RSD Can Develop Following an Auto Accident

One of the most common medical problems that people deal with is chronic pain. This can impact people’s ability to get out of bed, spend time with their loved ones, do their jobs, and engage in the activities that they previously enjoyed. Along with heart disease, cancer, and obesity, chronic pain remains one of the biggest challenges facing the sufferer as well as the healthcare system today. There are many questions that people have when they deal with chronic pain. Some of these include:

• Why am I always in pain?
• Should I expect my pain to get better or worse?
• What kind of tests can be done to identify the cause of my pain?
• Why can’t someone just switch off my pain?
• Can’t I just take stronger painkillers?

Unfortunately, pain isn’t something that can just be switched off and finding the cause of someone’s pain can be a challenge. Sometimes, after a litany of tests and imaging studies, people can be diagnosed with a disease called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), otherwise known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). While this is a diagnosis, it often doesn’t provide any answers as to why someone is feeling chronic pain. This disease is often triggered by a traumatic accident, which can be hard to identify.

Some Statistics: Causes of RSD

When someone has been diagnosed with RSD, their body has produced an inflammatory response following an inciting event. This inflammatory response causes chronic damage to one or more nerves, typically in a limb somewhere. The body interprets this inflammatory response as severe pain that waxes and wanes. This pain is the hallmark symptom of RSD. According to a research study, there are many different possible causes of RSD. Examples include:

• Some researchers have reported that up to a third of people with a distal radius fracture can develop RSD
• Around a quarter of people who have sustained a Colles’ fracture can develop RSD
• A tibial fracture leads to RSD in about 30 percent of cases
• Those who have surgery for carpal tunnel could have a 25 percent chance of developing RSD

Even though it is important to note that these statistics were found after studies of a relatively small sample size, it must be highlighted that those who suffer bone fractures are at risk of developing RSD. One of the most common ways that people sustain bone fractures is in an auto accident.

Developing RSD After an Auto Accident

Most people who have been involved in an accident understand that even the smallest of fender benders can lead to a serious injury. One of the most common injuries that people develop in an auto accident is a bone fracture. In the acute period, the medical concerns involve stabilizing the bone, placing it back in the proper anatomic position, casting it, and allowing the body to heal. Unfortunately, these fractures can also lead to complications, one of which can be RSD. One prospective study analyzing people who sustained a tibial fracture even found that about a third of people had RSD following surgical repair of their injury. Why does this happen after a car accident?

Current research suggests that RSD develops because of an inflammatory response to some traumatic event, such as a bone fracture in a car accident. Some of the clinical symptoms that medical professionals will look for include:

• Severe pain in the affected limb
• Swelling at the injured site
• Redness of the injury
• Warmth underneath the surface of the skin
• Difficulty with mobility and coordination

These clinical findings are suggestive of inflammation and might make a medical professional concerned for RSD. In a collision, where a direct impact has been dealt to the limb, inflammation is more likely to develop. Many researchers think that this inflammation could be responsible for an increased sensation of the pain that ultimately leads to RSD. When people get their bone fracture placed in a cast following an auto accident, they may not notice anything until weeks later, when the cast comes off. After this, as they start to move their limb again, they may start to notice severe pain. This is often the first sign that something is wrong with the nerves in their limb.

In the end, RSD is a severe and debilitating disease that can lead to serious symptoms that impact someone’s quality of life. Therefore, it is important to seek out help. Those who have RSD should meet with a compassionate RSD attorney in Sacramento. It is important to look at the diagnosis from all angles and ensure nothing is overlooked.

Related Articles by Ed Smith

• Coping with RSD Symptoms
• Emotional Issues Related to RSD

Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you know has been involved in a car accident prior to developing Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please call me at (916)-382-0693. I am available to provide compassionate free, friendly legal advice.

See some of our past case results here.

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Spinal Cord Stimulation Surgery can Treat RSD

Over the past few decades, a significant amount of money has been poured into the healthcare field to develop new treatment options for deadly diseases. While new discoveries have been made, some problems, like chronic pain, continue to persist despite the best efforts. People who struggle with chronic pain often develop significant complications, such as mental health disorders, because of poorly managed symptoms. Recently, some eye-opening statistics were published by the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM). This organization of medical professionals released a survey that showed:

• Among individuals who live with chronic pain, 20 percent have taken disability leave from work
• Another 13 percent have had to change where they live to accommodate their symptoms
• More than two-thirds of people visit a doctor regularly for the sole purpose of treating their pain
• Almost half of the people surveyed reported having to visit a pain specialist for help managing their symptoms
• The vast majority of people surveyed reported that they would be willing to pay an extra dollar per week in taxes that went to the sole purpose of looking for new pain treatment options

Fortunately, for the people who suffer from chronic pain, new treatment options might be just around the corner. One of the many diseases that cause chronic pain is called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), which is also called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This disease is often diagnosed after a traumatic accident and can cause some of the worst pain ever reported in the medical literature. Now, there might be a new treatment option.

