What Types of Nerve Injections are Helpful for RSD?

The central and peripheral nervous systems are vital for proper bodily function. Together, the send and receive signals, helping to coordinate the various actions of the body’s limbs and organs. Like other parts of the body, these nerves can be injured, and chronic medical problems can result. There are several ways that the peripheral nerves can be injured. According to a paper that has been published by the National Institute of Health (NIH), these include:

Trauma: Trauma is one of the most common ways that people develop nerve damage. In some cases, this can be from a sudden, traumatic accident, such as a car accident or a fall injury. In other cases, it might be from repetitive stress, such as that from sports.

Blood Vessel Disease: Like other parts of the body, the nerves require a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to perform its functions. This is carried by blood vessels. Diseases that impair flow through the vessels, such as diabetes and obesity, can lead to nerve damage.

Autoimmune Diseases: An autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells. In some cases, this can involve the destruction of the peripheral nerves, leading to damage to the peripheral nervous system.

When the nerves become damaged, this can result in chronic pain. One of the diseases that can cause chronic pain from nerve damage is called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). There are several different treatments available for this disease, one of which is a nerve injection. Where is this given and what are the medication options?

Possible Medications for a Nerve Injection

A nerve injection delivers a dose of an analgesic pain medication into an irritated nerve. Because RSD often develops because of damage to an isolated limb, this is a good treatment option. Several medications are available for nerve injections. Common examples include:

Lidocaine: Lidocaine is one of the most common pain medications around. Lidocaine blocks the sodium channels in the nerves. Sodium is an ion that is important for the spreading of nerve conduction signals. By blocking these channels, lidocaine will inhibit the propagation of nerve conduction signals up and down the nerve.

Steroids: A steroid injection is a slightly different method of controlling pain. In a steroid injection, the body’s inflammatory response is blunted. By reducing the strength of the inflammatory response, the nerve damage associated with RSD can be controlled.

Some of the needles that are placed in nerves can even use ice or heat to tone down the pain responses in the nerves themselves.

Locations for a Nerve Injection

There are several different locations that this nerve injection for RSD can be delivered. Once the problem nerve in RSD has been isolated, it can be targeted, and the pain can be controlled. Common examples of RSD nerve blocks include:

Brachial Plexus Nerve Block: For those who have developed RSD in one of their upper extremities, this can be helpful. A block placed in the brachial plexus can be used to remove pain in the upper and lower arm.

Cervical Nerve Block: A cervical nerve block can also target RSD in the upper extremity. A block in this nerve will help numb the shoulder and upper back areas.

Saphenous Nerve Block: A saphenous nerve block is used to treat pain in the lower extremities. A block of the saphenous nerve will numb the inside of the leg.

When someone has been diagnosed with RSD, it is important to explore all of the different treatment options that are available, including a nerve block. Once people have sought the best medical treatment available, it is a good idea to meet with an experienced RSD attorney in Sacramento. You and your family may be entitled to financial compensation.

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Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you know has concerns about nerve injections with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please call me at 916-382-0693. I am available to provide free and friendly legal advice.

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