Spinal cord stimulator is taking more roles in treating RSD pain. Spinal cord stimulator treats various kind of neuropathic pain, which include RSD.
The stimulator is placed in the epidural space in the spine to treat RSD pain in the arms and legs. The stimulator "blocks" the pain signal and replaces it with tingling sensation.
I have seen patients respond well to the stimulator, where the pain is reduced. It can also improve other sympathetic symptoms such as swelling and discoloration.
I am beginning to use them even in the earlier stage of the RSD, where they placed temporarily to allow physical therapist to aggressively treat RSD. When the RSD improves and the stimulator is no longer needed, the leads can be simply pulled out.
For more information, see www.raceagainstpain.com