What IS RSD

Hey guys whats up? This is the first official post and it is about what is rsd. I hope at the end you have a better understanding of this disease that is plaguing a lot of people. At the bottom of this post I will be putting links of rsd organizations and also people with rsd that you can check out.

What is RSD?
RSD Reflex Sympathetic DystrophyReflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, RSD, is now referred to as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, CRPS. It is a progressive disease of the Autonomic Nervous System .RSD/CRPS is ranked as the most painful form of chronic pain that exists today by the McGill Pain Index.There are FOUR Main Symptoms/Criteria of RSD/CRPS:1) Constant chronic burning pain.2) Inflammation3) Spasms-in blood vessels and muscles of the extremities4) Insomnia/Emotional Disturbance For a more detailed explanation of the 4 Main Symptoms as well as a complete listing of the Symptoms/criteria involved in a diagnosis of RSD/CRPS please visit RSD SYMPTOMS @ www.rsdhope.orgA more in depth explanation of RSD/CRPS is;CRPS Type I , formerly known as RSD, can follow a minor nerve injury, a simple trauma (fall or sprain), break or fracture (especially wrist and ankle), a sharp force injury (such as a knife or bullet wound), heart problems, infections, surgery, spinal injuries/disorders, RSI's (Repetitive Stress Injuries), CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, injections, and even some partial paralysis injury cases. There are some cases of CRPS Type I where the nerve injury cannot be immediately identified.

CRPS TYPE II once known as Causalgia, involves definable major nerve injury. Type II .As many as 65% of RSD/CRPS cases come from soft tissue injuries; such as burns, sprains, strains, tears, and most of the problems that end in "itis" ; bursitis, arthritis, and tendonitis to name a few.Early recognition of the disease, correct diagnosis, and proper treatment, are all essential in keeping CRPS from becoming a chronic condition. Treatment must begin within months of onset or significant probability of long-term disability occur. Because there is no single test that correctly identifies the existence of RSD/CRPS in every patient the diagnosis must be made by the physician based on patient history and examination. It is essential to find an RSD-educated physican to ensure an early and correct diangosis.

SOFT TISSUE INJURIES - RSD/CRPS TYPE I

What exactly are soft tissue injuries? "Soft tissue" is an expression commonly used to refer to the "softer" aspects of the outer body, not including bones and joints. Muscles, tendons, and fascia are examples. Soft tissue injuries are commonplace and range from minor to very serious, depending on the nature of the injury. (1)On the majority of pages on this website both types of RSD/CRPS will be referred to as RSD except where it is necessary to differentiate between the two. Otherwise it will be too confusing to continually write RSDS/CRPS Type I everytime.

WHAT PARTS OF THE BODY ARE INVOLVED?

RSD/CRPS is a multi-symptom condition affecting one, two, or sometimes even all four of the extremities. It can also be in the face, shoulders, back, eyes, and other areas as well. RSD/CRPS is an involvement of nerves, skin, muscles, blood vessels (causing constriction and pain) as well as bones.The Orthopod website describes this aspect very well."Sympathetic nerves are responsible for conducting sensation signals to the spinal cord from the body. They also regulate blood vessels and sweat glands. Sympathetic ganglia are collections of these nerves near the spinal cord. They contain approximately 20,000-30,000 nerve cell bodies.CRPS is felt to occur as the result of stimulation of sensory nerve fibers. Those regions of the body rich in nerve endings such as the fingers, hands, wrist, and ankles are most commonly affected. When a nerve is excited, its endings release chemicals. These chemicals cause vasodilation (opening of the blood vessels). This allows fluid to leak from the blood vessel into the surrounding tissue. The result is inflammation or swelling leading to more stimulation of the sensory nerve fibers. This lowers the pain threshold. This entire process is called neurogenic inflammation. This explains the swelling, redness, and warmth of the skin in the involved area initially. It also explains the increased sensitivity to pain.As the symptoms go untreated, the affected area can become cool, have hair loss, and have brittle or cracked nails. Muscle atrophy or shrinkage, loss of bone density (calcium), contracture, swelling, and limited range of motion in joints can also occur in the affected limb. These are in part caused by decreased blood supply to the affected tissues as the condition progresses." INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY ORTHOPODDOES

DOES RSD/CRPS SPREAD?

It may spread from one part of the body to another regardless of where the original injury occurred; and RSD/CRPS can spread in up to 70% of the cases.(1) However, in a small number of cases (8% or less) it can become Systemic or body-wide. (1) Most often those who develop full-body or systemic RSD/CRPS had a spinal injury as the precipitating cause or as an additional injury.

WHO GETS RSD/CRPS?

ANYONE can get RSD/CRPS. There are millions of Women, Men, and Children across the country with this disease. It is estimated there are between 1.5 and 3 million victims in the United States alone. It affects women many more times than men, as many as 70-75% of victims are women; and affects all age groups from 3 to 103 although in recent years more and more patietns in their teens seem to be developing RSD/CRPS. (2) The exact number of patients is unknown and estimates can vary widely.

You can check out these links for more information and for other persons with rsd.

www.rsdhope.org www.rsds.org www.rsdinfo.com

http://www.myspace.com/my_tea_space www.myspace.com/rotkorsd www.myspace.com/stormsrsdawareness