What Causes an RSD Flare?

Nobody should ever have to live their life in pain, which is what makes chronic pain such as devastating syndrome to treat. Those who have experienced prolonged pain understand the despair that often sets in. Some individuals may feel like there isn’t any hope for controlling their pain at all; however, understanding where the chronic pain comes from can go a long way towards finding a treatment option. According to some of the information and statistics which have been published by the National Institute of Health (NIH):

The number of Americans who suffer from chronic pain is more than those suffering from cancer, diabetes, and heart disease put together
According to our health care system, chronic pain is the most frequently cited reason for seeing a healthcare provider
Chronic pain is one of the leading contributors to health care costs
Chronic pain is the number one reason why people require disability
About a quarter of all Americans have suffered from pain that has lasted more than 24 hours at some time in their life
Pain is one of the biggest barriers to those who require medical treatment for other serious conditions

The reasons why people suffer from pain is just as varied as the scope and severity of the pain itself. For this reason, it is vital to understand why people may suffer from chronic pain to begin with. One of the most severe causes of pain is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). When someone has this disease, they suffer from severe pain due to some form of nerve damage in one of their limbs. This pain can prevent them from enjoying their hobbies, keeping a job, or finishing school. When an RSD flare occurs, this pain can even prevent them from getting out of bed in the morning. Because of this, the causes of an RSD flare must be examined.

What is an RSD Flare?

An RSD flare is a temporary increase in the severity of someone’s symptoms. Some individuals with RSD may have a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include pain (often described as a burning, shock-like, or tearing sensation), changes in the temperature of the affected body part, and even changes in hair or nail growth. When an RSD flare occurs, these symptoms get worse. The length of an RSD flare can vary from a few seconds to multiple days. Eventually, this worsening pain fades and the symptoms return to baseline. During a flare, the pain can be exquisitely painful. Therefore, it is important to address how a flare happens so that the number of flares can be minimized.

What are some Causes of an RSD Flare?

There are a few common causes for an RSD flare; however, these causes can vary from person to person. Someone may have a specific trigger while other people may have multiple triggers. Some examples of frequent triggers include:

Changes in the weather outside, such as temperature or precipitation
Changes in elevation, such as ascending or descending too quickly
Alterations in diet
Exercise-induced, including strength training and cardio
Certain smells or scents

An RSD flare is one of the most challenging parts of this disease. It is important for everyone to know what their triggers are and to ask for help when it is needed. Managing this disease is a team sport.

When someone does have RSD, it is important to have a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses all facets of the disease and its consequences. Because of this, it is a good idea to meet with a compassionate RSD attorney in Sacramento. It is important to examine all details of the diagnosis and possible causes to ensure that nothing has been overlooked.

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Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you’ve been diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy after a motor vehicle accident, please call me at (916)-382-0693. I am available to provide you with free, friendly legal advice.

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