An Overview: Current Treatment Options for People Living with RSD

Individuals who are living with RSD have several different treatment options to consider. Some of the common examples include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications, such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen
• Opioid and narcotic medications, such as Vicodin, Percocet, Oxycontin, and Hydrocodone
• Nerve blocks with analgesic medication that is used to target problem nerves
• Nerve transections that can cut problematic nerves and stop them from signaling altogether

While these treatment options can be helpful, they may not be 100 percent effective at removing people’s pain. For this reason, new treatment options are being developed. One example is called spinal cord stimulation.

Can Spinal Cord Stimulation be Used to Treat RSD?

For individuals with RSD, experimental treatments are being developed regularly. One example of a new treatment option is called spinal cord stimulation. For those who may not know, the spinal cord carries nerves from the brain to every other cell in the body. Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis. On the other hand, this also means that nerve signals to all of the limbs could be modulated from the spinal cord. This is the goal of a spinal cord stimulator. This device is implanted by a trained neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon in the spine of the patient. This device uses electrical signals to control the signals of the targeted nerves. A thin wire travels from this device, implanted just under the surface of the skin, to the nerves which have been damaged by RSD. In this fashion, electrical signals can be used to prevent problematic nerves from transmitting painful signals to the brain, alleviating symptoms of RSD. This is one example of a new treatment that can provide hope to those who struggle with chronic pain from RSD.

For people who struggle with chronic pain, such as that of RSD, may feel like there is no hope. On the other hand, there are new treatment options, such as spinal cord stimulation, coming out regularly. In addition to looking for medical help, meeting with a compassionate RSD attorney in Sacramento can make a difference. A trained legal professional knows how to look at an accident from every angle and ensure that no option is overlooked.

Related Articles by Ed Smith

• What are the Important Skin Symptoms of RSD?
• Surgical Treatment Options for People with RSD

Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you know has been looking for new treatment options for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please call me at 916-382-0693. I am available to provide friendly, free legal advice.

Everyone is asked to look at my sample results here.

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Returning to Work with RSD

Almost everyone depends on a steady job to support themselves and their loved ones. Unfortunately, some injuries and diseases could cause people to miss work, placing a great deal of stress on their families. One of the biggest reasons why people miss work and claim disability is pain. Chronic pain, despite all of the fancy medical advances and treatments, remains one of the most significant problems facing the modern healthcare system. According to statistics which have been published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), millions of people live in pain. Some of the pertinent information from their recent study includes:

• About 10 percent of adults rate their pain as severe (approximately 23 million people in this country)
• More than half of all people surveyed indicated that they had felt pain at some point in the last three months
• Those who rated their pain as severe were found to have used the health care system more often
• On the other hand, those who rated their pain as severe also reported their overall health as “good” more than half of the time
• Furthermore, those who rated their pain as severe were also more likely to suffer from a permanent disability

This information shows just how big of a problem chronic pain is. One of the reasons why people might suffer from chronic pain is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), otherwise known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). When someone has been diagnosed with this disease, they might be forced to miss work. If they are able to return to their job, it is essential to be realistic about their expectations.

RSD: Impacting Work and Quality of Life

For those who don’t know, RSD is a disease that impacts the central nervous system. It is often triggered by a traumatic accident which could be as minor as a sprained ankle or as severe as a multi-car pileup. Regardless of the cause, the body triggers an inflammatory response in the affected region. This response causes nerve damage in the affected area, typically a limb, which the body interprets as pain. It is this pain which could be so severe that people have trouble getting out of bed. Because of this, some individuals could miss extended time from work. When they return, there are some challenges to overcome.

Working with RSD

When someone with RSD is able to return to work, their body will likely still have some residual symptoms because of their diagnosis. Some important advice for returning to work includes:

Wait Until Ready: Most people will be anxious to return to work; however, trying to force the body to do too much too soon could make the symptoms worse and cause a setback. Make this decision in conjunction with a healthcare professional.

