auto injury doctor in Spring Hill

Whiplash Effects Can Be Delayed: 5 Things You Must Do

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It’s quite easy to miss the effects of whiplash when the symptoms are pretty common, such as headache or neck pain, and can also happen when the body is tired or overworked. However, for someone who has been through a serious accident, a delay in detecting the signs and symptoms of whiplash may have serious consequences. Here are five things you must do: 

1. Consult an auto injury doctor in Spring Hill and get a proper diagnosis.

If your neck pain doesn’t go away a few weeks after a traumatic injury and it is starting to affect your range of motion, then you have a very good reason to visit our doctor and get a proper diagnosis. Don’t ignore the symptoms even if it’s delayed, since untreated whiplash may have lifelong effects.

You’ll need to undergo a series of tests so that our experts in pain management in Spring Hill can determine how to help you control the pain and restore your neck’s normal range of motion so you could go back to your regular activities. 

2. Do neck and head exercises to ease the pain.

Depending on the findings, your pain management, Spring Hill doctor might also advise you to do stretches and light exercises that will help with the restoration of your neck’s range of motion. Some common exercises you can do include:

  • Rotating your neck from side to side
  • Tilting your neck
  • Moving your neck forward and backward
  • Rolling your shoulders

Try turning these exercises into a routine to be done four times a day. However, it might be better to seek the help of a physical therapist as well, so that you can take full advantage of a good rehabilitation program as well as nerve stimulation tools that therapists use to help improve the strength of your muscles. 

auto injury doctor in Spring Hill

3. Use foam collars.

Foam collars help stabilize the neck. According to a study in the Asian Spine Journal, using rigid collars could help immobilize the neck, hence soft foam collars are more recommended. You may use this for 72 hours at most because extending its use may also affect muscle strength and recovery. 

4. Apply a warm or cold compress. 

Another pain management method you may try is to apply a warm or cold compress on your neck every few hours. The duration of the compress method is for about 15 to 20 minutes, or as advised by your doctor. 

5. Avoid strenuous activities until you’re completely healed. 

If you’re into heavy sports or you do a lot of lifting at work, it’s best to set this aside while you’re still experiencing pain. The stiffness could worsen and delay your neck’s healing. If you are feeling tired from the day’s routines, it’s also advisable to rest and let your body recover. Pushing yourself too hard could also impact your recovery from whiplash injuries.

Where to find the best auto injury doctor in Spring Hill

If you’ve been injured and experienced pain after a car collision, visit our auto injury doctor in Spring Hill, where you will receive comprehensive and professional medical care. We provide the highest quality of service to all of our patients suffering from multiple conditions by properly diagnosing injuries and then creating treatment solutions that are customized to meet your needs.

Please keep in mind that, if you have life-threatening injuries, you should seek medical attention in the emergency room right away.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about our clinic, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Pain Management & Spine Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Eyad Alsabbagh, is a fellowship-trained Interventional Pain Medicine pain doctor. He is trained and educated to provide the highest quality of service to patients suffering from multiple conditions, varying from narcotic addiction to back pain. He utilizes state-of-the-art technology at his pain management clinic.

Dr. Alsabbagh of Advanced Pain Management, Gainesville Fl Clinic understands that pain is a very personal experience. This is why he evaluates each patient’s individual needs and determines what sort of treatment will be most beneficial for that particular person because his goal is to help you ensure a fuller, pain-free life.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

Fibromyalgia Complications Patients Should be Wary Of

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Coping with the symptoms of fibromyalgia can be a struggle for some patients. Aside from having to live with pain and discomfort, those who have this condition are also at risk of developing certain complications.

According to our pain management doctor in Spring Hill, fibromyalgia patients tend to feel more pain and muscle aches than normal. While this is not a progressive disease, the fact that there is no cure makes this illness more complicated.

Here are some fibromyalgia complications you should be wary of:

1. Increased Risk of Rheumatic Conditions 

Fibromyalgia patients are at risk of developing rheumatic conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They often experience joint pain and stiffness, leg muscle weakness, muscle spasms, or inflammation of the limbs, hands or feet.  

As a result, patients with fibromyalgia may lose their ability to walk faster or their capacity to maintain balance while standing as their gait changes, according to a study published in Frontiers in Human Science. They may also have difficulty moving about due to pain and stiffness.

