Homeopathic Treatment for Reflex Sympathethic Dystrophy: What Are the Options?

Homeopathic Treatment for Reflex Sympathethic Dystrophy: What Are the Options?
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Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is also known as the Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. This chronic and painful condition affects one of the arms, legs, hands, or feet. The symptoms of intense pain in the extremities often worsen over time, normally spreading to affect the entire arm or leg. It may also be accompanied by a sudden change in the color of the skin in the affected area, skin sensitivity, and a burning sensation. The causes of the Reflex Symphathetic Dystrophy are unknown with suspicions of the immune system and the sympathetic nervous system playing roles.

Conventional Treatment

The problem with this condition is that the cause is unknown. Thus, the treatment cannot directly attack the cause of the condition. The usual conventional treatment employed by doctors aims to alleviate the symptoms and pain associated with this chronic condition.

The usual prescriptions to alleviate the pain include antidepressants, topical analgesics, corticosteroids, and opioids. There is no single drug, however, that can provide long-term improvement for the problem. This drives most patients to try homeopathic treatment for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathy is defined as a form of alternative treatment where highly diluted preparations are applied externally. Because the main objective of the treatment of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is the management of pain and symptoms, homeopathic treatments are employed to reduce the pain, inflammation, and other related symptoms.

Pain Management and Homeopathy

Over the last two decades, there remains no significant study that can clearly show the effectiveness of homeopathic treatments in eliminating pain. According to Kleinjnen, there were two major meta-analyses of the clinical effects of homeopathy. The findings indicate that there are positive effects of homeopathy over placebo. The findings were, however, insufficient to generalize that homeopathic treatments are indeed effective against a certain condition. Further studies on the subject will hopefully shed light on the true effects of these homeopathic options of treatment.

Specific Homeopathic Treatments for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

As far as the treatment of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is concerned, it is critical that the appropriate treatment should be employed as soon as possible. The early diagnosis and treatment of the condition can significantly help avoid the advanced stage where disability and pain may be irreversible. In fact, getting help within the first three months of the first appearance of symptoms can spell the difference between complete remission and a life of pain.

The general strategy for the treatment is usually multi-disciplinary. This is where homeopathic treatment may be combined with other holistic forms of treatment or with conventional treatments for optimal effects. Homeopathic treatments can be applied through massage, acupressure and acupuncture. Popular homeopathic herbal remedies include Boswellia, white willow bark, turmeric and astragalus root. These remedies are proven anti-inflammatory agents and can stimulate the immune system.These can also be taken as a nutritional supplement. It is always best to rely on only trusted homeopathic treatment practitioners.

Conclusion

Although not scientifically categorized as a viable treatment for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, homeopathic treatment options may work well for the milder symptoms of the condition during the early stages of the problem. Just like any other alternative forms of treatment, these options should serve as complementary treatments to conventional treatment plans. Furthermore, it is a must that these treatment options be evaluated by the doctor.

References

Balch, J. F., Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC

https://healingchronicpain.org/content/introduction/comp_home.asp

https://mindheal.org/rsd.html

https://ninds.nih.gov/disorders/reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy/reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy.htm