Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a chronic condition causing sufferers to experience severe, constant pain in one (or more) limbs of the body.
Scientists still have many questions about the condition, but what is known about it is that it generally occurs after an accident involving a particular limb of the body.
It isn’t only the arm or leg that is affected by the condition, however. When the condition is not treated, severe pain is the result. This pain can travel to other areas of the boy in addition to the limb.
Those that have this condition may experience abnormal pain even from a simple touch. It is certainly a condition that can change one’s life forever.
CRPS is a condition that affects an individual psychologically as well as physically, with more women diagnosed than men. CRPS can affect an individual of any age.
No Cure for CRPS
There currently is no cure for the condition known as CRPS. In fact, it is still one of those conditions that baffle scientists and doctors.
There seems to be little rhyme or reason for the condition, other than an injury and/or damage to the nerves. Sometimes an individual that suffers from the condition will go into remission, without any symptoms, pain or side effects for months or even years.
Eventually, however, the condition does once again rear its ugly head and the condition is again adamant and causing you pain.
If you suspect that you have the condition it is in your best interest to make an appointment with your doctor and discuss the symptoms that you experience. If it is CRPS that you suffer from, it is best treated within the first year of the first signs.
Despite the lack of a cure, individuals living with the condition do have numerous treatment options available that enable them to live life much better.
It is best to talk to your doctor about the various treatments that are available. It is likely that he will recommend a variety of prescription and at-home treatments that can greatly benefit your condition.
There is one type of treatment that is more commonly used for this type of pain than others. Here we will take an in-depth look at sympathetic nerve block treatment and determine if it could benefit your condition. It is likely that it can benefit you.
Sympathetic Nerve Block Treatment
A sympathetic nerve block for CRPS is one of the treatment options that your doctor is likely to recommend if it is determined you are suffering from CRPS.
This special treatment option involves your physician injecting a substance into the limb that is being affected by the pain. The substance blocks the nerves to the particular area of the body.
The injection should be made only by a licensed pain management professional and with close monitoring of the vital signs during the injection.
The patient should be placed on a flat surface and roll over from their back. The injection itself is very fast, taking only a matter of seconds.
You are fully awake for the procedure; local anesthesia is used to block the pain. Sometimes patients also receive IV medications to help with the pain.
Before the injection, you should not have anything to eat or drink for six hours prior to the time of arrival. This will avoid any complications with the injection and ensure that you do not become ill.
Not all patients should do this. Your doctor will let you know if he recommends fasting before your procedure.
The nerve block is a type of block that targets the sympathetic nerve fibers in your limbs. It is these nerves that carry the sensation of pain through the nerves and also cause the CRPS to developing the first place.
There are several different types of blocks the physician can give, but each is performed in nearly the same manner with the same exciting benefits.
Is a Nerve Block Safe?
Generally speaking, a nerve block is safe for most individuals. It is important to have a consultation with your doctor to determine if this treatment is best for your needs.
Together you can weight the pros and cons and the side effects and make a better decision. Rare complications, such as bleeding at the inaction site, are also possible.
Again, talk to your doctor concerning any kind of complications that may result from the injection.
It is important to note, also, that the nerve block is not helpful for every individual. There is no way to know how you will respond to the nerve block until it is performed, however. For most people the treatment does work and does provide significant benefits in a very short time period.
Most people who seek treatment within one year of the onset of the pain usually have the best results of the nerve block.
After a Nerve Block
Once the nerve block is complete, you’ll return home and may resume normal activities. You need only to rest for a period of about 24 hours. Sometimes it takes a little extra time, especially if you have used sedative medication.
Also keep in mind that you may need someone to take you to the pain management center and home from the visit as well.
Individuals should expect minor side effects after they have this procedure reformed. The most common side effect of the procedure is soreness in the injection site and the limbs of the body.
It is also possible for you to feel warm or hot at the injection site. Most people who have the procedure performed also report some type of weakness for a short period of time.
Your pain management specialist will talk to you about physical therapy after the procedure. It is important to follow the physical therapy schedule in order to achieve the best possible results.
Again, this is something that is provided on an individual basis and something that your doctor will discuss with you on a case to case basis.
Reference:
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/nerve-block-for-pain-relief
http://www.rsdhope.org/nerve-blocks-for-crps.html
