ABSTRACT
The sympathetic system is stimulated by cold. This stimulation results in aggravation and exaggeration of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). Moist heat does the opposite. The application of massage is both preventive and curative in the management of trigger point (TP). In patients suffering from RSD due to nerve root injuries, traction is an effective mode of therapy. Gentle traction relaxes the paraspinal muscles, provides proper proprioception, and counteracts aggravation of RSD. Hydrotherapy plays a major role in helping the patient with physiotherapy mobilization as well as removal of rogue oxygen, substance P, and other painful chemicals at the trigger point area and at the area of nerve damage. TP injection is the treatment of choice for problems of referred pain secondary to inactivity and other causes of RSD. Infrequently the TP may be hot rather than cold on thermography. The principle of a diet for RSD, chronic pain, or headache is a diet rich in tryptophan and low in tyrosine.