Disclose in a Positive Way: During the recovery process, people should learn how to discuss their health condition in a positive manner. Eventually, the employer will probably have to know because workplace adjustments will be needed. It will be essential to discuss this diagnosis in a way that can be framed as positive.

Devise a Management Plan: When returning to work, it will be vital to sit down and discuss a workplace management plan with the employer. The employer needs to understand the individual’s strengths and weaknesses so that fair parameters can be set. Communication will be key because both people will have to be on the same page. This communication will be vital to success moving forward.

Ultimately, the pain that people feel from RSD can be severe. Some individuals may have issues establishing new guidelines for their duties when they return to work. Because of this, anyone who has developed RSD should meet with a caring RSD attorney in Sacramento. It is essential to take a look at the circumstances surrounding the RSD diagnosis because some details may have been overlooked.

Related Articles by Ed Smith

• Sprained Ankles can Lead to RSD
• The Surgical Treatment of RSD

Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If you know someone who is trying to return to work following a diagnosis of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please give me a  call at (916)-382-0693. I’m here to provide you with some of my free, friendly legal advice.

Everyone is asked to look at my sample results here.

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Lymphedema is a Serious Complication of RSD

In recent years, there has been a tremendous media focus on the advancements made in the healthcare field. On the other hand, some medical issues continue to weigh down the medical system. One example of this is chronic pain. While it is often overlooked, chronic pain is a significant quality of life issue for millions of Americans every day. According to the statistics that have been published by The American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM):

• More than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain every day
• Many of these individuals require daily pain medication for symptom management
• For perspective, diabetes impacts 25 million people and cancer impacts 12 million in this country
• In the United States, chronic pain costs the country around $600 billion, which includes medical costs, costs related to disability, and costs related to lost productivity
• Research has shown that about 75 percent of those with terminal diseases spend their last few days in severe pain
• About 20 percent of adults in the United States report that pain disrupts their sleep pattern multiple nights per week

These statistics are heartbreaking because nobody should have to live in such severe pain. One of the diseases that cause chronic pain is called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). While people with this disease struggle with pain on a daily basis, this pain can also lead to complications. One of the often overlooked complications of this disease is called lymphedema.

What is Lymphedema?

The lymphatic system is responsible for carrying fluid from the tissues into the blood. This system often carries cells, such as those from the immune system, and waste products from the tissue to the blood where it can be filtered. Some diseases can cause blockages in the lymphatic system. These blockages can prevent this fluid from re-entering the bloodstream. This blockage leads to swelling of the lymphatic system, which is termed lymphedema. This swelling can be painful and can seriously impact the functionality of the affected part of the body.

How does Lymphedema Develop in Individuals with RSD?

Someone who has been diagnosed with RSD is living with a chronic medical condition that leads to chronic pain. Those who live with this disease are often diagnosed only after a litany of tests has ruled out other options. RSD typically develops after some sort of traumatic accident has damaged the nerves in one or more of their limbs. It is this nerve damage which disrupts the traditional signaling of the nerve fibers in that limb, leading to crossed signals between the limb and the brain which are interpreted as pain. Lymphedema can develop in RSD from the protein-rich fluid that rushes to the site of the injury. The added protein can create a block in the lymphatic vessels, preventing it from draining properly. Fluid backs up behind the blockage and causes painful swelling to develop. Over time, this swelling can damage the skin and create a portal for infection. This infection can take the form of cellulitis, abscesses, or even gangrene. Severe infections could even lead to amputation of the affected limb. These infections are treated with antibiotics and diuretics could be used to relieve swelling of the limb.

Ultimately, people who live with chronic pain struggle with serious quality of life issues. These can impact their ability to go to work, stay in school, and even get out of bed in the morning. For individuals with RSD, it is important to seek help where available. Meeting with an experienced RSD attorney in Sacramento can be helpful. The diagnosis should be examined from every angle because no detail should be missed.

Related Articles by Ed Smith

• Lifestyle Changes for Individuals Living with RSD
• Surgical Treatment Options for People with RSD

Contact an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you know has been struggling with complications from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please reach out to me by dialing 916-382-0693. I am happy to provide you with free, friendly legal advice.

View some of my client results here.

