The most misunderstood and complex subject in medicine is the hyperpathic pain of sympathetic dystrophy. More common than previously thought, it comprises between 10 and 20 percent of chronic pain patients. Understanding this self-perpetuating pain — which "never stops" — requires unbiased knowledge of physiology and pathology. Chronic Pain: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Prevention, and Management is devoted to the subject of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). The book classifies the different stages of RSD and describes the qualitative and quantitative differences between natural endorphins and synthetic narcotics. Included are long-term follow-ups on sympathectomy patients. This important reference explains why sympathectomy fails, but nerve block and physiotherapy is successful in the treatment of RSD. In addition, the mechanism of development of RSD is clarified through an extensive collection of drawings and anatomical pictures as well. Other topics include thermographic methods for the diagnosis of RSD, the role of ACTH in the management of chronic pain, and comparisons between the effects of ACTH and those of corticosteroids. Features Classifies the different stages of RSD Features the most comprehensive coverage of the literature on RSD and its related aspects Describes qualitative and quantitative differences between natural endorphins and systemic narcotics Examines the role of ACTH in the management of chronic pain Clarifies the mechanism of development of RSD through an extensive collection of drawings and anatomical pictures Explains why sympathectomy fails, but nerve block and physiotherapy is successful in the treatment of RSD