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Tips for Talking to Your Doctor about Medical Marijuana

May 30, 2017/0 Comments/in Medical Marijuana /by Matthew Thorson

Medical 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

May 22, 2017/0 Comments/in Medical Marijuana /by Matthew Thorson

Medical 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:

Name, address and phone number
Government-issued ID: state ID, driver’s license, or passport
Government assistance plan ID: Medicare ID, Medicaid ID
Credit card to pay Annual Registration Fee

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?

May 15, 2017/0 Comments/in Medical Marijuana /by Matthew Thorson

Medical 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:

Cancer
HIV/AIDS
Glaucoma
Seizures
Intractable Pain
Crohn’s Disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Terminal Illness
Tourette’s Syndrome
Chronic Cachexia

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

May 8, 2017/2 Comments/in Medical Marijuana /by Matthew Thorson

Medicinal 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

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.

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.

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.

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.