CRPS Treatments
RSD treatments involve a multi-faceted approach due to the complexity of symptoms and difficulty of managing the severe pain. CRPS treatment
Since there is presently no cure for CRPS, treatment is targeted at relieving painful symptoms so that people can resume their normal daily activities. The following RSD treatments are often used:
Physical therapy: A physical therapy program can help keep the painful limb or affected body part moving and may restore some range of motion and function.
Psychotherapy: CRPS treatment often involves psychological counseling due to the significant psychological effects on people and their families. Those suffering with CRPS may suffer from depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder, all of which increase the perception of pain and make rehabilitation efforts more difficult.
Sympathetic nerve block: Some patients will get significant pain relief from sympathetic nerve blocks. Sympathetic blocks can be done in a variety of ways. One technique involves intravenous administration of phentolamine, a drug that blocks sympathetic receptors. Another technique involves placement of an anesthetic next to the spine to directly block the sympathetic nerves.
Medications: Many different classes of medication are used in CRPS treatments, including topical analgesic drugs that act locally on painful nerves, skin, and muscles; antiseizure drugs; antidepressants, corticosteroids, and opioids. However, no single drug or combination of drugs has produced consistent long-lasting improvement in symptoms. There is also the issue of medical side-effects which can cause other symptoms such as drowsiness and blunted emotions.
Surgical sympathectomy: The use of surgical sympathectomy, a technique that destroys the nerves involved in CRPS, is controversial. Some experts think it is unwarranted and makes CRPS worse; others report a favorable outcome. Sympathectomy should be used only in patients whose pain is dramatically relieved (although temporarily) by selective sympathetic blocks.
Spinal cord stimulation: The placement of stimulating electrodes next to the spinal cord provides a tingling sensation in the affected area. This CRPS treatment appears to help many patients manage their pain symptoms.
Intrathecal drug pumps: These devices administer drugs directly to the spinal fluid, so that opioids and local anesthetic agents can be delivered to pain-signaling targets in the spinal cord at doses far lower than those required for oral administration. This technique decreases side effects and increases drug effectiveness.
Fields Law disability lawyers understand RSD treatments and will assist you in getting the medical help you need for your RSD along with records and supporting documentation you need to provide the SSA with evidence of your RSD disability. If you are unable to work because of RSD / CRPS we can help you apply for social security benefits. If you have been denied disability benefits we can appeal your case.
We offer a Free case review. Our Minnesota disability lawyers understand how difficult it is to find a doctor and get the correct CRPS treatment. We can help you get the treatment you need and secure disability benefits when you are unable to work due to chronic pain. There are never any fees unless we win your disability case.
We are a Minnesota Disability Law Firm dedicated to helping people in Minnesota get the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve.
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