Physical Medicine and RSD Treatment
Physical Medicine and RSD Treatment. When someone is involved in a traumatic accident, there are countless injuries that they could sustain. Many times, these injuries can lead to complications that can impact them for the rest of their life. One of the most common complications is chronic pain. Unfortunately, chronic pain is often overlooked yet there are some key statistics published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that people should keep in mind:
- Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons why people seek help from a medical professional.
- About 25% of people in this country have suffered from pain that lasted longer than 24 hours.
- Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons why people go on long-term disability.
- Pain is often a barrier to receiving proper medical help.
- Many people with chronic pain report that they feel like they’re symptoms are not adequately controlled.
These statistics are heartbreaking and demonstrate just how devastating chronic pain can be. Sometimes, people who are involved in an accident go on to develop chronic pain from a disease called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, often called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Those who suffer from RSD have some of the worst pain imaginable.
Where Does RSD Come From?
RSD is a disease of the nerves. Typically, this disease is limited to one extremity. Often, there is a triggering event that leads to nerve damage. Examples of common traumatic events include a car accident, motorcycle accident, or even a trip and fall injury. When this happens, the nerves in the limb become damaged. They are unable to properly send signals between the limb and the brain. The brain has trouble reading these mixed signals and interprets them as pain. This can lead to excruciating pain that can oscillate between a minor annoyance and a complete inability to get out of bed in the morning. Therefore, to properly control symptoms, a well-rounded treatment approach is needed.
The Importance of Physical Medicine as a Treatment Approach
While the cornerstone of RSD treatment is medical management, the importance of physical medicine should not be overlooked. Examples of physical medicine include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Spinal cord manipulation
These services can help people with RSD improve their muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion. In many cases, these exercises can even help people restore some of the function of their affected limb that had been previously lost. While people with RSD need to listen to the advice of their doctor, they should also be aware that these ancillary services can drastically improve their quality of life. Be sure to ask about these at the next appointment.
Help from an Experienced Legal Professional
It is heartbreaking to see a family member who is struggling with chronic pain. For those who develop RSD following a traumatic accident, there are lots of questions that typically remain. Some of these questions include:
- How did this accident happen?
- Could anything have been done to avoid this accident?
- Did this accident lead to nerve damage that caused RSD?
- What is going to happen if my family cannot afford the cost of medical treatment?
- Is there anyone who is available to assist us?
For families who have unanswered questions, consider speaking with a trained RSD attorney in Sacramento. It is helpful to review all of the information with a legal adviser to ensure that nothing has been missed. You and your loved ones could be deserving of financial compensation.
Contact an RSD Attorney in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Attorney in Sacramento. If you or a family member has been suffering from mobility issues due to Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, contact me at (916) 382-0693. I would be willing to provide some free, friendly advice to those who ask.
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