common and usually minor injury to the neck. Many patients who sustain whiplash injuries don’t seek any form of treatment, which can result in pain in the future. In this article, we are going to briefly discuss the causes and symptoms of whiplash, and talk about the benefits of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy for treating whiplash.

Whiplash – Causes, Identification & Symptoms

Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissues in the neck, caused by a quick back-and-forth movement on the head and neck. Here are some of the more common factors that can result in a whiplash injury:

Car accident
Sports injury
Work injury
Slip & fall accidents

Many patients do not even realize that they have whiplash immediately after an accident. Take a car accident for example. Your adrenaline may be so high that you aren’t aware of the symptoms of whiplash right away. Then, a day or two later you may notice pain in your neck.

Treating Whiplash with PRP Injections

Whiplash is typically treated with conservative methods (surgery is rarely needed). Bracing, rest, and pain medications are the first line of treatment. However, these often provide only a short-term solution – especially in more severe cases. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections can be much more effective, while still being minimally invasive. PRP uses the patient’s own blood (and the plasma therein) to encourage tissue regrowth and regeneration in the body. It’s a completely natural way to help your body in its own healing process after a whiplash injury.

Minneapolis PRP Doctors

At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN, our board certified pain management doctors have been treating patients for over twenty years. We specialize in the treatment of acute and chronic pain, and are trained in a wide spectrum of treatments – from prescription medications to stem cell treatment methods. If you are experiencing whiplash pain in your neck, PRP injections may offer you the relief you’re looking for. Contact us today at our Edina or Minneapolis pain clinics to set up your appointment with one of our Minnesota PRP doctors and see if you are a good candidate for regenerative medicine.

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.