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.
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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.
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