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Baker Senior Center Naples hosted more than 125 military veterans and friends and family members for its third annual Veterans Celebration Brunch. The ceremony featured guest speakers, patriotic music and a special salute to all those who served in the military, followed by a delicious brunch of chicken and waffles, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Located at 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane, Baker Senior Center Naples is a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services to support adults over the age of 60. More than 40 different member programs are offered each week, enabling older to socialize, stay active and learn in a safe and nurturing environment. (Photo courtesy of Baker Senior Center Naples).

Medical Cannabis Certification: Opening a New Option for Chronic Pain ReliefFor many people living with chronic pain, the standard optionsmedications, physical therapy, injections, surgery dont always fully do the job. Thats why more clinics are offering complementary or alternative approaches, one of which is medical cannabis. Nura Clinics offers a certification process for qualifying patients in Minnesota to access medical cannabis. Why Consider Medical Cannabis?Medical cannabis is not a first-line treatment for most conditionsbut for patients who have persistent pain, nerve damage, inflammation or who wish to reduce reliance on opioids, it can be a valuable component of a broader care plan. According to Nura, cannabis (through compounds such as THC and CBD) interacts with the bodys endocannabinoid system, affecting pain perception, inflammation and mood. For example: It may reduce pain and improve sleep for some patients.  It may carry a lower risk of dependency compared to high-dose opioids (though cannabis has its own risks and should be used under supervision).  Its best considered as part of a comprehensive planNura integrates cannabis certification with physical therapy, behavioral health, medication management and interventional procedures.  Who Qualifies?In Minnesota, certification typically requires that a patient have a qualifying medical condition (often chronic pain among them) and that a provider determine that medical cannabis is appropriate. At Nura Clinics, the program is offered for patients with chronic pain, including conditions like arthritis, neuropathic pain or nerve-damage pain. Before you enroll, its important to understand that: Insurance currently does not cover medical cannabis in Minnesota.  Not every patient is a good candidate; cannabis may not be suitable if you have certain medical conditions, mental health issues, or are on medications that interact. Using cannabis requires ongoing monitoring, dose adjustments and possibly integration with other therapies. Whats the Certification Process Like?Heres how Nura outlines their certification process: Nura Pain Clinics+1 Schedule an Appointment Youll meet with a qualified practitioner at the clinic to evaluate your pain condition and whether medical cannabis might help. Pay the Certification Fee For Nura, the initial certification visit costs $250.  Complete Forms Beforehand There are required forms (from the Office of Medical Cannabis) to fill out ahead of your visit.  Receive Certification If approved, youll get an email with a registration link to apply with the state. Approval may take up to 30 days.  Recertification After the initial period, youll need to renew. Nuras fee for recertification every three years is $200.  Once you are certified and registered, you can then visit dispensaries (in Minnesota) that provide medical cannabis products (flowers, edibles, topicals, vaporizers). Product costs vary widely. Things to Keep in Mind Not insurance covered: As noted above, Minnesota does not require insurance companies to cover medical cannabis, so costs for products and ongoing care are often out-of-pocket.  Ongoing care is important: Certification is just the start. Monitoring, dose adjustment, side-effect assessment and integration with other therapies are essential. Legal/regulatory context: Medical cannabis is controlled and regulated; staying compliant with state requirements is key. Not a miracle cure: While some patients achieve relief, cannabis is not guaranteed to resolve all pain or replace other therapies completely. Its most effective when part of a broader, personalized care plan. Talk to your provider: If you have psychiatric history, substance use history, are pregnant, or are taking certain medications, cannabis may not be appropriate. Always consider risks vs benefits. Why Nuras Approach Stands OutWhat sets Nuras certification program apart is its integration into a full pain-management clinic. Rather than offering cannabis certification as a stand-alone service, they embed it alongside other treatments: They look at your full pain picture back, neck, nerve, joint, cancer-related pain etc.  They ensure that medical cannabis is one component of a broader plan, not a stopgap.  Their process is structured (fixed fees, required forms, registration) which gives clarity to patients. Is Medical Cannabis Right for You?If youre experiencing chronic pain that has not responded fully to other treatments, and youre curious whether medical cannabis might help, consider these questions: Have you had a complete evaluation with a pain-specialist clinic? Do you understand the state regulations and costs involved? Are you prepared for possible side-effects (e.g., cognitive changes, mood shifts, risk of dependency)? Can you commit to follow-up monitoring, therapy adjustments and a multi-modal care plan? If you answered yes to many of these, then seeking certification may be a reasonable next step.Final ThoughtsMedical cannabis certification is increasingly recognized as a valid option for certain patients with chronic pain. At Nura Clinics in Minnesota, the program is clearly laid out: set fee, registration process, recertification requirements. Most importantly, its done within a comprehensive pain-management setting meaning you wont be offered cannabis certification in isolation, but as part of a plan that includes physical therapy, behavioral health, medication management and interventions. If youre tired of living with pain that limits your quality of life, it may be time to explore whether medical cannabis could help you. Start by speaking with your pain-management provider, ask about this option, and evaluate it as one component of a broader path to relief and function. Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider about your specific medical condition and treatment options.Call Nura Clinics for more information at 763-537-6000 or visit www.nuraclinics.com  

