Finding a pain doctor or clinic that you trust is an important step for pain sufferers. But sometimes pain clinics close down, or physicians move or retire, leaving patients wondering what to do next. This article will offer some tips for patients who find themselves suddenly without a pain doctor or clinic.
Don’t Despair
The most important thing to remember is to not give up. Patients who find themselves without their trusted doctor or clinic can succumb to feelings of despair, thinking that they’ll never find adequate pain relief again. This is the worst thing you can do for your pain. Keep your spirits up, don’t despair, and take action.
Start Searching for a New Clinic
Start looking for a new doctor or clinic as soon as you can. Typically, when a doctor moves or retires, they will refer their patients out to other physicians that they trust. If they don’t, do your research, ask friends and family, and find a new pain doctor that is qualified, experienced, and well regarded by patients and peers.
Ask for Your Medical Records
If possible, ask your previous doctor or clinic for your medical records so you can have these to pass along to your new doctor. Typically this won’t be an issue if your doctor is moving or retiring, but it can be harder if the clinic is going out of business.
Minneapolis Pain Clinic – Make an Appointment
Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN offers pain management care to patients with acute and chronic pain. Our board-certified pain doctors have been treating patients in Minnesota for over two decades. If your current pain clinic is closing, or your doctor is moving/retiring, reach out to us today for your continued pain care needs. We have pain clinics located in Minneapolis and Edina, but treat patients throughout the Twin Cities as well as greater Minnesota. Contact us today to set up your appointment with one of our pain specialists.
Is my Pain Caused by Fibromyalgia or Arachnoiditis?
/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew ThorsonWhen 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:
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:
Similar to fibromyalgia, there is no cure for arachnoiditis. But there are ways to mitigate the pain and other symptoms caused by arachnoiditis. Potential treatment modalities include pain meds, physical therapy, injections, PRP therapy, and more.
Minnesota Pain Clinic
Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN is a leading provider of pain management care in Minnesota. Our board-certified pain doctors have been treating patients with fibromyalgia and arachnoiditis pain for the past two decades. We work in tandem with each patient to determine an accurate diagnosis and develop a strategy for pain management. Contact us today at our Minneapolis or Edina clinics to set up your appointment with a pain specialist and start effectively managing your pain.
I Don’t Like Pain Meds – How Can I Manage My Pain?
/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew ThorsonFor most people, the term “pain management” means taking a lot of pills. Pain pills are certainly one option for pain patients – but some patients can’t or don’t want to take pills for their pain. The good news is that there are many additional options available to patients who are unable or unwilling to take prescription medication for their pain. This patient education article will discuss some of the pain management alternatives for patients who can’t or don’t want to take opioids and other pain pills.
Injection Therapy
Injections are one of the most common methods for reducing chronic pain. There are several types of injections that can help – ketamine therapy, steroidal injections, nerve blocks, epidural injections, and more. The specific type of injection that works for you will depend on what’s causing your pain, and where you are experiencing the pain.
Medical Marijuana
Medicinal marijuana is a pain relief option that may be available to some patients. Medical marijuana is available in the state of Minnesota, but only for certain conditions. Ask your pain management doctor if you qualify and if medicinal cannabis is a good treatment option for your pain.
Stem Cell / Regenerative Treatments
Stem cell injections are another great alternative for patients wishing to avoid pain pills, surgery, or other methods. PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma) injections use the patient’s own blood plasma to help boost tissue regeneration and regrowth, reducing pain in the process. Prolotherapy injections work in a similar fashion, but use natural substances such as saline, dextrose, or sarapin. These procedures are completely natural, pain-free, and non-surgical.
Twin Cities Pain Management Doctors
Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN provides treatment for chronic and acute pain to patients throughout the Minneapolis / St. Paul metro area, as well as greater Minnesota. Our board-certified pain management physicians have over two decades of experience and are trained in the most innovative pain management procedures and treatments including: prescription medications, injection therapy, and stem cell regenerative treatments (PRP and Prolotherapy). Contact us today to set up your appointment with one of our MN pain doctors at our Edina or Minneapolis clinics.
Living a Normal Life While Dealing with Chronic Pain
/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew ThorsonPeople suffering from chronic pain often wonder if they will every live a normal life, free from constant pain again. In this article, we are going to offer some tips for living a “normal” life when you’re suffering from chronic pain.
Never Give Up Hope
Patients dealing with chronic pain from an injury, condition, or surgery have a tendency to fall into despair and give up hope that their pain will ever go away. But it’s incredibly important to remain optimistic and hold onto that hope. Giving in to negative thoughts can exacerbate your already existing pain and make things even worse.
