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.
PRP Injections for ACL Tears
/0 Comments/in PRP /by Matthew ThorsonACL 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?
/0 Comments/in Back Pain, Medical Marijuana /by Matthew ThorsonMedical 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:
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
/0 Comments/in PRP /by Matthew ThorsonWhiplash 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:
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?
/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew ThorsonWhen 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 Talking to Your Doctor about Medical Marijuana
/0 Comments/in Medical Marijuana /by Matthew ThorsonMedical cannabis is legal in Minnesota for specific qualifying pain conditions. However, many patients who may qualify for medical marijuana don’t know how to approach the subject with their doctor. In this article, we are going to offer a few tips for talking with your pain management doctor about medical marijuana.
Find Out if You Qualify
You should always feel comfortable asking your physician about whether specific treatment options are right for you. However, not every patient qualifies for medical marijuana in Minnesota. In order to be prescribed medical cannabis in Minnesota, you need to have a qualifying condition. Do a little research on your own and see if your condition is listed under the Minnesota medical marijuana qualifying conditions.
Ask Your Doctor
If you suffer from a medical marijuana qualifying condition, the next step is to ask your doctor if medical cannabis would be a good treatment option for your situation. Even if you do have a qualifying condition, medical marijuana may not be a good treatment option for every patient. There are many pain treatment options for a given condition or injury, and it’s important to consult a pain doctor who can evaluate your specific situation and recommend a course of treatment that fits your unique needs.
Make Sure You Have an Approved Doctor
It’s also important to make sure you have a pain doctor who is approved to prescribe medical marijuana in the state of Minnesota. Not all physicians are automatically able to prescribe medical cannabis to patients – they must be approved.
Minnesota Medical Marijuana Doctors
The pain doctors at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN are approved to prescribe medical marijuana to qualifying patients in Minnesota. Our board certified pain doctors have decades of experience helping patients manage acute and chronic pain. We are also trained in a wide variety of treatment options – from prescription medication, to stem cell injections, to medical cannabis. Contact us today at our Edina or Minneapolis pain clinics to set up your appointment with one of our board certified pain physicians.
Medical Marijuana in Minnesota – How the Process Works
/0 Comments/in Medical Marijuana /by Matthew ThorsonMedical marijuana has been legal in the state of Minnesota for a few years now, but there is still a lot of confusion regarding the steps you have to go through to get medical cannabis. In this article, we are going to talk a little bit about the medical marijuana process in Minnesota – how it works and the steps you have to go through.
Step 1 – Contact an Approved Minnesota Medical Marijuana Doctor
The first step in the process is to contact a Minnesota doctor who has been approved to prescribe medical cannabis in the state. Not all physicians are approved to prescribe medical marijuana, so it’s important that you find an approved doctor (like us!).
Step 2 – Certification
Once you contact an approved medical cannabis provider and submit your information, the next step is to wait for certification. Your provider needs to certify that you have a qualifying condition in order to prescribe you medical cannabis. Once you’re certified, you will get an email from the Office of Medical Cannabis with your registration information.
Step 3 – Registration
Next you have to register with the Office of Medical Cannabis. You’ll need to give them all of the following:
Step 4 – Visit a Minnesota Medical Marijuana Patient Center
After you’ve registered and been approved you can visit a medical marijuana patient center. There a pharmacist will review your account and recommend types and dosages for your situation.
Step 5 – Self-Evaluation Form
Finally, you have to fill out the self-evaluation form via the registry before going back for more medical cannabis.
Edina Medical Marijuana Clinic
At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN our board-certified pain management physicians have been treating patients in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota for decades. Whether you’re suffering from a chronic pain condition or acute pain from a recent injury, our pain doctors have the skills and experience needed to help you effectively manage your pain. We work with each and every patient to develop a pain control strategy that fits their needs. We offer a wide range of treatments for chronic pain, from injections, to medical cannabis, to stem cell therapies (PRP injections and prolotherapy). Contact us today at our Edina or Minneapolis pain clinics to set up your appointment and get on the road to a pain free life!
Who Qualifies for Medical Marijuana in Minnesota?
/0 Comments/in Medical Marijuana /by Matthew ThorsonMedical marijuana has been legal in the state of Minnesota for a few years now. Since it’s so new, many chronic pain patients are unaware of the benefits of medical cannabis, or even the fact that it’s legal for medical use. This article focuses on the necessary requirements needed to qualify for medical marijuana prescription in the state of Minnesota.
Qualifying Conditions for Minnesota Medical Marijuana
The ability of a pain management physician to prescribe medical marijuana in Minnesota is limited. Medical cannabis can only be prescribed to patients with the following conditions and/or symptoms:
Medical Cannabis Fees & Insurance
Most health insurance plans do not cover medical marijuana prescriptions in the state of Minnesota. So if you do have a qualifying condition and you are prescribed medical cannabis, you will likely be responsible for any associated fees. There is an annual fee of $200 that is required to participate in the medical cannabis program in Minnesota. There will also be a clinic fee, as well as a fee to purchase the medical marijuana. If you have any questions about fees or qualifications, don’t hesitate to contact a Minneapolis medical marijuana doctor.
Minneapolis Medical Marijuana Clinic
Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN is one of the few pain management clinics in the state to offer medical cannabis to qualifying patients. Our Minnesota pain doctors are board-certified and have decades of experience treating patients for acute and chronic pain conditions. We are trained in the most innovative treatment methods – from injection therapy, to stem cell treatments, to medical marijuana. If you or a loved one is suffering from one of the qualifying conditions listed above, you may benefit from medical marijuana treatment. Contact our Minnesota medical marijuana doctors today to see if you qualify. Our primary medical marijuana clinics are located in Edina and Minneapolis, but we serve patients throughout the Twin Cities.
4 Types of Chronic Pain that can be Treated with Medical Marijuana
/2 Comments/in Medical Marijuana /by Matthew ThorsonMedicinal marijuana can be used to help manage and control pain caused by a variety of conditions and injuries. Medical marijuana is now legal in the state of Minnesota for the treatment of specific conditions. In this article, we are going to talk about a handful of pain symptoms and conditions that can be treated with medical marijuana in Minnesota.
Intractable Pain
Intractable pain is defined as severe and constant pain that is incurable. Typically, patients suffering from intractable pain aren’t even able to leave the house. Medical marijuana can provide some pain relief to patients suffering from this type of chronic pain.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory condition in which the stomach lining and gastrointestinal tract becomes inflamed – causing chronic pain, diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and other symptoms. Medical marijuana can help reduce the severity of these symptoms.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerves in your eyes. The condition occurs when fluid builds up in the eye and places too much pressure on the optic nerves. Left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness. Medical marijuana has been shown to help prevent glaucoma and reduce associated pain.
Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms can be caused by many factors – injuries, nerve issues, cramps, and more. Medical marijuana can help reduce muscle spasms and associated pain by relaxing the body.
Minneapolis Medical Marijuana Doctor
At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN, our board certified pain doctors have decades of experience treating Minnesota patients for all types of pain – from chronic to acute. We offer a variety of pain treatment methods – including medical marijuana. If you are suffering from any of the painful conditions listed in this article, you may benefit from medical cannabis. All of the pain conditions listed in this article are eligible for medical marijuana prescriptions in the state of Minnesota. Contact our Twin Cities medical marijuana doctors today at our Edina or Minneapolis clinics to set up your appointment.
Tips for Coping with & Treating Unrelenting Pain
/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain, Pain /by Matthew ThorsonUnrelenting 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:
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
/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew ThorsonSpring 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.