2. More Hospitalization 

Some 32 percent of fibromyalgia patients have had multiple hospitalizations in a year while 72.6 percent had to see their doctor frequently, according to the National Health Interview Survey. This is because fibromyalgia can bring about related diseases, aside from rheumatic conditions: 

  • Sleep problems
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Widespread pain and stiffness 
  • Digestive problems like bloating, abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome
  • Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ)

To prevent numerous hospital visits, our pain management doctor in Spring Hill recommends physical activity and moderate exercises like walking or swimming. It might also help to enlist the help of a physical therapist for a specialized program designed, not only for better mobility but also to teach the patient self-management mechanisms.

3. Depression

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 20 percent of patients dealing with this chronic condition develop depression. Experts say that the stress of dealing with fibromyalgia can lead to social isolation and withdrawal. Since fibromyalgia can also interfere with activities, it can cause great change in a person’s lifestyle. It can make a patient feel even worse, angry, distracted, and irritable.

People suffering from this condition may also have a lower quality of life compared to other individuals with chronic health problems. Their disability can greatly impact their mental health. Doctors for pain management in Spring Hill advise patients to openly discuss their emotional struggles with a professional as severe cases could trigger suicidal thoughts. 

Learn more about pain management in Spring Hill

If you are suffering from fibromyalgia pain, don’t hesitate to consult our pain specialists for pain management techniques that suit your needs.

Pain Management & Spine Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Eyad Alsabbagh, is a fellowship-trained Interventional Pain Medicine pain doctor. He is trained and educated to provide the highest quality of service to patients suffering from multiple conditions, varying from narcotic addiction to back pain. He utilizes state-of-the-art technology at his pain management clinic.

Dr. Alsabbagh of Brooksville Pain Management, Spring Hill Clinic understands that pain is a very personal experience. This is why he evaluates each patient’s individual needs and determines what sort of treatment will be most beneficial for that particular person because his goal is to help you ensure a fuller, pain-free life.

If you have further questions about nerve blocks or anything related to pain management, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment or to contact us.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

PRP for Knee Sprain

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A knee sprain is a musculoskeletal injury where the ligaments that connect the bones in the knees are torn or stretched. This painful condition can also lead to swelling and stiffness of the affected knee. Muscle weakness or spasms may also be present.

According to experts in pain management, Spring Hill, although the knee sprain might not be as serious as a fracture, it can still develop complications over time, especially if the patient doesn’t fully recover. Knee sprains can increase the patient’s risk for medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries, which can affect the knee’s strength and stability.

According to the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, there are about 74,000 MCL injuries recorded annually in the U.S. A large number of these occur among high school athletes who play football, soccer, hockey, and rugby. Some 60 percent of skiing accidents also involve knee sprains. 

Symptoms of Knee Sprain

The most common symptoms of a knee sprain include: 

  • A painful popping of the knee visible and audible to the patient
  • Swelling and bruising in the knee area
  • Pain and tenderness, coupled with limited range of motion and stiffness

The knees might also buckle when the patient tries to walk. To diagnose knee sprain, patients will have to undergo imaging procedures such as X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. Not until the doctor has made a proper diagnosis can the patient undergo treatments and therapy. 

Spring Hill PRP therapy and knee sprain

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a form of regenerative medicine that has been gaining in popularity because of its promising results and advantages over other treatment options. Its efficacy as a treatment for ligament injuries, such as a knee sprain, is going through clinical trials. 

According to the Asian Journal of Sports Medicine, promising trials are showing that PRP can improve the prognosis for knee sprains, especially in the early stages of recovery. If the patient has seen poor improvement in other treatments, then PRP could be a practical solution instead of undergoing an invasive, and perhaps even unnecessary, surgery. 

PRP is more commonly used for sports injuries because athletes need to be back on their feet as soon as possible after recovery. Aside from acute musculoskeletal pain, experts in pain management in Spring Hill also recommend this procedure for chronic and recurring pain that could affect an athlete’s performance or mobility.

What Happens During Spring Hill PRP therapy

During this procedure, the doctor draws a small amount of blood from the patient, which will then be spun in a centrifuge to isolate the platelets and plasma-rich blood components. The concentrated platelet-rich plasma solution is then injected back into the injured knee to facilitate faster healing.

