Lorimer Moseley, David Butler, Thacker and Lauw presenting at World Confederation for Physical Therapists.

I recommend this Pain Management Presentation by Lorimer Moseley, David Butler, Thacker and Lauw at World Confederation for Physical Therapists.

Pain effficacy of analgesics has been shown to be decreasing - research shows.

Dr Nancy Sajben is a Neurologist specializing in complex intractable pain. Her recent post, Painkiller Efficacy in 2010 Less Than in 2000 discusses the Danish research The evidence for pharmacological treatment of neuropathic pain.

Those interested in drug treatment for intractable pain could find this interesting.

More about Free Radicals are possible mediators of mechanisms leading to some of the neurological symptoms of CRPS/RSD.

First suggested by Sudeck in 1942, Dutch researchers' studies supported the theory that oxygen derived free radicals are possibly the mediators of mechanisms leading to some of the neurological symptoms of CRPS. They found

• high oxygen supply with tissue hypoxia in CRPS extremities;
  
• a diminished oxygen availability to the skeletal muscle tissue affected by chronic CRPS;
  
• and several deficiencies in the skeletal muscles of CRPS sufferers.

Studies in Holland have centered around free radical scavengers as treatment for CRPS. There are many ongoing studies with DMSO, NAC in Holland.

At first Sudeck's work was questioned as CRPS was generally thought to have more been generated by an overactive sympathetic nervous system. results of studies by Van der Laan and Goris, "Sudeck's syndrome. Was Sudeck right?" support his theory. This pdf is worth reading by the same authors. Clinical signs and symptoms of acute reflex sympathetic dystrophy in one hind limb of the rat, induced by fusion with a free-radical donor.

This website  P.A.R.C. has great information about Dutch Research.

Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction. Their chief danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system of antioxidants.

Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged. Although there are several enzyme systems within the body that scavenge free radicals, the principle micro nutrient (vitamin) antioxidants are vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Additionally, selenium, a trace metal that is required for proper function of one of the body's antioxidant enzyme systems, is sometimes included in this category. The body cannot manufacture these micro nutrients so they must be supplied in the diet.

Vitamin E : nuts, seeds, vegetable and fish oils, whole grains (esp. wheat germ), fortified cereals, and apricots.

Vitamin C : Ascorbic acid is a water soluble vitamin present in citrus fruits and juices, green peppers, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale, cantaloupe, kiwi, and strawberries.

Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A (retinol) and is present in liver, egg yolk, milk, butter, spinach, carrots, squash, broccoli, yams, tomato, cantaloupe, peaches, and grains. (NOTE: Vitamin A has no antioxidant properties and can be quite toxic when taken in excess.)

Research now shows that we can substantially affect the level of anti-oxidants in our bodies by eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

Google "antioxidants for crps" to learn more.

This is where my eating smart comes into it.

Body in Mind's Luke Parkitny talks about glia cells.

Luke Parkitny is researching some of the factors that play a role in the development of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. His latest post in Body in Mind, TNF-a: the scoundrel that can smile looks at how the nervous and immune systems talk with each other. His post simplifies this Swiss Study.

CRPS UK has more information about the inflammatory bresponse in CRPS.

Richmond Stace is a physiotherapist with a background in pain neuroscience. His website CRPS UK is a great source of valuable information. I posted recently about Luke Parkitny and Richmond has posted this series of research and links CRPS and Inflammation which adds to the accumulating information available about the inflammatory response in CRPS.

Recent research about CRPS/RSD.

Howard Black is a Professor of Medicinal Chemistry who has had Complex Regional Pain Syndrom for 15 years. He has a website which is a Definitive Link Library for RSD/CRPS/Chronic Pain. I subscribe to Howard's Newsletter in which he lists the latest research he has been able to find. Howard's Newsletter Archive is worth a look for those interested in news and research. Links to research do not indicate agreement with or condoning the information. It is offered on an "as is" basis merely reporting what has been published.

New Body In Mind post - factors that play a role in the development of CRPS.

Luke Parkitny is currently looking at whether inflammation differs in those who develop CRPS after wrist fractures.

Call for help from Chronic Pain Australia

Dr Coralie Wales President Chronic Pain Australia  sent me this important message asking for help. I thought I'd pass it on.   National Pain Week 2012 WE NEED YOUR HELP

We are presently planning National Pain Week 2012. We have managed to secure some corporate support however the transfer of those funds to our Chronic Pain Australia purse may take another 3 months. 

This is a call for help.

We need to pay deposits for the major event we are planning in Canberra and secure the expert services of specialised people to help us make National Pain Week the big success that it is going to be. Without immediate funds we risk losing our ground and failing to secure the services we require to make it all happen. If all our supporters could help with a small contribution we can get cracking on the urgent things that need to be done now to create a really successful National Pain Week. If you are able to contribute $5 now, please click on the heart below to go to our online donation page. If $5 is beyond your budget, anything you can manage would be fantastic. Of course all donations over $2 are tax deductible, and if you want to contribute more please do!

When you make your donation please email us and let us know. Tell us if you are happy for us to include you on our sponsors and supporters page for 2012 National Pain Week. Lets show Australia just how strong we are!

To read more about National Pain Week 2012 please click here.

Many thanks and best wishes to you for 2012.

best wishes
Coralie