"If Hell were a clinical medical condition, it might look something like reflex sympathetic dystrophy or RSD. The disorder actually goes by many names, but they all describe the same thing: a constant, intense burning pain in a limb that once begun, never goes away.  The slightest touch, even a slight breeze can bring agony.  The affected
limb often becomes swollen. Many people have difficulty moving it at all."
                                                             Dr. Nathan Rudin 
Johns Hopkins University
                                                       

CRPS I (RSD)

  • An injury or insult
  • Pain that comes on by itself or is easily provoked, that is much more severe than would be expected
  • Pain is not produced by a single nerve
  • Edema, skin blood flow changes, and abnormal sweating since the injury
  • Other causes have been ruled out

CRPS II (Causalgia)

  • Evolves from RSD (CRPS I)

  • Is more regionally confined
  • Pain may spread in a non-anatomical pattern
  • Intermittent changes in blood flow, sweat, color, temperature, strength and motion out of proportion to the original injury.
    •

Treatments for CRPS/RSD

Ganglion blocks: Stellate  or Lumbar
Bier Blocks
Epidural blocks: Spinal or Caudal  + Complications
Sympathectomy
Biofeedback  A very powerful adjunct to treatment
Physical therapy  Gently done
Manipulation  Indirect techniques (no thrusting or jerking)
Opioids 1  Opioids 2
Anticonvulsants
Antidepressants

Pain Recovery Resources  Copyright 2001-2005 all rights reserved

MAIN

To contact  me:

Email: dostephen@spindle.net

Email: dostephen@spindle.net