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Treatment for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1): Sympathetic Nerve Blocks, Part II
Last week, we explored the potential of sympathetic nerve blocks--injections of anesthesia into the nerves--as a treatment method for those suffering from reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD/CRPS), a disease that causes chronic and severe physical pain in certain regions of the body. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that sympathetic nerve blocks are considered by many pain physicians...
Read MoreTreatment for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1): Sympathetic Nerve Blocks, Part I
In this post, we revisit the matter of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), a medical condition that causes severe, chronic physical pain in its victims through nerve damage. Because RSD is currently a rare and as-of-yet poorly understood disease, those afflicted with it can feel hopeless at the lack of a variety of treatments available for...
Read MoreReflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD, CRPS Type 1) Support: Hope Over Pain
A few weeks ago, we posted about several different support groups that exist for those suffering from reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), also known as complex regional pain syndrome type 1, a condition that causes severe, chronic pain and has no known cure. Recently, we learned of another, Hope Over Pain, that may be of use...
Read MoreReflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (CRPS Type 1): Stories of Managing Pain
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), also known as complex regional pain syndrome type 1, can be immensely difficult to tolerate. Because the pain caused by the condition does not have a treatable root, those suffering RSD must deal with chronic and intense pain. This can seem like an impossible and torturous way to live life--and thus,...
Read MoreCoping with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Through Support Groups
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), also known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), can be difficult to cope with not only physically, but also mentally, for those suffering from RSD may feel that no one else is able to understand what they are going through. However, support and awareness groups exist to aid those suffering from...
Read MoreReflex Sympathetic Dystrophy in the News: Charity Walks and the Latest Technological Developments
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD, CRPS Type 1), a condition that creates severe, chronic physical pain in its victims. There is no known cure for RSD, and its exact causes are yet unknown, although they are being closely examined by the medical community. RSD is a very rare disease; in fact, it is so rare that...
Read MoreReflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1) In Depth: Part II
After discussing in more detail the potential causes and symptoms of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), here, we turn to the treatment and diagnosis of the condition. At present, no single diagnostic test for RSD exists. Physicians will often refer to contextual clues such as the patient's medical history and common signs and symptoms. According to...
Read MoreReflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1) In Depth: Part I
Throughout the year, we have posted several entries about reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) through the narrative of Kathy, a woman featured on "The Doctors" TV show who lives with a severe form of RSD. Today, we want to explain RSD more in detail--its causes, its symptoms, and its treatments.
Read MorePart 4 - "The Doctors" - Ways to Lessen RSD Symptoms
According to Dr. Travis Stark, E.R. physician, avoid sugar and processed foods. RSD is an inflammatory condition and so when you are eating highly processed, high sugar foods, you are putting yourself at risk for a whole body inflammatory reaction. You also have to be very careful with things like caffeine, which can stimulate your...
Read MorePart 3 - "The Doctors" - Living with RSD
For Kathy, RSD is much more than a painful diagnosis - it's her life. She says her life has completely changed since she was diagnosed with RSD. She wakes up at 4:30 a.m. "At that time the pain level is about a 4 - not too bad," she says. She works out every morning, even...
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