Narcotics and RSD

From:

Chronic Pain: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Prevention and Management

CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida

H. Hooshmand, M.D.

Narcotics and Chronic Pain of RSD

The management of acute vs. chronic pain requires a completely opposite approach. Whereas in severe acute pain the use of narcotics in vital and essential, in chronic pain application of narcotics is contraindicated and dangerous.

Approaches such as the use of Dilaulid as a focal perfusate in the RSD extremity make no sense. Although the narcotic results in immediate relief of pain it is followed by an exaggerated painful withdrawal.

Oral or intramuscular (i.m.) application of narcotics flood the CNS with resultant inhibition of endorphin formation followed by severe pain of withdrawal.

For the purpose of lasting analgesia - in chronic pain of RSD - the CNS should be stimulated to form more endorphins. The use of narcotics results in a marked inhibition and reduction of endorphins. Exercise and proper nutrition stimulate the formation of endorphins.

The chemical treatment of choice for chronic pain of RSD is antidepressants or ACTH, both of which raise the concentration of endorphins in CNS.

The material on the Neurological Associates Pain Management Center Homepage and all it's associated, linked or reference pages is for informational and education purposes. It is not meant to take the place of your physician. Before starting, changing, or stopping any treatments or medicines consult your physician. H. Hooshmand, M.D., Neurological Associates Pain Management Center and Associates will not be held liable for any damage or loss as a result of information provided on this page or associated documentation. Again, this WEB SITE is simply published as an information source and should not be used to treat or make judgments on RSD/CRPS. All associated material on this web site may not be copied, reproduced or quoted without expressed written permission from the owner; Copyright � 1999-2012 H. Hooshmand, M.D.

Please note: This is the official Neurological Associates Pain Management Center Website. We are neither affiliated nor associated with any other website that use our name.