The insurance companies, apparently, are sticklers for excluding all other possibilities before allowing treatment for RSD. They would allow pain relief, but doctors, apparently, are loathe to prescribe pain relievers because of close governmental oversight. Many doctors, apparently, are not even allowed to write prescriptions for the few drugs that are usually effective for RSD.

Talk to the doc and see if he'll refer you to a pain specialist or anesthesiologist for pain relief in the interim. Doctors advise that this should be considered a last resort because pain relief will not help with the disease itself and can lead to serious side effects like addiction.

Don't take medical advice from me but it's also said that a properly managed pain program is very unlikely to lead to addiction. Talk to the doc but I would suggest not trying to get an Rx. Let him steer you to or from one.

This is a very sensitive area for doctors. Most pain relievers are ineffective. Ultracet or an equivalent works a little for some people and seems to be easier to get. It's addictive and should be treated with respect. Ask the doc.