Top
DCH Health System DCH Health System
Follow Us
Top

RSD and Complex Regional Pain Care in Tuscaloosa

Persistent, Severe Pain Deserves Specialized Care

Address: 1050 Ruby Tyler Parkway, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404         
Phone: (205) 759-7246

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, often called RSD, is a complex pain condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. DCH SpineCare Center treats RSD and related chronic pain conditions through individualized care planning and interventional pain services.

What Is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy?

RSD is a chronic pain condition that usually affects an arm, leg, hand, or foot, often after an injury or surgery. Symptoms can include pain, sensitivity, swelling, temperature changes, and difficulty using the affected area.

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Symptoms

  • Burning or intense ongoing pain.
  • Sensitivity to touch or temperature.
  • Swelling or skin color changes.
  • Stiffness, weakness, or reduced movement.
  • Pain that seems more severe than expected after an injury.

What Causes Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), now more commonly known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), often develops after an injury, surgery, fracture, or other trauma. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, researchers believe the condition results from an abnormal response by the nervous system, causing pain signals to continue long after the original injury has begun to heal.

Common situations associated with RSD and CRPS include:

  • Fractures, sprains, or other traumatic injuries.
  • Surgery involving an arm, leg, hand, or foot.
  • Nerve injuries that affect normal pain signaling.
  • Immobilization following an injury or procedure.
  • Inflammatory changes that contribute to ongoing pain and swelling.

Symptoms may persist even after the original injury has healed and can gradually affect movement, strength, and daily function. Because early diagnosis and treatment may help improve outcomes, it is important to seek evaluation if severe pain, swelling, or sensitivity continues beyond the expected healing period. At DCH SpineCare Center, our team provides comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment plans to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Treatments

Care may include detailed evaluation, imaging when useful, interventional pain procedures, neuromodulation in select cases, and rehabilitation-based support tailored to function and symptom control.

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy FAQs

Why is early treatment for CRPS important?

Early evaluation and treatment may help improve symptom management and preserve movement in the affected limb. Prompt care can also help reduce the impact of chronic pain on daily activities and quality of life.

When should I see a pain management specialist for CRPS?

You should seek evaluation if pain, swelling or sensitivity continues after an injury or surgery, especially if symptoms seem unusually severe or interfere with daily activities. A pain management specialist can help determine whether CRPS or another condition may be contributing to your symptoms.

Find Specialized Care for RSD and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Living with RSD or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can be overwhelming, especially when pain persists long after an injury has healed. At DCH SpineCare Center in Tuscaloosa, our team provides comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans designed to address the complex nature of chronic nerve-related pain. Whether you're experiencing ongoing pain, sensitivity, or reduced function, we're here to help you explore treatment options that may improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

If Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is making it harder to stay active and independent, SpineCare Center can help identify options for relief. Call (205) 759-7246 to schedule care

Related Locations