Seek Professional Help
With the sheer amount of information available online, it’s easy to try and treat your pain yourself using DIY methods. This can be a good starting point, but often won’t lead to an effective long-term treatment strategy. You need to seek professional medical help from a doctor who can diagnose your symptoms, condition, and offer treatment options.
Seek Help Specifically from a Pain Specialist
It’s equally important to see a pain specialist for your chronic pain. Some patients do not realize that there is a difference between your primary care provider and a physician who specializes in treating chronic pain. Your primary care physician is trained to identify and treat a wide range of conditions very generally. A pain management doctor has a much deeper understanding of particular pain causes, symptoms, and treatment strategies.
Minneapolis Pain Clinic
At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN, we offer a variety of treatments for chronic pain conditions, including prescription medication, ketamine therapy, peptide therapy, IV infusion therapy and other injection therapies, medical marijuana, and stem cell treatments like PRP or prolotherapy. Our Minnesota pain management doctors are board certified and have over two decades of experience treating patients throughout the Twin Cities. Contact us today at our Edina or Minneapolis pain clinics to set up your appointment and start living a normal life pain-free!
Pain Management Tips for Dealing with an Achilles Injury
/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew ThorsonAchilles 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
/0 Comments/in Pain /by Matthew ThorsonWith 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:
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.
Tips for Living with Degenerative Spinal Disc Disease
/0 Comments/in Back Pain /by Matthew ThorsonDegenerative spinal discs can cause a lot of problems including (but not limited to) back pain, loss of sensation, and a decreased range-of-motion or mobility. Treating these painful and debilitating symptoms requires a strategic approach. In this article, we are going to offer a few tips for living with degenerative disc disease and related back pain.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a condition in which the discs in your spine begin to break down and degrade over time as the body experiences wear and tear with age. Spinal discs are incredibly important to the body’s ability to function well. Your discs act as a sort of cushion between each of the vertebrae in your spine. When these discs break down, it can cause pain and a lot of other problems. Some of the symptoms of degenerative disc disease may include all of the following:
Pain Management for Degenerative Spinal Discs
Managing the pain that comes with degenerative disc disease can take many forms. First, of course, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis of the condition and the extent of the degeneration. If the discs are impinging nerves in the spine, and the pain is nerve related, a nerve block injection may be beneficial. If there is a lot of inflammation in the area, a steroidal injection could be the best option. It’s important to consult with a back pain specialist to discuss the full range of options available to you before deciding on a course of treatment.
Minneapolis Pain Clinic
Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN treats patients throughout the Twin Cities who suffer from all types of pain – from acute to chronic. Our Minnesota pain physicians partner with each patient to form a treatment strategy that is unique to each patient’s needs. If you are experiencing chronic back pain, you may be dealing with degenerative discs. Contact our board certified pain management doctors today at our Edina or Minneapolis clinics to set up your appointment and get back to living a pain-free life.
My Pain Clinic is Closing – What Should I Do?
/0 Comments/in Chronic Pain /by Matthew ThorsonFinding a pain doctor or clinic that you trust is an important step for pain sufferers. But sometimes pain clinics close down, or physicians move or retire, leaving patients wondering what to do next. This article will offer some tips for patients who find themselves suddenly without a pain doctor or clinic.
Don’t Despair
The most important thing to remember is to not give up. Patients who find themselves without their trusted doctor or clinic can succumb to feelings of despair, thinking that they’ll never find adequate pain relief again. This is the worst thing you can do for your pain. Keep your spirits up, don’t despair, and take action.
Start Searching for a New Clinic
Start looking for a new doctor or clinic as soon as you can. Typically, when a doctor moves or retires, they will refer their patients out to other physicians that they trust. If they don’t, do your research, ask friends and family, and find a new pain doctor that is qualified, experienced, and well regarded by patients and peers.
Ask for Your Medical Records
If possible, ask your previous doctor or clinic for your medical records so you can have these to pass along to your new doctor. Typically this won’t be an issue if your doctor is moving or retiring, but it can be harder if the clinic is going out of business.
Minneapolis Pain Clinic – Make an Appointment
Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN offers pain management care to patients with acute and chronic pain. Our board-certified pain doctors have been treating patients in Minnesota for over two decades. If your current pain clinic is closing, or your doctor is moving/retiring, reach out to us today for your continued pain care needs. We have pain clinics located in Minneapolis and Edina, but treat patients throughout the Twin Cities as well as greater Minnesota. Contact us today to set up your appointment with one of our pain specialists.
Pain Relief after Spinal Fusion Surgery
/0 Comments/in Back Pain, Surgery /by Matthew ThorsonMost patients who undergo spine fusion surgery are doing so in order to reduce back pain and other issues. But the surgery itself often results in pain. There are many different methods for reducing pain after a surgical procedure. In this article, we are going to discuss a few of the most common options for managing pain after a spine fusion procedure.
