Top Challenges Seniors Face When Aging in Place

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 Peripheral Neuropathy: What It Is, Why It Happens & How to Move ForwardWhat is Peripheral Neuropathy?Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction in the nerves that lie outside the brain and spinal cord the peripheral nerves.  These nerves carry signals to your muscles and send sensory information such as pain, temperature, or touch from your body to your brain. When they fail, the effects can show up as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness typically in the hands and feet first. In simple terms: if your feet feel like theyre asleep for no clear reason, or you get sharp burning or pins and needles sensations in your extremities, those might be signs of peripheral neuropathy.Why Does It Happen?Several causes can contribute. According to Nura Clinics, peripheral neuropathy can originate from: Diabetes and metabolic disorders (e.g., prolonged elevated blood sugar)  Autoimmune diseases, infections, or trauma to the nerves  Toxins, certain medications, or long-term conditions that affect nerve health  Sometimes unknown causes (idiopathic)  In each of these scenarios, nerves can be damaged via different mechanisms: disruption of the protective myelin sheath (the insulation around the nerve), direct damage to the nerve fibre (axon), or impaired blood flow to the nerve. Recognizing the SymptomsNura Clinics lists common signs of peripheral neuropathy:  Pain often described as burning, stabbing, or shooting sensations. Tingling or numbness a pins and needles feeling, especially in feet or hands. Loss of coordination or reflexes difficulty with balance, decreased reflex responses. Heightened sensitivity to touch even light pressure can feel painful or uncomfortable. Changes in skin, hair or nails the nerve damage can impact the health of these tissues. The pattern often starts in the farthest places from the center (feet and lower legs), then may progress up toward the body sometimes called a "stocking and glove" distribution because of how it spreads. Some cases also involve autonomic nerves (which control things like sweating, digestion, blood pressure) meaning symptoms could include changes in those functions too. How Is It Diagnosed?Getting the right diagnosis is important so that the underlying cause can be addressed. According to Nura Clinics, the diagnostic process often includes:  A detailed medical history and physical exam (examining sensation, reflexes, muscle strength). Electrodiagnostic testing (nerve conduction studies [NCS], electromyography [EMG]) to check how well nerves and muscles are working. Blood tests, imaging (MRI, CT) as needed to look for underlying conditions. If you have symptoms like unexplained tingling, numbness, burning pain, or muscle weakness, its wise to consult a provider who can evaluate for neuropathy and its possible causes. Treatment & Management OptionsThe goal of treatment is three-fold: relieve symptoms, prevent further nerve damage, and address the underlying cause where possible. Nura Clinics highlight a range of possible options. Conservative/non-invasive care: Medication management (for nerve pain, underlying conditions) Physical therapy to preserve muscle strength, coordination, balance Lifestyle changes (e.g., good blood sugar control in diabetes, avoiding toxins, maintaining healthy weight) Interventional procedures:For certain cases, more advanced options may be considered: Peripheral nerve blocks or sympathetic nerve blocks Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) or neuromodulation techniques  Targeted drug delivery, advanced interventional pain procedures in specialized clinics When more serious:If the neuropathy is caused by something like a tumor, severe trauma, or progressive autoimmune condition, more specialized treatment may be necessary. Living with Peripheral Neuropathy: What You Can DoIf youve been diagnosed (or suspect you might have) peripheral neuropathy, here are practical steps to help you live better with it: Stay active: gentle, regular movement helps maintain muscle strength and circulation. Protect numb areas: if you cant feel something, youre more at risk of injury (e.g., foot ulcers in diabetic neuropathy). Manage underlying health issues: e.g., controlling blood sugar in diabetes, getting proper nutrition, avoiding excess alcohol. Balance care: incorporate physical therapy, rest, nerve-health-friendly habits. Monitor changes: if your symptoms worsen (more numbness, weakness, autonomic signs like dizziness, bladder problems), see your provider promptly. Why Early Recognition MattersBecause nerve damage can be progressive, catching neuropathy early or controlling contributing conditions (like diabetes) can improve outcomes. Some nerve damage may be reversible or, at minimum, controllable if caught early. Final ThoughtsPeripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects many people the nerves that link your limbs to your brain can sometimes falter for a variety of reasons. The key takeaways: recognize the symptoms early, seek evaluation from a specialist (particularly if pain or numbness is increasing), and engage in a treatment plan that fits your specific situation.A clinic like Nura provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach: from diagnosing and treating nerve pain to advanced care when needed.  If youre experiencing persistent tingling, burning, numbness, weakness or coordination problems, dont dismiss it your nervous system is worth the attention. Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.