In a study published in the Journal of Knee Surgery, 58 percent of the participants reported that they felt less pain and movement limitations twelve weeks after a series of PRP injections. A follow-up on the patients after a year showed that those who received PRP treatments for knee sprain still had healthy knees.

Learn more about Spring Hill PRP therapy at Pain Management & Spine Care

Pain Management & Spine Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Eyad Alsabbagh, is a fellowship-trained Interventional Pain Medicine pain doctor in Hernando County. He is trained and educated to provide the highest quality of service to patients suffering from multiple conditions, varying from narcotic addiction to back pain. He utilizes state-of-the-art technology at his pain management clinic.

Dr. Alsabbagh of Brooksville Pain Management, Spring Hill Clinic, understands that pain is a very personal experience. This is why he evaluates each patient’s individual needs and determines what treatment will be most beneficial for that particular person because his goal is to help you live a fuller, pain-free life.

If you have further questions about PRP or anything related to pain management, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment or to contact us.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

PRP Spring Hill

5 Essential Advantages of PRP Treatments

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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment is a minimally invasive procedure for treating various conditions. It is most beneficial to patients looking for an effective pain management solution or to recover from an injury.

Studies show that PRP may bring significant relief to patients who suffer from knee osteoarthritis and lateral epicondylitis. PRP is also regarded as a promising therapy for patients with various types of musculoskeletal issues. 

PRP therapy in Spring Hill and Brooksville requires collecting platelets from the patient’s own blood, which will then be prepared in the laboratory for injection to the injured site to facilitate the healing process. 

Here are five essential advantages from getting PRP Treatments in Spring Hill:

1. PRP enables faster healing of the joints and ligaments.

Injured joints and ligaments sometimes take longer to heal and recover compared to other organs and muscles in the body because there is less blood flow in these areas. A PRP treatment can aid in faster healing because of the high concentration of platelets and plasma injected directly into the injured site.

Since the mid-1990s, PRP therapy has been widely adopted in sports medicine. It is not uncommon for some of the most famous athletes in the world to get this treatment as needed. Why? Because PRP helps these pros recover and return to the game faster than the average recovery time frame.

2. PRP treats the root of the problem. 

Traditional pain medications and similar forms of treatment aim to suppress the inflammation and other symptoms of chronic pain or injury. PRP therapy in Brooksville and Spring Hill works differently because the treatment addresses the root of the problem. It strengthens ligaments and repairs damaged muscle tissues, which often results in complete healing and a more stable joint. If the joints are stabilized, then the pain is also successfully reduced for the long term. 

3. PRP is safe with little side effects. 

The risks and side effects linked to PRP therapy are mostly minor and often insignificant, especially if the patient properly complies with the therapy, according to a study in the International Journal of Trichology. In most cases, the only irritation is the bruising that follows the injection. PRP doesn’t bring ill-effects to the kidneys the way pain medications do, especially when it’s prescribed for long-term use. Also, unlike cortisone treatments, PRP injections do not make the skin or tendon thin out and rupture. 

PRP Spring Hill

4. PRP works well alongside other treatments. 

The benefits of procedures like physiotherapy or acupuncture can be enhanced with regular PRP in Spring Hill or Brooksville. When done at least once a month, the patient should have a few days of rest before proceeding with physiotherapy or acupuncture sessions to improve healing.

5. PRP is an affordable alternative to surgery

Some musculoskeletal injuries to the tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints can benefit from surgery to facilitate healing. However, some surgical procedures are costly when compared to PRP therapy. Aside from being less invasive, PRP in Spring Hill and Brooksville is also affordable and allows patients to continue their daily activities immediately after treatment, while surgery requires several days before patients are allowed to return to their routines.

Learn more about Dr. Alsabbagh and PRP therapy in Brooksville and Spring Hill

Pain Management & Spine Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Eyad Alsabbagh, is a fellowship-trained Interventional Pain Medicine pain doctor in Hernando County. He is trained and educated to provide the highest quality of service to patients suffering from multiple conditions, varying from narcotic addiction to back pain. He utilizes state-of-the-art technology at his pain management clinic.

Dr. Alsabbagh of Brooksville Pain Management, Spring Hill Clinic, understands that pain is a very personal experience. This is why he evaluates each patient’s individual needs and determines what treatment will be most beneficial for that particular person, because our goal is to help you live a fuller, pain-free life.