Understanding Herniated Discs: What They Are, Why They Happen & How to Find ReliefImagine your spine as a stack of heavy books. Between each book (or vertebra) sits a soft cushion the intervertebral disc. These discs act like shock absorbers, helping your spine flex, twist, and support your body day in and day out. As described by Nura Clinics, a disc becomes herniated when its squished or pushed out of place, and sometimes it even leaks gel-like material. Nura Pain Clinics+1 When that happens, pain and other symptoms can follow.What is a Herniated Disc?A herniated disc (also called a slipped or ruptured disc) occurs when the soft interior of a spinal disc bulges or leaks through its tougher outer layer. In simple terms: the cushion fails. The result can be pressure on nearby nerves, irritation, inflammation, and the familiar pain many people dread.  This condition may be referred to as disc herniation, disc prolapse, or slipped disc, but regardless of the name, the basic mechanism is similar.Why It HappensThere are a few reasons a herniated disc may occur: Aging and degeneration: Over time, spinal discs lose water content and elasticity, making them more vulnerable to damage.  Repetitive stress or injury: Lifting heavy objects, twisting awkwardly, or performing the same motion repeatedly can push a disc beyond its safe limits.  Sudden trauma: A fall, accident, or sudden jolt can cause a disc to herniate. Genetics & lifestyle factors: Some people have a predisposition to disc problems; smoking, sedentary habits, or poor posture may also contribute. Where It Occurs & What You Might FeelHerniated discs can happen in various parts of the spine, most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) region and the cervical (neck) region. The symptoms vary depending on location: Lower back (lumbar region): One of the most common symptoms is sciatica pain that radiates from the lower back down through the buttocks, thighs, calves, and sometimes into the feet and toes.  Neck (cervical region): If the herniation occurs in the neck, you might feel pain, tingling or numbness in the shoulders, arms, hands, or fingers.  Numbness, tingling & weakness: A herniated disc may compress or irritate a nerve root, interfering with the signals traveling between your brain and muscles. The result: numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, clumsiness or difficulty with fine motor movements.  Diagnosing a Herniated DiscIt starts with your medical history and a physical exam. The clinician will check your posture, range of motion, reflexes, strength and sensations in your arms or legs. If there are red flags like severe pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, or progressive weakness imaging may be ordered. At Nura Clinics, advanced techniques like MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are used to visualize the spine and confirm the diagnosis.  Getting the right diagnosis is crucial because symptoms like back pain and leg weakness can arise from many conditions including degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, facet joint syndrome. Treatment Options: From Conservative to AdvancedThe good news: many people with herniated discs improve without surgery. But conservative doesnt mean ignoring it; it means using appropriate, evidence-based treatments. Here are the treatment pathways:1. Conservative / Non-invasive therapies Physical therapy: A tailored program that strengthens supporting muscles, improves flexibility, corrects posture, and teaches safe movement patterns. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or prescription medications may play a role. Lifestyle changes: Weight management, smoking cessation, ergonomic adjustments, and staying active help a great deal. 2. Interventional proceduresIf conservative treatments arent enough, clinics like Nura offer advanced options under one roof. These may include: Epidural steroid injections: Delivering anti-inflammatory drugs directly around the nerve roots.  Intradiscal therapies: Treatments applied directly to the disc.  Spinal cord stimulation or targeted drug delivery: For more complex or chronic pain issues when other treatments have failed.  3. SurgerySurgery is generally considered when: Theres significant and progressive muscle weakness; Youve lost bladder or bowel control (which may indicate cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency); All other treatments have failed, and symptoms persist in a way that prevents normal life. In such cases, the surgeon may perform discectomy (removal of disc material), laminectomy (removal of part of the vertebra to relieve pressure) or spinal fusion (joining two or more vertebrae). Recovery & What You Can ExpectRecovery depends on the severity of the herniation, your health, the treatments used, and how well you follow your care plan. Many people resume normal activity within weeks to months. Important recovery steps include: Staying active within comfortable limits (bed rest for long periods is rarely helpful) Continuing physical therapy Gradually increasing activity and improving posture Monitoring for any return or worsening of symptoms Prevention and Long-Term ActionsWhile you cant always prevent a disc from herniating, you can reduce your risk and support your spines health: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the spine Use safe lifting techniques bend the knees, keep your back straight, avoid twisting Stay active and strengthen core, abdomen and back muscles Maintain good posture when sitting and standing Quit smoking (smoking compromises disc nutrition and healing) Use ergonomic furniture and supportive chairs if you spend long hours at a desk When to Seek Help ImmediatelyWhile many cases are manageable, some situations demand urgent medical attention: New onset loss of bladder or bowel control Sudden, severe weakness in the legs or arms Loss of sensation in the groin, inner thighs or feet (saddle anesthesia) Sudden, severe pain after trauma If you notice any of these signs, seek emergency care without delay.Final Thoughts Herniated discs are a common and often very treatable source of back or neck pain. With the proper diagnosis, a tailored treatment plan, and a commitment to recovery and prevention, many people go on to live active, fulfilling lives. What matters most is recognizing the symptoms early, working with a specialist team, and choosing the path that fits you. Clinics like Nura provide a comprehensive approach: from physical therapy to injections to advanced interventions, all under one roof.  If youre experiencing persistent pain, numbness, or weakness, dont wait. Get evaluated and start building your path to relief.  Call Nura Clinics at 763-537-6000 or visit the website at www.nuraclinics.com