RSD or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome CRPS
A worker may experience chronic burning pain that gets worse, skin color changes, temperature changes, and increased skin sensitivity, even after the initial injury has healed. Such symptoms may describe a nerve disorder known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy or complex regional pain syndrome. It is an incurable condition and extremely painful. Some doctors do not know how to diagnose it and it is a somewhat controversial pain condition because it is difficult to diagnose. Many times, insurers will think that injured workers are “faking” their symptoms and they will deny the claim.
People diagnosed with this condition have nerves that misfire and send frequent pain signals to the brain. The condition can lead to a limited range of motion, permanent impairment, and usually permanent disability. While there is no cure for RSD or CRPS, there are medical breakthroughs occurring, and many injured people with RSD or CRPS get significant pain relief with spinal cord stimulators. SCS requires surgery to implant them in your spine and as you can imagine, they are very expensive. Insurance companies are reluctant to pay for them and you may need the assistance of our firm to help you obtain the medical care that you deserve.
Our firm is very experienced with handling RSD and CRPS claims and knows most of the doctors who specialize in this condition. An orthopedic surgeon is not the appropriate doctor to treat RSD or CRPS. Usually, a pain management doctor is needed to diagnose and treat this condition.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with reflex sympathetic dystrophy or complex regional pain syndrome, it’s time to seek the guidance of a Georgia workers’ compensation lawyer from Parsons Law Group You can speak directly to Michael at our offices in Atlanta and Savannah. We offer personal service and all calls are returned within 24 hours.
With 25 years of experience and offices in Atlanta and Savannah, we have helped Atlanta-area workers coping with chronic pain and RSD/CRPS secure the full benefits and settlements they deserve.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Rights After RSD/CRPS Diagnosis
CRPS may develop as a result of a sprain or fall at work. A characteristic of the disorder is that the pain is more severe than is typical for the injury that has occurred. According to the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association, people with CRPS report seeing an average of five doctors before being correctly diagnosed. The disorder is more common in women than men. There are several Budapest criteria doctors use to correctly diagnose RSD or CRPS. The most common are temperature changes in this skin and nail discoloration as well as extreme sensitivity to touch and swelling.
There are two types of complex regional pain syndrome:
- CRPS Type I — This type of CRPS is also referred to as reflex sympathetic dystrophy or RSD. The nerve damage causes burning pain, along with tissue swelling, sweating, and changes in blood circulation. The condition may develop when an injury to the nerves or soft tissues goes untreated, causing chronic pain and making it difficult to remain employed.
- CRPS Type II—Type II CRPS involves damage to a distinct major nerve. The condition also is known as Causalgia.
Contact Our Atlanta and Savannah Attorneys Today
Coping with chronic pain and obtaining workers’ compensation coverage can be frustrating, particularly if your doctor cannot pinpoint a cause for your pain. You may need to see a medical specialist. You’ll want the assistance of an attorney who has handled many RSD/CRPS cases and is experienced at working with workers’ compensation insurance companies to get you the treatment you need.
If you had a work-related injury and have been diagnosed with RSD or CRPS contact the attorneys at Parsons Law Group. We represent injured workers in all types of workers’ compensation cases.