If you have further questions about PRP or anything related to pain management, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment or to contact us.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

pain management spring hill

Common Causes of Knee Pain in Older Adults

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Hearing older adults complain about knee pain is nothing new. In fact, people nowadays seem to expect knee problems to develop as they age. However, our experts in pain management in Spring Hill remind patients that suffering from knee pain is detrimental to the overall well-being of a person. After all, the knees are crucial in mobility and physical independence.

A study published in a Rheumatology journal has revealed that approximately 50% of older adults who are 50 years and older suffer from knee pain. This figure accounts for both acute knee pain, which lasts for less than 3 months, and chronic knee pain, which lasts for 3 months and longer. Patients with knee pain are also at risk of suffering from fall-related injuries.

Getting to know the knees

The knees are not only the largest joints in the body; they are also the ones that bear the most weight and stress. Complex webs of bones, ligaments, muscles, cartilage, and tendons make up the knees. An injury to any of these structures may lead to knee irritation and pain.

3 Common Causes of Knee Pain in Older Adults

As we age, the integrity of our musculoskeletal organs gradually diminishes. Aside from acute disorders caused by injuries, years of wear and tear may result in chronic musculoskeletal disorders that can lead to pain and disability if not managed properly.

To raise awareness, our pain doctor in Spring Hill has outlined the following common causes of knee pain in older adults:

Prepatellar bursitis

Bursitis refers to the inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that lubricates and decreases friction between joints. Prepatellar bursitis, or bursitis of the kneecap, results from the build-up of pressure during prolonged kneeling. The pain associated with prepatellar bursitis is felt during physical activity that involves the knee. Tenderness and swelling are also evident around the kneecap.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting 27 million Americans, and the most prevalent cause of knee pain in older adults. It is a chronic musculoskeletal condition that is characterized by knee pain, tenderness, and joint stiffness. Osteoarthritis develops as a result of chronic degeneration of the cartilage that acts as a cushion between the joints, making the bone ends rub against each other.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Also known as jumper’s knee or runner’s knee, this condition leads to pain around the kneecap and joint stiffness that can limit a patient’s ability to perform daily activities. An overuse injury is the usual cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome.

If you are suffering from knee pain, or if you know someone who does, don’t just suffer through it and wait for the pain to go away. Consult our pain doctor in Spring Hill for the best course of treatment.

pain management spring hill

Manage knee pain with the help of experts in pain management in Spring Hill

Pain Management & Spine Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Eyad Alsabbagh, is a fellowship-trained Interventional Pain Medicine pain doctor in Hernando County. He is trained and educated to provide the highest quality of service to patients suffering from multiple conditions, varying from narcotic addiction to back pain. He utilizes state-of-the-art technology at his pain management clinic.

Dr. Alsabbagh of Brooksville Pain Management, Spring Hill Clinic understands that pain is a very personal experience. This is why he evaluates each patient’s individual needs and determines what sort of treatment will be most beneficial for that particular person. Our goal is to help you ensure a fuller, pain-free life.

If you have further questions about nerve blocks or anything related to pain management, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment or to contact us.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

Spring Hill PRP therapy

Science-Backed Home Remedies to Relieve Osteoarthritis Pain

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Do you suffer from osteoarthritis pain? The discomfort and inconveniences of this disease are no laughing matter and while you might already have a treatment plan in place with your doctor’s recommendations, doing home remedies can help you manage the pain better.

Our pain doctor in Spring Hill recommends the following science-backed home remedies that could help you manage osteoarthritis pain.

1. Use a hot and cold compress

Applying a warm compress two or three times a day for 20 to 30 minutes at a time will help loosen stiff muscles and make osteoarthritic pain more bearable, according to Michigan Medicine. You may also try a hot shower or an electric heating pad set on medium or high to help with the stiffness.

You can alternate warm compress with a cold compress or ice massage if your osteoarthritic pain is accompanied by inflammation or joint swelling. Just be sure to never apply the hot or cold compress directly on your skin to prevent burns or scalds. Simply wrapping it with a towel can do the trick.