Pain Medication
Over-the-counter pain medications, as well as prescription opioids can be used to effectively manage pain after spine surgery. It’s important to have a skilled pain doctor craft a prescription strategy that weans the patient off of opioid medications and on to less addictive NSAIDs. Opioids are effective at reducing pain, but are also extremely habit-forming. Many patients form addictions to these medications after surgery due to over-prescription. A good pain management physician can help avoid these pitfalls.
Injections
Swelling and inflammation is a common source of pain after spine surgery for many patients. Steroidal injections can help reduce inflammation and related pain in the area following surgery.
Stem Cell / Regenerative Medicine
Many patients are hesitant to try regenerative medicine treatments, but these techniques have been proven to offer significant pain reduction with minimal invasiveness. PRP and prolotherapy injections can help stimulate natural tissue growth and regeneration, and help repair tissue that was damaged during the surgical procedure.
Minneapolis Spine Pain Doctors
Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN has been helping Minnesota residents manage their pain for over two decades. Our board-certified pain management physicians are trained in the most up to date and innovative treatment methods including regenerative medicine options (PRP and Prolotherapy). If you are experiencing significant pain after your spine fusion surgery, talk to a pain management doctor in your area to learn about your options for managing the pain. Contact us today at our Minneapolis pain clinic to set up your appointment with one of our Minnesota back pain doctors.
How Much Should You Force Yourself to Move if You Have Back Pain?
/0 Comments/in Back Pain /by Matthew ThorsonWe’ve talked before about how back pain can actually get worse if you relegate yourself to the couch and don’t move. Movement is good for your spine and you should do your best to get off the couch and move around if you are in pain. However, that doesn’t mean you should push yourself past your limits. This article is all about finding that balance between too much and loo little movement if you suffer from back pain.
The Importance of Movement
Whether you’re recovering from spine surgery, an injury, or dealing with a degenerative back pain condition, it’s important to remain physically active during recovery. Physical activity will help your spine recover and reduce pain in the back.
Listen to Your Body
You know your body better than anyone else can, and it’s ultimately up to you to determine when enough is enough. Push yourself to be active a few times a day, but take things slow. Start with some walking, jogging, or low impact exercises and see how your body responds. If you are unsure about the amount of activity you should be engaging in with your back pain, don’t hesitate to contact a pain specialist in your area. A doctor specializing in pain management can help you formulate a strategy for treating your pain in the most effective way possible.
Bloomington Back Pain Clinic
Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN provides state-of-the-art treatments for patients with all types of back pain – from chronic to acute. With other two decades of experience, our board certified pain management physicians have the knowledge and expertise to get you the care you need. We provide a wide variety of treatment options for back pain, including steroid injections, nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulators, and PRP injections. Give us a call today at our Edina or Minneapolis pain clinics to set up your appointment with one of our MN pain doctors and get back on the road to a pain-free life!
PRP Therapy for Contouring
/0 Comments/in Regenerative Medicine /by Matthew ThorsonIn previous articles, we have talked extensively about PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy and how it can be a beneficial treatment strategy for numerous injuries and degenerative conditions. But PRP can also be used for body contouring purposes. That’s what we’re going to dive into with this article – how PRP injections can be used for contouring.
How Does PRP Work?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative medicine technique that uses the patient’s own blood plasma to encourage natural regrowth and regeneration. The treatment works by first drawing a small portion of the patient’s blood, then running it through a centrifuge to separate out the platelet-rich plasma. Then the PRP solution is injected back into the patient’s body. This plasma immediately goes to work repairing the body’s damaged tissues.
Contouring with PRP
First of all, what does contouring mean? Body contouring is the process of reshaping and regenerating certain areas of the body. Plastic surgery is perhaps the most famous example of body contouring. However, PRP injections offer a contouring method that is completely natural, pain-free, and much less invasive than plastic surgery procedures. Using the same tissue regenerating methods, PRP can be a fantastic method for contouring specific areas of the body, including:
Regenerative procedures like the Vampire Facial, the PRP Breastlift, and the P-shot offer excellent alternatives to plastic surgery for patients looking for body contouring help.
Twin Cities PRP Contouring
Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN provides PRP and regenerative medicine treatments to patients throughout the Twin Cities. Our pain management doctors are board-certified and trained in the most innovative regenerative medicine methods, including platelet-rich plasma injections. Whether you’ve sustained an injury or you’re interested in PRP injections for contouring, platelet-rich plasma is a pain-free and natural option. Contact our Edina PRP clinic today to set up your appointment with one of our physicians.