Resources For Aging Well

Back pain can have many causes, and many times, back pain will resolve itself in two to four weeks with rest, ice and heat. In fact, 80 percent of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives, making back pain one of the most common reasons people visit back pain clinics or miss work.  Back pain that lasts longer than a few weeks is not normal.Causes of Back PainMuscle Strains-Did you know that muscle-related pain is one of the most common reasons for overall back pain? It is true. Muscle related pain can be caused by improper lifting techniques, overuse, poor posture or a sudden awkward movement or fall.Spinal or Disc Problems-Bulging or Herniated Discs: Spinal discs are soft cushions between vertebra. Sometimes, the soft jelly-like substance inside the disc can bulge out of place or rupture, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves causing back pain. Disc related back pain can be caused by an injury. Interestingly, some people who have bulging or herniated discs will never experience any back pain.Sciatica-Sciatica refers to pain that stems from the sciatic nerve, a large nerve extending from the lower back down the back of each leg. Sciatica is not a disorder, but a symptom of another underlying problem, such as spinal stenosis, a pinched/irritated nerve in the lower back or a herniated disc.Other Painful Conditions-If you have spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, compression fractures, arthritis or osteoporosis you may also experience pain in the back. These back pain conditions can be treated with conservative, minimally invasiveRisk Factors for Back Pain-There are a few factors that can increase your risk of developing back pain, such as: smoking, obesity, age, physical labor, sedentary work and depression.Diagnostic Testing-To help determine the cause of your back pain, there are several diagnostic tests that can be performed by a back pain doctor or back pain specialist. These may include Xrays, MRI, CT Scan and an Electromyography (EMG). An X-ray shows the alignment of the bones in your spine and whether you have any broken or arthritic bones that may be causing back pain. MRI and CT Scan tests show images of bone, muscle, tissue, nerves, blood vessels, tendons and ligaments. These tests can show disc herniation, muscle tears, ligament problems and can help your clinic doctor or back pain specialist understand your back pain. Electromyography (EMG) is a test used to study nerve and muscle function.Back Pain Treatment Options-At Nura, our clinic doctors and back pain specialists value the importance of an interdisciplinary approach. There are a number of treatment options that help reduce back pain, which include:Physical TherapyEpidural Steroid InjectionDiscographyFacet Joint InjectionTrigger Point InjectionRadiofrequency AblationSacroiliac Joint InjectionIntracept Proceduremild Procedure (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression)Minuteman Procedure (Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion)Preparing for Your Doctor Appointment-Before your back pain appointment with your clinic doctor or back pain clinic specialist, take note of some important facts.Is your back pain the result of an injury?What movements increase or decrease your back pain?What are the symptoms you have been feeling?How long have you had this back pain?What does your back pain feel like? Dull, aching, stabbing or shooting?What type of work do you do?What treatments or medications have you already tried to resolve your back pain?Call Nura Pain Clinics for further information at 763-537-6000 or visit www.nuraclinics.com

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As we go through life we accumulate many treasures. We also accumulate things we dont need any more or that no longer serve us. Its time to clear out your space to make room for what matters most to you. No one will value your possessions more than you so use the prime real estate in your space for the things you love.

When navigating the complexities of aging in the Sunshine State, elder law attorneys can be your guiding light.Whether you are contemplating assisted living, independent living, memory care, or planning to age in the comfort of your own home, having an elder law attorney by your side can make the journey smoother and safer.Florida Seniors are All UniqueWith 4.2 million seniors, Florida is the retirement capital of the US, with great weather, no state income tax, and plenty of outdoor activities, parks, and attractions for seniors and their visiting families.Florida seniors all have unique lifestyles, health conditions, and circumstances. Some are active and healthy, others are beginning to notice the effects of aging, and some need assisted living or other care and assistance right now.But one thing that all Florida seniors have in common is the need for a qualified Florida elder law attorney. Heres why.Why Elder Law Attorneys are Essential for Florida SeniorsElder law attorneys are specialized legal professionals who understand the unique challenges that Florida seniors face.They possess knowledge spanning various fields such as estate planning, long-term care arrangements, Medicaid eligibility, veterans benefits, and more.These experts can be instrumental in securing your financial well-being, healthcare arrangements, and overall peace of mind as you or your senior loved ones age.Crafting a Long-Term Care PlanChoosing the best long-term care options can be a tough decision. Emotions often run high among family members, and an elder law attorney can provide the necessary objective perspective to create a comprehensive plan tailored to your needs.They can help you assess the legal necessities, whether staying at home, moving to an assisted living community, or opting for specialized memory care or other services and communities.An elder care attorney can also help you determine the best way to pay for long-term care and whether to use real estate or savings, or other income to pay for it. Also, your Florida elder care attorney can tell you what benefits your long-term care insurance will or wont pay.Establishing a Durable Power of AttorneyMany seniors will face conditions where others might have to eventually make decisions for them, like dementia, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and other chronic and worsening conditions.A Florida elder law attorney can draft the proper and needed documents allowing a designated individual to make medical or financial decisions for you or your senior loved one should you become physically or mentally incapacitated.In Florida, this might include powers of attorney, a living will, a Health Care Surrogate Designation, an Advance Directive, and more.An advance directive in Florida is a written or oral statement about how you want medical decisions to be made when you cant make them yourself. You can also express your wish to make an anatomical donation after death.Some people make advance directives as part of their estate planning. Others make them when concerned or diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.A qualified Florida elder law attorney can help with all of these documents and the planning for future events. And an elder law attorney can also assist with guardianship proceedings if needed.Navigating Medicaid and Veterans BenefitsUnderstanding Medicaid eligibility can be a daunting task, but it doesnt have to be. An elder law attorney familiar with Floridas Medicaid system can guide you through the process and advise on how it can impact your financial decisions.Additionally, if you are a veteran, an elder law attorney can help you apply for the Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit and other resources that can offset the cost of long-term care.Protecting Assets and Establishing Living TrustsElder law attorneys can help safeguard your assets from potential financial exploitation. They can also assist in setting up a living trust, an effective estate planning tool that can prevent your assets from going through probate and ensure your estate goes to the loved ones or organizations you choose.Choosing an Elder Law Attorney in FloridaSelecting the right elder law attorney is crucial. Look for a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) who has significant experience in elder law and has fulfilled the required number of hours of continuing education. You can search the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) for a certified elder law attorney in Florida.Remember, the goal is to find an impartial professional dedicated to protecting your best interests. With the right guidance, you can confidently and effectively navigate your senior years in Florida.Is an Elder Care Attorney Right for You?A trusted and qualified elder care attorney is vital for you and your senior loved one. Legal decisions are complex and impact the quality of life and medical and financial decisions for seniors and their families.You must know your legal rights and have the proper legal documents signed and drafted before they are needed. When there is an accident or medical emergency, it is often too late.A qualified Florida elder care attorney can avoid these issues and give you the peace and comfort you need to age in comfort.At Florida Senior Consulting, we constantly work with elder care attorneys to help ensure your wishes, or those of your senior loved one, are fulfilled.We are a Florida-based company with expert knowledge of the Florida senior market. While senior options and decisions can seem confusing, this is all we do.We have certified staff, professional nurse advocates, and decades of experience in the field.Senior living should be on your terms, and the choice should always be yours.Call us, and we will answer all your questions and help you decide what is best for you or your senior loved one.For peace of mind, call us at (800) 969-7176 or visit us at FloridaSeniorConsulting.com.