According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), RSD is “a chronic pain condition that is believed to be the result of dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous systems.”
Symptoms
RSD usually affects one of the extremities (arms, legs, hands, or feet). The primary symptom of RSD is intense, continuous pain. According to NINDS, the list of symptoms includes:
- burning pain
- increased skin sensitivity
- skin temperature changes (warmer or cooler than opposing extremity)
- skin color changes (blotchy, purple, pale, red)
- skin texture changes (shiny, thin, sweaty)
- changes in nail and hair growth patterns
- stiffness and swelling in affected joints
- decreased ability to move affected extremity
Non-Surgical Treatments
Treatment includes physical therapy, oral pain medications and in some cases injection treatment.
Painful Conditions, Symptoms and Treatments
- Sciatica
- Spinal Stenosis
- Discogenic Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Arthritis Pain
- Herniated Discs
- SI Joint Dysfunction
- Headaches
- Myofacial Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- RSD/ Complex Regional Pain
- Failed Back Syndrome
- Spinal Compression Fracture
- Muscle Spasms
- Degenerative Disk Disease
- Bulging/Ruptured/Herniated Disk
- Radiculopathy/Nerve Impingement
- Stress Fracture