Behavioral Therapy for RSD
There are lots of challenges facing the modern healthcare system today. One of the most pressing is chronic pain. There are lots of reasons why someone could be suffering from chronic pain, and recent research studies have put into focus just how serious these chronic problems are. According to information that was compiled by The Good Body:
- There are more than 100 million people in the United States who suffer from chronic pain
- About 1 out of every ten people in the United States have felt pain on a daily basis for three months or more
- The most common type of chronic pain that people deal with is lower back pain
These statistics are alarming and help to highlight just how big of a problem chronic pain is. Like other medical diseases, there are lots of reasons why someone could be suffering from chronic pain. An example of an extreme disorder that could cause these symptoms is called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), which is also called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). For those who may not know, this disease impacts the nerves in one or more limbs. There are lots of different ways that this chronic issue can manifest. Examples of possible symptoms include:
- Severe pain that is often described as shock-like or shooting
- Changes in the growth of hair or nails in the affected area
- Possible flares that show up periodically
- Changes in the temperature of the skin in the affected area
While it is important to tackle the pain related to RSD, it is also vital to take a well-rounded approach. There are lots of different complications that can arise that merit the attention of specialists in other areas.
Complications Related to RSD: Mental Health Issues
When someone has been diagnosed with RSD, there are mental health issues that need to be addressed. The issues related to chronic pain can create serious emotional issues such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Emotional Lability
- Problems with Relationships with Family and Friends
When someone suffers from chronic pain, their nerves can become damaged. This can lead to a re-wiring of the neurons in the brain. This can lead to personality changes that can be difficult for people to cope with and can have a negative impact on their quality of life. For this reason, seeking help from a mental health professional can be helpful. Specifically, behavioral therapy has proven to be successful for people who deal with chronic pain, such as that from RSD.
Behavioral Therapy can be Helpful
Medical professionals have recommended behavioral therapy for people who have been diagnosed with RSD. It has even proven beneficial for children. In behavioral therapy, family members and the affected individual are taught skills that can manage their pain and their stresses. Examples include:
- Tips for managing anxiety
- How to spot and stave off depression
- How to notice when emotions are getting out of control
- Identifying triggers for pain
- Coping mechanisms for pain and emotional stresses
The importance of these skills should not be overlooked. Managing emotions, stress, and pain is important for helping people return to school and work as quickly and as effectively as possible.
Seeking Help for Issues with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Ultimately, the treatment of RSD merits a well-rounded approach. This means seeking help from mental health professionals, along with medical professionals, on a regular basis. This can help to prevent the development of mental health disorders. Furthermore, it is also a good idea to meet with an experienced RSD attorney in Sacramento. An experienced legal professional should look over the case to make sure that nobody has missed any details. You and your family could be entitled to financial compensation.
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Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento
I’m Edward A. Smith, a Sacramento RSD Lawyer. Please reach out to me at 916-382-0693. I am available to provide you with my free, friendly legal advice about your RSD injury.
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