Dear Viewers:
I have been receiving many request for articles relating to different types of pain and the treatment for such pain. Since I am actively involved in the preparation of pain medication tailor-made for patients at Pain Care of Long Island, under the medical direction of Dr. Harvey Finkelstein, I will offer the next three articles to pain management...SF
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is a chronic pain disorder involving the sympathetic nervous system. It usually is the result of an injury or trauma, but can also be a complication of surgery, infection, casting or splinting and myocardial infraction (heart attack). The trauma sets off the body's mechanism for pain recognition, but then the "normal system of pain perception" begins to misfire in it neural response, and an abnormal cycle of intractable pain begins. As RSD progresses, the abnormal pain of the sympathetic nervous system has an effect on other areas of the body and can result in total disability as muscles, bones, skin and the autonomic immune system become involved.
The first indication of RSD is prolonged pain usually more severe than the injury. The symptoms are severe burning pain in a localized area, intense sensitivity to temperature and light touch, and a color change to the skin.
There are several stages to RSD, which progress at different rates in different people. Initially, there is swelling and redness in the affected area.
Next, the area becomes blue and cold, with increased pain and stiffness of ligaments and joints, and Osteoporosis may become evident.
Finally, there may be a wasting of affected muscles, contraction of tendons, and a definite withering of the affected limb. In all of the stages, severe chronic pain continues to be a major complaint.
Although RSD can be a progressive disorder, it should not be assumed that all cases will advance and present all clinical symptoms and dysfunction.
CLINICAL SYMPTOMS OF RSD
Pain is the first and primary complaint, described as extremely severe and burning & aching in nature
Swelling and joint tenderness
Loss or diminished motor function
Muscle spasms
Increased sweating
Changes in skin temperature and color
Bone softening - patchy osteoporosis
Trauma (often minor) such as a bruise, sprain or broken bone
Surgery
Myocardial Infarction ( heart attack )
Infections
Repetitive motion disorders such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
HOW IS RSD DIAGNOSED?
Clinical Evaluation
Sympathetic Blockade
X-Ray
Thermographic Study
EMG, CAT scan, MRI studies
IV Systemic Blockade
HOW IS RSD TREATED?
Drug Therapy
Nerve Blocks
Physical Therapy
Sympathectomy
Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulator
IMPLANTABLE DEVICES:
Spinal Cord Stimulator or Drug Delivery Infusion Pump.
For more information about the treatments and referral to a qualified Pain Management Center for RSD...E-mail me at Sferzola@hotmail.com