2. Take an Epsom salt bath

Epsom salt packs are readily available at drugstores and it’s quite effective against aches, stiffness, and fatigue according to the Arthritis Foundation. Ancient people used Epsom salt baths for various kinds of musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritic pain.

Put at least 2 cups of Epsom salt in your bath water with a temperature of 102°F (38°C). Soak in for 30 minutes. 

3. Add green tea drinking to your daily diet.

Green tea contains significant amounts of polyphenol antioxidants. These are not only anti-inflammatory but were also been proven to reduce damage to cartilage, according to a study in Arthritis Research and Therapy. Make it a habit to drink at least three to five cups of green tea daily to fully reap the health benefits to your body.

4. Go swimming. 

Believe it or not, swimming is actually an ideal form of exercise for people suffering from osteoarthritis pain. If you think you’re too achy to exercise, this may help relieve pressure from your joints. Swimming for 45 minutes three days a week is a good routine, according to a study in the Journal of Rheumatology. 

5. Try some turmeric.

This yellow spice commonly used for curry dishes (and some mustard concoctions) is a powerful natural remedy against pain and swelling because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties.

You can enjoy turmeric even if you’re not having curry dishes all day. Sprinkle at least 1/2 teaspoon of this spice in your vegetables or you can prepare a turmeric tea three times a day by grating and boiling dried turmeric root to drink with lemon and honey.

Learn More About Osteoarthritis Pain Relief From Our Pain Doctor in Spring Hill

Pain Management & Spine Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Eyad Alsabbagh, is a fellowship-trained Interventional Pain Medicine pain doctor in Hernando County. He is trained and educated to provide the highest quality of service to patients suffering from multiple conditions, varying from narcotic addiction to back pain. He utilizes state-of-the-art technology at his pain management clinic.

Dr. Alsabbagh of Brooksville Pain Management, Spring Hill Clinic understands that pain is a very personal experience. This is why he evaluates each patient’s individual needs and determines what sort of treatment will be most beneficial for that particular person. Our goal is to help you ensure a fuller, pain-free life.

If you have further questions about nerve blocks or anything related to pain management, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment or to contact us.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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November is the time to be thankful, a time to remember and to embrace those who enrich our lives.
Wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!

detox Spring Hill

Common Withdrawal Symptoms During Drug Detoxification

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Experiencing withdrawal symptoms during a drug detoxification process is common and it happens when a patient is trying to cut back on their substance dependency. The symptoms might be mild or severe depending on many factors, including the person’s physical and psychological health, the type of drugs they were addicted to, and how long they were using them for.

Experts from Brooksville Pain Management and Detox Clinic in Spring Hill say that patients who are trying to regain their body and mind’s normal functionality, by doing away with drugs, may experience a range of common withdrawal symptoms. These include:

1. Cravings

Cravings and seeking drugs happen because the brain has gotten used to the quick and easy relief delivered by the illegal substance. This is how the patient got addicted in the first place, because the drugs make them feel better and take their mind off their problems.

The use of cocaine, for example, alters the brain’s neurological connections, causing a deficiency to trigger a craving during the detoxification phase, according to the experts at John Hopkins Medicine. The intensity of the cravings varies from day to day, so patients needs to work hard to ignore the cravings long term to successfully keep off drugs. 

Our specialists at our Detox Clinic in Spring Hill help patients deal with cravings through scientifically proven methods. Some distractions and relaxation techniques to manage cravings include meditation, exercises, keeping busy or engaging in creative activities. 

2. Mood Swings and Sleep Problems

Changes in the patient’s mood, as well as sleep problems like insomnia, are normal and common during the drug detoxification phase. This back and forth between happy or sad, as well as this inability to gain quality sleep, might be emotionally exhausting.

According to the Drug Rehab Organization, mood swings and sleep problems may be managed through proper nutrition and staying busy with a routine, aside from getting professional help. Withdrawal symptoms can linger for weeks, that’s why it is imperative for the patient to never to attempt this detoxification unsupervised.

Experts in drug detox in Spring Hill devise an individualized plan for each patient, in order to help them cope with the symptoms. Patients are usually reminded that quitting the drug habit can lead to a better life.

3. Diarrhea and Stomach Pain

Patients withdrawing from opiates and other forms of drugs may develop mild to severe diarrhea as their body adjusts and re-learns to function normally. But this may put them at risk for dehydration, hence it’s important that patients watch their water intake during the detoxification. 