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Nerve Blocks in the Treatment of RSD

Over the years, a number of impressive advancements have taken place in the healthcare field, producing new imaging modalities and treatment options for diseases that previously had none. Unfortunately, chronic pain continues to be a significant problem for millions of people across the country every year. People who live with chronic pain often have issues getting out of bed in the morning, going to work, and running errands around town. This creates a significant quality of life issue. According to information published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (NIH):

• Pain impacts more people in the United States than heart disease, cancer, and diabetes put together
• Chronic pain is the leading cause of disability in the United States
• It is the number one contributor to healthcare costs in this country
• Over 75 million people in the United States (about 1 in 4 people in this country) have suffered from pain that lasts more than 24 hours
• People who suffer from chronic pain experience a powerful stigma that can make it difficult for them to find proper treatment

All of these statements can be true of individuals who suffer from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). For those who may not know, this disease is often triggered by a traumatic event and can lead to intractable pain in one or more limbs. People who suffer from this disease often have difficulty finding effective treatment options. One choice that individuals with RSD can consider is a nerve block.

What is a Nerve Block?

There are many different treatment options that people who suffer from RSD can consider. Among these are:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Narcotic medications
• Nerve stimulation
• Nerve blocks

The last option may be unfamiliar to many individuals; however, it can provide useful and prolonged pain relief for individuals who are struggling with symptom management. In a nerve block, a trained medical doctor will inject a dose of an anesthetic to figure out if a specific nerve is the source of the pain in RSD. There are many different locations that nerve blocks can be applied, including:

• The lumbar region
• The cervical region
• The epidural area
• The occipital region
• The stellate ganglion

First, this test can be utilized for diagnostic purposes. Sometimes, the pain can be so overwhelming that people may not even be able to tell where the pain originates. The nerve block can be applied, and if the pain goes away, the source of the pain is found.

Second, this nerve block can be used therapeutically. Depending on the amount of anesthetic used, the size of the nerve, and the tolerance of the individual, a nerve block may provide prolonged pain relief. This can allow someone to resume their life, including going to work, school, or even exercising.

How is the Procedure Performed?

In the procedure, the physician will use an imaging modality to ensure that the proper nerve has been identified. Using guidance, a needle will be injected into the nerve and the anesthetic will be injected. Examples of medications used include lidocaine and bupivacaine. There may be some minor discomfort. The procedure is done using local anesthesia only and takes a few minutes. Weakness or numbness may show up after the procedure; however, this is only temporary.

This is only one of several different treatment options available for individuals with RSD. Regardless of the symptoms, individuals should always seek medical care for symptom flares. Also, meeting with an experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento can be helpful. It is important to investigate the circumstances of any traumatic accident fully.

Related Articles by RSd Lawyer in Sacramento

• Coping with RSD Symptoms
• The Surgical Treatment of RSD

Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you know is looking for novel treatment options for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please call me at 916-382-0693. I am here to provide you with some free and friendly legal advice.

Please review a listing of our sample results here.

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Bisphosphonates in the Treatment of RSD

Chronic pain is one of the most pressing issues facing the modern healthcare system today. There are several causes as to why people can suffer from chronic pain; however, one of the more severe conditions is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), commonly known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Sadly, people who suffer from chronic pain typically have some kind of quality of life issue. Examples include:

• The inability to enjoy the activities that they previously engaged in
• Problems going to work on a regular basis
• Issues performing activities around the house
• Feeling a stigma that surrounds people who suffer from chronic pain

Unfortunately, much of the treatment that is available for people who suffer from chronic pain have some negative side effects. One of the first-line options is narcotic medications, such as Vicodin and Percocet. Over time, these medications can become addictive, and individuals who use them regularly can become dependent on them. Some of the statistics published by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) include:

• In the year 2015, over 20 million Americans suffered from an addiction disorder of some kind
• About 2 million of these individuals struggled with an addiction to prescription pain relievers
• Close to 600,000 of these people subsequently became addicted to heroin
• About a quarter of people who use heroin will subsequently develop an addiction to pain medications
• More than 50,000 people died in 2015 from a drug overdose related to pain-relieving medications
• In the past ten years, the number of overdose deaths has quadrupled

These numbers demonstrate just how severe the opioid addiction epidemic is in this country. Because of these numbers, researchers have been working hard to find alternative pain treatment options for individuals who suffer from chronic pain, like that from RSD. Recently, research papers have been published demonstrating that bisphosphonates may be an effective treatment option for people with RSD. Just how do these work?

What are Bisphosphonates?

Bisphosphonates are a class of medication that is primarily used to treat osteoporosis. When someone has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, they have a significantly lower bone density than the average person. Because of a lower bone density, it is easier for these individuals to sustain bone fractures. This class of medication reduces the activity of cells that break down bone tissue. Therefore, they strengthen the bone by helping to keep calcium inside of the bones where it provides support. Some of the side effects include lower levels of calcium in the blood, aches, and pains, and some digestive issues. Now, this class of medication has been showing effectiveness in the treatment of RSD.

