Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or RSD for short is a disorder of the sympathetic nervous system. The start of this disease can happen at anytime during life and as early as childhood. However, many cases of RSD are seen between the ages of forty to sixty.

This disease usually emerges after a trauma such as a heart attack, stroke, from an injury such as a bruise or sprain, head injury and after surgery. In some cases there is no known cause as to what had made the disease emerge. RSD is not curable however, if diagnosed early treatment can be successful.

When it is diagnosed early on the symptoms can be manageable. Unfortunately, many patients and medical practitioners do not notice the initial symptoms.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of this disease start with an acute burning in the affected joints, bones or limbs. The pain is more acute than normal pain and does not lessen with normal pain treatment such as pain relievers. When this happens, RSD should be considered and treatment started immediately.

When RSD is left untreated or not treated properly it can produce swelling to the affected areas, excessive sweating and discoloration of skin around affected area.

Symptoms of this disease do vary depending upon what stage of the disease the patient is in.

An example of stage one symptoms can include intense burning, pain in which remains from an injury or operation. Most of the time the pain is in the hand and foot. However, pain can be in the hand and shoulder or the foot or knee. Pain also can be in the knee, knee cap, hip, shoulder or elsewhere in the body but is not very common. Other symptoms have included fast hair and nail growth, not being able to move the affected joints normally.

In stage two of the symptoms can include stiffness, dry hands, increase pain and hair loss. The pain usually becomes more intense when temperature changes occur, or by other stimulating things such as a breeze or even a light touch. The skin will become cool and the nails become brittle. The affected area can become extremely swollen and waxy. X-rays reveal thinning or damage of the joints or bones. Pain could spread to the center of the body and usually the spreading pain affects muscles leading to painful spasms. This stage usually occurs after weeks or months after the condition has been present.

In stage three possible symptoms include pain remaining severe however, most people do notice less pain. Also, irreversible tissue damage, thinning of the skin and joint movement is greatly restricted.

Diagnosing RSD

In order for the practitioner to make a diagnoses a complete review of medical history will be conducted and the nature of the present problem.

The affected area and any other important sites will be examined. A complete examination may be required in some cases. X-rays and scans will be needed to make a proper diagnosis.

Sometimes other tests may be ordered to identify the problem. These tests can include electrical tests of nerve functions, muscle functions or other specialized tests.

If you have been diagnosed with RSD it is important to find out all options in treatment in which are available to you. A qualified practitioner can provide you with all the necessary information you will need.

Treatment options available

There are several treatments available which include conventional and alternative medicine.

Conventional medicine treats the pain and fatigue with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Numbing agents have also been injected near the affected nerves or alongside the spinal column. A series of three to five blocks may be administered. Physical and occupational therapy may also be ordered.

Some alternative treatments have had success in treating RSD.

Chiropractic spinal manipulation has been demonstrated to increase peripheral blood flow.(1)

In a case study a 24 year old female patient had been diagnosed with RSD. The visceral structures of the whole upper body had been affected, she had stiffness in the upper thoracic spine, extreme burning pain, numbness, sweating and her right hand and arm had become swollen.

She had been receiving injections but decided to try her chiropractic for treatment.

The beginning treatment consisted of three adjustments each week for a period of six weeks. At the time this study was recorded she had gone one year with no apparent symptoms and had returned to work full-time.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture treatments have also been noted to help people with RSD.

In one patient case was runner who had received minor injury to left foot and leg. Severe pain had developed along with swelling and skin discoloration. Conventional treatment did not appear to help and the pain had continued and could place less weight on leg and foot. Crutches had become required to walk and even with the crutches pain had persisted. He had seen an orthopedic specialist that recommended acupuncture.

When he had go to the acupuncturists he had pain, swelling and functioning loss. After treatment the pain had been decreased and he returned to full activities he was doing before the injury had occurred.

The treatments had unblocked the energy flow of the meridians. Some of the particular points in which were used included Liver 2, Gb 38 and UB 59.

Results were seen within five to eight visits at the time of the recorded information the patient did not have any return symptoms. Patient was encourage to begin Tai Chi exercise program.

Tai Chi

Tia Chi are slow controlled movements. It aides in improving range of motion and balance. It also provides stress reduction in which in turn aides in better quality of sleep.

Relaxation Therapy

Relaxation therapy consists of numerous techniques among them is calming the mind by way of mental or physical relaxation. The goal of this therapy is for the patient to control pain, improve functioning, and enhance overall well being. These techniques include mediation and Tia Chi.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is used in order for the patient to have more control over their symptoms. Biofeedback is usually done on patients in order to promote relaxation for their symptoms such as to reduce stress, change body temperature of the affected area so it will increase and upon the increase of temperature the blood flow also becomes increased.

Biofeedback is needed to be practiced on a daily basis to be effective and does require patience.

Massage Therapy

Manual Lymph Drainage which is a very gentle massage is used to drain extra fluid from the body and improve the overall functioning of the immune system. This massage is done by a massage therapist that is certified in MLD massage. The therapist uses a light form of circular massage to their clients skin. It must be done on bare skin which means no lotions or oils are to be used. There are four techniques in which are used these are stationary circles, rotary technique, scoop strokes and the pump technique.

In the pump technique the therapist will place their palms down on the skin and make oval strokes with their fingers and thumbs to encourage lymph flow.

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America
PO Box 502
99 Cherry Street
Milford, CT 06460
Tel: (203)877-3790
Fax: (203)882-8362
Tel: (877)662-7737
Email: info@rsds.org
Internet: http://www.rsds.org

American Chronic Pain Association
P.O. Box 850
Rocklin, CA 95677
USA
Tel: (916)632-0922
Fax: (916)632-3208
Tel: (800)533-3231
Email: ACPA@pacbell.net
Internet: http://www.theacpa.org

Arthritis Foundation
P.O. Box 7669
Atlanta, GA 30357-0669
USA
Tel: (404)965-7627
Tel: (800)283-7800
Email: arthritisfoundation@arthritis.org
Internet: http://www.arthritis.org

Footnote 1: Langweiler MJ, Febbo TA. Journal of the Neuromusculoskeletal System, 1993: 1;69-73

Sources:

Resources For RSD

Washington Education

Barton Chiropractic

A & L Chiropractic Center

Surgery Channel

Health Central

Massage Therapy 101

The Burnham Review