Understanding Reflexive Sympathetic Dystrophy and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy), which is known more recently as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), impacts tens of millions in America and manifests with symptoms that appear out of proportion to a given injury. It typically occurs after a fracture of an extremity, operative procedures, or even trivial events. It results in malfunction of the sympathetic nervous system. Patients report fierce burning pain and hyperesthesia (to both tactile and thermal stimuli), swelling, and discoloration of skin that are not only cosmetic in nature but renders simple tasks such as putting on clothes and gentle touch extremely difficult.
Perhaps the most difficult part of the CRPS puzzle is that conventional medicine often does not work. Pain management therapies, including medication, interventional methods such as nerve blocks, and even surgery often only achieve ineffective relief and fail to treat the underlying dysfunction which is of neurological nature. This is where my specialized approach at Specific Chiropractic takes center stage in remedying the issue for the patient.
The Gonstead Difference: Precision Spinal Correction for Healing the Neurological System
In contrast to treatment approaches employing the Gonstead System of Chiropractic that I focus on CRPS and RSD through, I employ a more focused approach on diagnosis and treatment. Gonstead System is one of the most precise and scientific systems of spinal analysis and correction which has made it one of the most adaptive systems. Unlike general chiropractic techniques that apply broad adjustments, Gonstead methodology allows me to identify and correct specific vertebral subluxations which hinder normal physiologic functions of the nervous system.
Sympathetic nervous system function is critical to CRPS patients in relation to their spinal health. Misaligned vertebrae may irritate or compress nerve roots which disrupt the balance of the autonomic nervous system. This disruption can worsen the hypersensitivity and inflammation associated with CRPS.
I determine which vertebrae are subluxated and the directional correction force needed through detailed x-ray analysis, precise palpation, and when appropriate, thermal imaging. This attention to detail guarantees the patient's adjustments are comfortable and effective even when exacerbated by heightened sensitivity to pain.
Benefits of Specialized CRPS Treatment at Specific Chiropractic
Reduced Nervous System Hypersensitivity
Patients noted reduced sensitivity to touch and temperature within weeks of treatment through targeted spinal corrections that normalize nerve firing patterns.
Enhanced Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage
Enhanced blood flow and lymphatic circulation help reduce swelling and discoloration when proper spinal alignment is restored in CRPS-affected limbs. Enhanced circulation also reduces inflammation and supports healing.
Improved Quality of Sleep
The complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) causes pain that disrupts one's sleep, leading to a vicious cycle of poor sleep and increased pain sensitivity. My treatments normalize nervous system function, which improves sleep quality and pain management.
Lower Reliance on Prescription Pain Medicines
It is not my practice to suggest patients stop taking medications without consulting their physician first, however, many patients undergoing chiropractic care report an improvement in nervous system function accompanied by a reduced reliance on prescription pain medicines.
Restored Function and Mobility
Addressing the neurological factors associated with CRPS enables patients to regain their lost range of motion and perform daily activities that had been too painful to attempt.
My Holistic Treatment Process and Philosophy
Initial Comprehensive Evaluation
The journey begins with a thorough consultation where I assess your complete medical history including the onset and progression of the CRPS symptoms, treatments attempted, and current activities you are able to do functionally. The more detailed you are during this assessment, the better I understand your condition and tailor your treatment plan.
Advanced Diagnostic Analysis
Through the Gonstead System's rigorous diagnostic protocols, I perform a complete spinal examination including orthopedic and neurological testing, detailed palpation to detect inflammation and restriction, as well as postural and gait analysis. As part of the examination, X-rays can be recommended to assess the degree of spinal structural distortion and to detect specific subluxations that may be exacerbating the patient's condition.
Specific Gonstead Adjustments
With the evaluation results, I perform spinal corrections with Gonstead techniques which I consider most appropriate for the patient's condition and needs. These corrections are made on segments of the spine that are noted to be subluxated and which, if left uncorrected, will impact the proper functioning of the nervous system. The adjustments will always be delivered in the Gonstead manner which will guarantee the correct direction and amount of force is used, thus making them suitable and gentle even for patients with complex regional pain syndrome.
Lifestyle and Exercise Modifications
In addition to spinal adjustments, I offer multidisciplinary advice concerning health-promoting behaviors which facilitate the recovery of the nervous system and help with the restoration of homeostasis. These include dedicated exercises to increase blood circulation and support the spinal column, dietary therapies aimed at controlling systemic inflammation, psychosocial measures tackling the overdrive of the sympathetic tone, as well as ergonomic adjustments relevant to work and daily life.
Ongoing Progress Monitoring
Your treatment response is continuously evaluated and protocols are modified as necessary to achieve optimal results. Frequent re-evaluations provide the assessment of dynamics of change in pain, functionality, and life's quality.
Investment in Your Recovery
Knowing the financial details of your care provides insight into how to budget for your treatment journey. For instance, in your case of CRPS, a preliminary assessment that combines a thorough examination and diagnostic analysis fetches $300. In developing an effective treatment plan, having adequate information like in your case of CRPS is prudent.
Comprehensive examination and diagnostic analysis including detailed health history, spinal examination, and treatment plan development.
Treatment sessions vary based on complexity of care required and specific treatments provided. Most patients start with frequent visits that gradually decrease.
More importantly, I do not accept insurance coverage. For this reason, my focus is on patient care quality as opposed to visit numbers which insurance often limits. It seems that many patients prefer investing in specialized CRPS care rather than using the ongoing cost of conventional pain management approaches when seeking value in their treatment.
Manhattan Areas Served
It is with pride that I serve patients from all over Manhattan seeking my care for Reflexive Sympathetic Dystrophy and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. My office is centrally located in Midtown at 150 E 55th St, which makes coming from:
Upper East Side
Including Central Park East, Lenox Hill, and Yorkville neighborhoods
Midtown East
Consisting of Grand Central, Tudor City, and Turtle Bay
Midtown West
Times Square, Hell's Kitchen, and the Theater District
Lower Manhattan
Financial District, Tribeca, SoHo
Upper West Side
Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle, and Central Park West
I am located on the second floor of the office building which allows ease in public transportation as well as walking distance to many subway lines, which makes it easier for patients throughout Manhattan to receive the specialized care that they need.
Contact Information
Phone
(212) 486-9800
Address
150 E 55th St, 2nd floor
New York, NY 10022
Why Choose Specific Chiropractic For Your CRPS Treatment
Reflexive Sympathetic Dystrophy or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome does not dictate living a life filled with unending agony and unrelenting disability. The unique combination of Gonstead chiropractic method and lifestyle changes that I employ gives patients a chance when traditional medicine fails.
The accuracy associated with the Gonstead System permits me to solve the precise neurological dysfunction which leads to CRPS symptoms, while my holistic method guarantees all elements that may influence your recovery are considered. Difficulties in the patient's day-to-day activities and their overall life experience can be managed effectively with such an approach.