REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY (RSD)

Three years ago, I was in an automobile accident in which I fractured my ribs, pelvis and a bone in my forearm. Three months after the accident, I began to develop a burning pain in my hand and forearm. This pain eventually spread up to my shoulder. I was later diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). In October 2001, I received pain medication from the UVA Pain center which helped the pain. However, in March 2002, the pain medication stopped working. I received two ganglion block injections at the Pain Center, but these did not help either. In July 2002, I went to see Dr. Matt Miller for acupuncture. At that point my entire arm was in pain. I was unable to use my hand to perform the simplest household chores. I also had some pain in my knee. After my first acupuncture treatment, I felt immediate relief in my fingers. The knee also felt better immediately. For a day after the treatment, my injured hand felt just like the other hand. It was a miracle! The pain came back slowly, but I still felt better for several days. After my second treatment a week later, the hand felt good for 4 days. I was able to move it more easily, though I still did not have a lot of strength in my hand. I continued to improve with each treatment. After just 4 treatments, I was able to make the bed and wash and iron clothes. I was able to cut my pain medications in half. I was also able to start doing exercises that a physical therapist had taught me to get rid of the stiffness in the hand. It has now been 6 months since we finished our weekly acupuncture treatments. I continue to come in for maintenance treatments every few months. I can now drive my car for the first time in 3 years. I only have a little pain in the arm once in a while. I am very grateful to Matt Miller for helping me when the conventional doctors had exhausted all possibilties.

Marie Mosley
Lynchburg, VA

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