Constant pain often severe that becomes widespread beyond the initial area of injury or pain. Often burning, aching, sensitivity to light touch and gentle movement. Difficulty sleeping, poor response to traditional treatments of medication, PT, rest. Cortisone injection may give some partial, temporary relief.
Although the initial problem may have been joint/ligament/tendon, this pain is caused by nerve irritation and amplification from the central nervous system.
Treatments are directed at the nerves and nervous system including sympathetic ganglion blocks, nerve calming injections with dextrose, and desensitization treatment with physical therapy.
At the Center for Manual Medicine, we use nerve calming injections, also called Neuroprolotherapy, which can give significant relief within minutes. If response is good, these can be repeated until prolonged relief is obtained.