RSD Treated with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs
Chief Complaint: Pain, constipation
Western Diagnosis: Total Body Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Medical History: 46 year old, very active and successful, sportive white male, developed RSD after a de Quervain’s tendonitis from overusing his hand, doing repetitive movements. 4 weeks later his whole right hand was hurting, burning, sensitive to touch and AC, and turning blue. A stellate ganglion block revealed that he had developed RSD. Two month later he developed mirror image symptoms in his left hand, later in his feet. 1 years later he had total body RSD. Causing him excruciating pain, muscle twitches, difficulty in urination, constipation, depression, insomnia, poor memory, nightly hiccups, spontaneous localized sweating in the effected extremities, lethargy, skin sensitivity, hot flashes, migraines. The patient received during a period of 2 years 150 nerve blocks, and is on many medications (analgesics, anti-spasmodics, anti-depressants, tranquilizers, etc.) He still tries to stay active, since inactivity increases his symptoms. he can not use his hands very often, but can walk and swim. Good dietary habits, since red meet, alcohol and sugar make his pain worse. Patient is disabled.
Last modified: September 8, 2009 В· al В· No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, RSD В· Posted in: Neurological
Acupuncture used for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Chief Complaint: Pain in left lower extremity, unable to walk or bear weight on that extremity
Western Diagnosis: Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
Medical History: The patient had been very active in running, jogging activities. He sustained a mild injury to his left lower leg and foot. This developed into severe pain with swelling, discoloration. The pain was so severe that he sought the attentions of a renown orthopedic surgeon in the area. He was diagnosed with reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Despite regular Western treatment, the disability continued with the patient being less able to weight bear. He needed crutches to walk, and even with the crutches had continual pain. The orthopedic specialist recommended acupuncture for pain control and sent him to our clinic. Within five treatments the pain was relieved, and the patient was walking without the crutches or any assistive devices. He restarted jogging activities without pain within about a month.
Last modified: September 8, 2009 В· al В· No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, RSD В· Posted in: Neurological