Understanding Joint Pain: What It Is, Why It Happens & How to Address It Joint pain is a common complaint. Whether its your knees after climbing stairs, your shoulder after reaching overhead, or your fingers after a day of typing at its core, joint pain simply means discomfort or dysfunction in one or more of the bodys joints. But the causes, patterns, and implications can vary widely. At Nura Pain Clinics, joint pain is one of many conditions addressed in their arm-and-leg pain program. Because joints bear loads, allow movement, and connect bones and muscles, theyre susceptible to wear, injury, inflammation, and disease. What Are Joints and Why Can They Hurt? A joint is where two or more bones meet. Its more than a simple hinge or pivot: many joints have cartilage, synovial fluid, ligaments, tendons, and surrounding muscles all working together. When any part of this system is compromised the cartilage wears down, fluid becomes inflamed, ligaments stretch, bones shift pain or reduced motion can result. Here are some common reasons joints hurt: Degeneration Over time, cartilage wears thin (as in osteoarthritis), or structures weaken. Inflammation Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis cause the joint lining to swell and become painful. Injury/trauma Sprains, fractures, dislocations, or repetitive overuse can damage a joint. Biomechanical stress Poor posture, muscle weakness, or imbalanced movement patterns can overload a joint. Infection or metabolic conditions Gout (uric acid crystals), Lyme disease, and other conditions may lead to joint pain. Referred pain/nerve involvement Sometimes joint pain stems from nearby nerves, tendons, or cartilage damage rather than the joint itself. Typical Symptoms & Patterns When joint pain occurs, you might notice: Aching or sharp pain when moving or bearing weight on the joint. Swelling, warmth, or redness around the joint. Limited range of motion or stiffness after rest (e.g., morning stiffness). Grinding, clicking, or "giving way" sensation in the joint. Pain that worsens with particular activities, or improves with rest. Pain that moves (for example, knee pain spreading into the thigh or calf) when nerve involvement is present. Because joints vary (knee vs shoulder vs ankle), the pattern of symptoms helps in narrowing down the cause. How Joint Pain Is Diagnosed At a clinic like Nura, the process generally includes: Medical history & physical exam What joint(s) hurt, how long, what triggers or eases it. Examining alignment, muscle strength, swelling, range of motion. Imaging X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be used to visualize cartilage loss, bone spurs, joint fluid, or structural damage. Lab tests Especially if inflammation or systemic disease is suspected (e.g., rheumatoid factor, uric acid). Diagnostic injections or nerve tests In some cases, injecting a numbing agent into a joint or using electromyography helps determine if nerve-related pain is involved. Motion/biomechanics assessment Evaluating how you move and if movement patterns or muscle weaknesses are contributing. Correct diagnosis is key: joint pain might look straightforward but actually stem from tendonitis, bursitis, referred nerve pain, or underlying systemic disease. Treatment: From Conservative to Advanced The good news: many cases of joint pain improve with conservative measures. The advanced clinics, like Nura, offer a full spectrum of care so whether its simple joint care or complex intervention, youre covered. 1. Conservative / Non-invasive care Physical therapy: Strengthening the muscles around the joint, improving movement patterns, increasing flexibility. Lifestyle modifications: Weight management, avoiding joint overload, ergonomic and movement adjustments. Pain relief & anti-inflammatory medication: Over-the-counter or prescription as needed. Joint injections: Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid to ease inflammation or improve lubrication. Bracing, orthotics or assistive devices: To offload stress or stabilize a joint. 2. Interventional procedures When conservative care isnt enough, a multidisciplinary pain clinic may consider: Targeted joint injections with advanced imaging. Radiofrequency ablation or nerve blocks if adjacent nerve pain contributes. Minimally invasive joint repair or debridement. For certain joints (e.g., sacroiliac), joint fusion or stabilization procedures. For example, Nura recently performed a sacroiliac joint fusion using a novel implant.  Usually the goal: reduce pain, restore function, avoid major surgery. 3. Surgical options When structural joint damage is severe (e.g., advanced osteoarthritis, major injury, joint instability) and other treatments have failed, surgical options may be considered: Joint replacement (e.g., knee, hip). Joint fusion (eliminating movement in a painful joint). Arthroscopic surgery to clean out damaged tissue. These decisions usually come after careful evaluation and when the benefits outweigh risks. Living Better: Recovery & Long-Term Maintenance Successful treatment of joint pain isnt just about relieving symptoms its about returning to meaningful activity and maintaining joint health over time. Key strategies: Stay active: Movement keeps joints lubricated, muscles strong, and circulation optimal. Strengthen supporting muscles: Strong hips, core, shoulders (depending on the joint) reduce joint load. Use proper technique: Whether lifting, bending, reaching form matters. Monitor weight: Extra body weight places more stress on weight-bearing joints like knees, hips, ankles. Incorporate low-impact exercise: Swimming, biking, yoga can help maintain mobility with less wear. Listen to your body: If pain changes in pattern or becomes severe, re-evaluate with a professional. When to Seek Immediate Help While many joint pain cases are manageable, certain signs require prompt medical attention: Sudden joint swelling with redness/warmth (possible infection). Inability to bear weight or use the joint. Joint gives way repeatedly or locks in a position. Signs of systemic disease (fever, unexplained weight loss, multiple joints involved). Numbness or tingling spreading from the joint potential nerve issue. Final Thoughts Joint pain is not something to simply put up with. It might feel like a normal part of aging, but at its root, many cases have treatments and many patients reclaim mobility, activity, and enjoyment. Clinics like Nura Pain Clinics exemplify a modern approach: combining physical therapy, lifestyle support, minimally invasive interventions, and full-service evaluation. This kind of integrated model means joint pain is not just treated its managed in a way that addresses cause, function, and life. If youre managing persistent joint pain, dont wait. Reach out for a full evaluation. With the right team, the right diagnosis, and the right plan, you can be well on your way to better movement, less pain, and more freedom. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.