The most misunderstood and complex subject in medicine is the hyperpathic pain of sympathetic dystrophy. More common than previously thought, it comprises between 10 and 20 percent of chronic pain patients. Understanding this self-perpetuating pain -- which ""never stops"" -- requires unbiased knowledge of physiology and pathology. Chronic Pain: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Prevention, and Management is devoted to the subject of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). The book classifies the different stages of RSD and describes the qualitative and quantitative differences between natural endorphins and synthetic narcotics. Included are long-term follow-ups on sympathectomy patients. This important reference explains why sympathectomy fails, but nerve block and physiotherapy is successful in the treatment of RSD. In addition, the mechanism of development of RSD is clarified through an extensive collection of drawings and anatomical pictures as well. Other topics include thermographic methods for the diagnosis of RSD, the role of ACTH in the management of chronic pain, and comparisons between the effects of ACTH and those of corticosteroids. Features Classifies the different stages of RSD Features the most comprehensive coverage of the literature on RSD and its related aspects Describes qualitative and quantitative differences between natural endorphins and systemic narcotics Examines the role of ACTH in the management of chronic pain Clarifies the mechanism of development of RSD through an extensive collection of drawings and anatomical pictures Explains why sympathectomy fails, but nerve block and physiotherapy is successful in the treatment of RSD

It is with great pleasure and ,much interest that I accepted to write the foreword to this book by Paul Doury, Yves Dirheimer, and Serge Pattin on the subject of "algodystrophy." First, because I know the extent of their personal experience, from which they have selected the best for this book. Second, because it seemed to me that their detailed analysis of the numerous works on the subject, works which have been published all over the world and which provide diverse physiopathologic interpretations, would provide a comprehensive study meeting a real need. Algodystrophy, to adopt the term used by the authors, merits rheumatolog ists' careful attention. It is indeed a frequent condition and, as is now well known, occurs in the most varied etiologic circumstances; it is not solely posttraumatic, a notion on which diagnosis had long been based. This variable etiology suggests the complexity of algodystrophy's pathogenic mechanism.

Combining theoretical and practical aspects of pain, from basic scientific concepts to specific strategies of therapeutic management, this book serves as a guide to current concepts of pain and should appeal to both clinicians and researchers.

Cher developed RSD / CRPS and is NOW PAIN - FREE!RSD, A CURE for ME tells the story of Cher's personal injury and how she healed herself, when others couldn't!She DISCOVERED HER OWN WAY OUT OF THE PAIN . . . AFTER 6 YEARS OF DAILY SUFFERING!(For those who don't know: )The pain of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) / Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)ranks 42 out of a possible 50 on the world-wide-pain-determining-evaluator: The McGill Pain Index.Doctor, after doctor, recommended Cher "Learn to live with the pain." But, this patient searched almost every day of those six years and DISCOVERED HOW TO HEAL HERSELF!Take a look and see her journey into wellness, in spite of all odds.Explore for yourself, her explanations about "HOW" and "WHY" she and other people develop RSD/CRPS.She also shares the struggles and stories of a child and other women and men who contracted this dis-ease. Read about all their trials using various medications, procedures, and aids. Far too many patients are improperly diagnosed, and others are given the wrong medications to help them! Cher addresses another big problem of RSD/CRPS patients: How To Stay an ACTIVE MEMBER OF LIFE, while trying to heal. She tells about her hits and misses and ways she overcame her despair and depression.She fought every day to WIN HER BATTLE AGAINST RSD/CRPS -- and SHE DID!

Pain Syndromes in Neurology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of painful conditions associated with dysfunction of the peripheral or central nervous system. It discusses advances in three areas: first, the normal anatomy and physiology of pain; second, the pathophysiology of damaged sensory neurons; and third, the diagnosis and treatment of patients with neuropathic pain. The book begins with a discussion of neural mechanisms relevant to pain perception along with a brief review of neuropathic pain. This is followed by separate chapters on hyperalgesia following cutaneous injury; the importance of peripheral processes in the etiology of neuropathic and radiculopathic pain; and mechanisms by which sympathetic efferent fibers contribute to the occurrence of pain. Subsequent chapters cover the diagnosis and treatment of reflex sympathetic dystrophy; pain in generalized neuropathies; surgical treatment of pain; clinical features and management of postherpetic neuralgia; diagnosis of cancer pain syndromes; and drugs in the management of chronic pain.

"Power Through Pain is a moving, inspiring memoir of Elizabeth Elster and her family's three and a half year struggle to find a solution to Elizabeth's intense daily pain. Eventually, after seeing twenty physicians, ingesting countless medications, and enduring many invasive medical procedures, the Elster family's search ends in success. Too often, individuals in chronic pain become isolated and embittered. This is a wonderful account of an individual's courage, determination and hope that will help other families struggling with rare chronic illnesses weave a path through a fragmented medical system that treats symptoms yet rarely heals." James W. Broatch, MSW, Executive Director, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association

Complex regional pain syndrome is a medically and economically significant condition that is disproportionate to the inciting event. Until now, it has been difficult to make the diagnosis, but this volume presents validated diagnostic criteria for the condition. Treatment for the condition has been hampered by the lack of good clinical evidence. This volume summarizes all reported treatments and evaluates the scientific evidence for each. A treatment algorithm is presented. This is a text that will be invaluable for the clinician, and for all those who address the issues of CRPS in the medical, rehabilitation, public health, or medicolegal fields.