Complex Regional Pain Syndrome | RSD | Minnesota Workers Compensation Attorneys

If you or a loved one suffers from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) as a result of a work injury, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. CRPS/RSD is a disorder of a body region, usually of the  limbs, which is characterized by pain, swelling, limited range of motion, vasomotor instability, skin changes, and patchy bone demineralization. It frequently begins following a fracture, soft tissue injury, or surgery. It is important to understand what Minnesota workers’ compensation will cover for these conditions.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy and Causalgia Definition under Minnesota Workers’ Compensation

Minnesota workers’ compensation law covers CRPS, RSD, Causalgia or other similar conditions as follows:

• any condition diagnosed as complex regional pain syndrome, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, or causalgia;
• any condition of the upper or lower extremity characterized by concurrent presence in the involved extremity of five of the following conditions: edema; local skin color change of red or purple; osteoporosis in underlying bony structures demonstrated by radiograph; local dyshidrosis; local abnormality of skin temperature regulation; reduced passive range of motion in contiguous joints; local alteration of skin texture of smooth or shiny; or typical findings of reflex sympathetic dystrophy on bone scan; or
• any condition of the upper or lower extremity that develops after trauma or nerve injury and is characterized by continuing pain, allodynia, or hyperalgesia that is nonanatomic in distribution and disproportionate to the original injury and to stimulation, and the patient has or has had edema, vasomotor abnormality, or sudomotor abnormality on examination, and there is no other explanation for the degree of pain and dysfunction.

Treatment Options for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and RSD

Doctors and physicians who treat complex regional pain syndrome and RSD may try different treatment options including:

• Anti-inflammatories
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Anticonvulsants such as gabapentin
• Antidepressants
• Lidocaine
• Trigger point injections
• Medial branch blocks
• Nerve blocks
• Epidurals
• Spinal cord stimulator

It is important to treat with a pain management physician who is experienced in management of CRPS. A support group is also available for patients and families through the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association (RSDSA).

Workers’ Compensation is required to provide treatment for RSD and CRPS

Under Minnesota workers’ compensation law an employer is required to furnish medical treatment reasonably required to cure and relieve the effects of a work injury. There are limits to certain types of treatment and it is best to discuss what those are with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.

It is common for workers’ compensation insurance companies to deny treatment and wage loss benefits for these conditions. An injured who has been denied benefits should speak with an experienced Minnesota worker’ compensation attorney.

Contact an RSD/ CRPS Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you are injured as a result of your occupation and suffer from RSD or CRPS, you are entitled to fair representation. It is important to know your rights under workers’ compensation law.  Most Minnesota workers’ compensation attorneys would be happy to discuss with you your options, including potential scenarios in the future and what to look forward to as you move along in the healing process.  It is important to stay empowered and know your rights under the law.  Minnesota workers’ compensation lawyer, Jerry Sisk, offers free no-hassle consultations to allow you an opportunity to be informed so you can make the right choices.

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