Allan M. Spiegel M.D. - RSD Therapy

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain disorder associated with sensitivity to light touch, swelling, skin color and temperature changes, weakness, abnormal sweating, muscle atrophy, and subsequent depression. Fortunately for RSD sufferers, HBOT can provide an effective treatment.

If you missed Discovery Health's Medical Incredible airing on April 16, 2006 about a young girl with RSD that was treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen click here to watch it now.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has proven itself to be a very viable option to treat reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). Numerous articles in the medical literature have shown the reduction in pain and swelling associated with RSD and a return of function using hyperbaric oxygen. Best of all for RSD patients, this is accomplished without the need for painful injections, narcotics, or surgical implants for pain management. Most RSD sufferers find that following the first few treatments they are able to achieve a full night's sleep for the first time in years. They then notice the decreased need for narcotics, improved thinking, with a diminished depression. The swelling of the effected arm or leg associated with RSD diminishes and they are able to start physical therapy with marked improvement in muscle strength. Many people afflicted with RSD have then been able to return to a happier and more productive life, frequently returning to their prior occupation.

Unfortunately, most people who suffer from RSD or CRPS only receive pain management. This means being prescribed various narcotics, and antidepressants. Then RSD patients must start on a long and frequent schedule of stellate ganglion /sympathetic blocks. With exception of a few fortunate RSD and CRPS sufferers who respond to these injection, this expensive therapy is repeated weekly or monthly for the rest of the RSD patient's life.

When RSD sufferers fail to respond to these blocks, the patient is referred for morphine pump implants or spinal stimulators which cost $70,000 to implant and requires ongoing physician management on a monthly basis to make the proper adjustments. The pain management specialists usually pontificate the success that is achieved with these treatments. Yet, if they are so successful, then why do RSD and CRPS patients need 50 -200 stellate ganglion blocks, and why do most spinal stimulators  and morphine pumps fail to control the pain.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which is an FDA approved therapy, but unfortunately not for treating RSD and CRPS, utilizes 100% oxygen administered under increased pressure. It is a very safe, painless, and cost effective means of treating the chronic debilitating pain of RSD and CRPS.

If you suffer from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), contact our office today to discuss what hyperbaric oxygen can do for you. For a limited time, Dr. Spiegel will provide a free assessment to determine if you would benefit from this treatment.

To schedule a hyperbaric oxygen therapy consultation, give our office a call.