Imagine if the mere breeze of an air conditioner were to send you into excruciating pain. For those suffering from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), historically called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), this crippling neuropathic pain is an unrelenting reality. With symptoms such as swelling, hypersensitivity, stiffness, burning pain, and temperature abnormalities, CRPS can develop at any time and quickly leaves its victims disabled and isolated. This book explains CRPS in an accessible style, featuring modern self-help techniques, complementary therapies, and holistic strategies for maximizing the potential for healing. Readers with CRPS will find a wealth of tips on life modifications to help better manage their condition, along with a list of "dynamite distractions" to refresh the pain-wracked mind and help them rediscover their imagination and humor. Patient testimonies on techniques for transforming the pain and discomfort of CRPS provide hope, and interviews with practitioners, including pain specialist Edward Carden and occupational therapist/neurological acupuncturist Sheri Barnes, offer insights every patient should know. There's even a chapter addressed to loved ones with advice for their difficult roles as encouragers and caregivers. CRPS remains a mysterious, poorly understood condition. This book provides the information and positive options everyone affected by CRPS needs.

Imagine that the mere breeze of an air conditioner could send you into excruciating pain. For those who suffer from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) this form of crippling nerve pain is a chronic reality. With symptoms including swelling, stiffness, skin discoloration, and chronic burning pain, RSD is an underdiagnosed and undertreated syndrome that often leaves its victims bedridden.
This book provides self-help techniques, focusing on complementary therapies and holistic strategies that can be crucial in maximizing the potential for healing from RSD. Interviews with chronic pain specialist Nelson Hendler, M.D. and occupational therapist and neurological acupuncturist Sheri Barnes offer medical insights into mind-body dynamics, holistic neurological healing and RSD pain reduction through acupuncture and changing one's reactions to pain. Readers will gather hope from patient testimonies and learn techniques to transform the pain and discomfort of RSD.
A separate chapter for family and friends describes what they can do to help. Resources list adaptive home and office equipment and how to participate in support groups, find doctors and therapists, and find out about experimental treatments for RSD.
RSD is a newly recognized disease and few trade books about it exist. It is also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.