Bisphosphonates in the Treatment of RSD

Recently, a research paper was published exploring the use of bisphosphonates in the treatment of RSD. Even though osteoporosis has never been tied to RSD, many individuals with RSD describe their pain as coming from their bones. Therefore, a clinical review was conducted to try and find a link between bisphosphonates and RSD. In multiple controlled trials, patients with RSD were given various bisphosphonate medications. During the course of the trial, individuals noted that their pain was significantly reduced. Based on this evidence, individuals with RSD should speak with their medical providers about the potential use of bisphosphonates in the treatment of RSD. It could prove effective at providing some much-needed pain relief.

Ultimately, those who live with RSD are dealing with a serious disease that can create a massive impact on someone’s quality of life. There are treatment options available and it is important to explore all options. Furthermore, it is also a good idea to meet with an RSD attorney in Sacramento. It is important to fully investigate any traumatic accident that might have preceded this diagnosis.

Related Articles by RSD Attorney in Sacramento

• Experimental Treatment Options for RSD
• The Surgical Treatment of RSD

Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you know is looking for help dealing with a diagnosis of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please call me at (916) 382-0693. I am happy to provide you with some free, friendly legal advice.

Everyone is asked to look at my sample results here.

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The Importance of Exercise with RSD

Growing up, many children engage in sports. This is excellent for building teamwork, commitment, discipline, and for teaching life skills that children can take with them for the rest of their lives. As people grow older, exercise starts to fall by the wayside. This contributes to the rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease that are seen in this country. Sadly, some people stop exercising because of severe pain associated with this activity. Chronic pain has become a major burden on the modern healthcare system and one of the most serious examples of this is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Individuals with this disease are often unable to get out of bed in the morning because of severe pain, let alone exercise and engaging in the activities that they enjoy. It is important for everyone, including those who live with chronic pain, to exercise on a regular basis. Some of the statistics that have been published by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) include:

• Less than a third of children engage in vigorous physical activity every day
• Less than 5 percent of adults are physically active on a daily basis
• More than 80 percent of adults and children fail to meet the suggested guidelines for exercise
• Adults spend close to 8 hours per day in front of a screen
• Lack of exercise can contribute to multiple serious health conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity

In addition to the cardiovascular benefits that regular exercise can provide, it can also help people who struggle with RSD. How is this the case and what are some of the ways that exercise can help people manage their symptoms?

The Benefits of Exercise with RSD

For those who may not know, RSD is a serious, painful disease that is often triggered by a traumatic accident. While the circumstances surrounding the pathophysiology of this disease are still under investigation, there is evidence to show that it is an inflammatory disease that can damage the nerves in one or more limbs, leading to intense pain that can make it difficult to move. Because of this, many people who have been diagnosed with CRPS have difficulty exercising; however, a recent research study was published demonstrating that exercise should be the first-line treatment of this disease. Research has found that individuals with RSD can develop something called kinesophobia, or fear of movement. It is important for people with chronic pain to meet with a physical or occupational therapist regularly to try and overcome this fear. Examples of beneficial exercises include:

• Elevation of the affected limb
• Regular massage therapy of the affected area
• Contrast baths
• Isometric exercises
• Range of motion exercises
• Electrical nerve stimulation

Over time, the goal of physical therapy is to allow people to use the affected area to perform their activities of daily living. Exercises are a crucial part of making sure this happens. One of the major benefits of this program is to help people find ways to manage their symptoms that do not involve the use of opioid or narcotic medications. This can lead to a dramatic improvement in the individual’s and their family’s quality of life.

Ultimately, even though it can be painful, it is essential for people who live with RSD to make an effort to remain physically active. The research has shown that there are multiple significant benefits that RSD can bring to the symptomatic management of this disease. Furthermore, it is also helpful to meet with a compassionate RSD attorney in Sacramento. It is important to explore the circumstances surrounding the diagnosis because everyone deserves to have all of the information available to them.

Related Articles by RSD Lawyer, Ed Smith

• Coping with RSD Symptoms
• Key Differences Between CRPS 1 and CRPS 2

Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you care about needs help coping with a diagnosis of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please call me at 916-382-0693. I am available to provide free and friendly legal advice.

Everyone is welcome to look at my sample results here.

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