If necessary, patients might have to take rehydration fluid instead of plain water to replenish lost nutrients and electrolytes, which the body needs to recover.

detox Spring Hill

Where to find the best program for drug detox in Spring Hill?

Our specialists in addiction and detox in Spring Hill, not only diagnose your problem properly, but get to the root cause, explore your medical history, and select the best methods to help you. In our clinic, you will find the best medical specialists in the area of addiction.

Our goal is to meet the needs of each individual, as we know every patient brings their own unique issues into treatment. We believe that treatment has to be adjusted to the patient’s particular situation. We offer multiple care and assistance options to help patients succeed at every stage of the recovery process. With help from our doctors, our patients will get back on their feet in no time.

Dr. Eyad Alsabbagh, our Interventional Pain Management Physician, is experienced in the field of pain management and addiction. He can help you get the medical treatment that you need. For inquiries, Contact Us.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

Spring Hill pain management

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy: Everything You Need to Know

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Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is also known as one type of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). This condition happens when a patient experiences lasting and recurring pain in the limbs following a medical condition, like a stroke or a heart attack, or after an injury. 

In most cases, RSD is considered a Type 1 CRSP. This means that the pain felt by the patient isn’t likely to be caused by nerve damage, hence it may be easily treated with continued therapy. 

Symptoms of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Type 1 CRSP is manifested by limb pain that could last for more than three months. Among its most common symptoms are burning pain, sensitivity to touch, swelling, some redness and warmth in the injured area, and stiffness. 

Spring Hill pain management

However, there are also less common symptoms of reflex sympathetic dystrophy, such as:

  • Sensitivity to heat or cold
  • Redness or paleness of the skin with a mildly bluish skin tone
  • Muscle weakness
  • Heavy sweating in the affected area
  • Skin changes in the affected area
  • Changes in the condition of the nails and hair

According to our pain management doctor in Spring Hill, the symptoms may start out mild but can eventually begin to interfewith your daily activities. Other than the physical effects of this condition, the patient may also experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Cause of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the cause of reflex sympathetic dystrophy is unclear. However, 90 percent of cases are linked to a history of injury or trauma in the body, such as sprains, fractures, burns, limb immobilization, surgery and procedures that require needles.  

Triggers of the pain are different per patient as well. It could be dependent on the patient’s immune system, hence RSD may be more intense in people with autoimmune conditions like asthma.

Some patients also experience more pain in dilation or constriction of their blood vessels. It is the body’s sympathetic nervous system that regulates the blood flow. When a person is injured, the sympathetic nervous system signals the constriction of blood vessels to prevent blood loss. When the body is in recovery, the sympathetic nervous system then signals the blood vessels to open wider to aid in the healing. But these signals may be mixed and confusing for someone experiencing RSD.

Treating Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

There are various medical interventions for RSD but a patient diagnosed with the condition must have a consistent treatment program to curtail the risks of complications. Some of these interventions include:  

  • spinal cord stimulation
  • peripheral nerve block injections
  • physical therapy
  • medications like opioids, antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, over-the-counter pain relief

Experts in our Spring Hill pain management clinic emphasize that treatment outcomes are highly favorable if the patient has early intervention and consistent rehabilitation. In some cases, reflex sympathetic dystrophy may be more challenging to manage or treat because it has not been detected or diagnosed earlier. 

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent RSD especially when the injuries or medical conditions are the result of an accident. If a patient has had a stroke, heart attack or injury, mobilization is imperative during recovery to prevent RSD.

Suspecting an RSD? Consult our pain management doctor in Spring Hill

Pain Management & Spine Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Eyad Alsabbagh, is a fellowship-trained Interventional Pain Medicine pain doctor in Hernando County. He is trained and educated to provide the highest quality of service to patients suffering from multiple conditions, varying from narcotics addiction to back pain. He utilizes state-of-the-art technology at his pain management clinic in Brooksville.

Dr. Alsabbagh of Spring Hill pain management clinic understands that pain is a very personal experience. This is why he evaluates each patient’s individual needs and determines what sort of treatment will be most beneficial for that particular person. Our goal is to help you ensure a fuller, pain-free life.

If you have further questions about nerve blocks or anything related to pain management, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment or to contact us.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.