Sympathetic nerve blocks are often recommended as the first line of defense against RSD - a lumbar block would be used for the lower extremity.

I was diagnosed fairly early, but the wrong treatments were recommended by my RI PM doctor. And my RSD spread from my shoulder to my neck and head, then to the hand and feet and legs and face and hips.

Others on this board will surely answer your question as well, with longer and better explanations than mine. But just be careful - if you have RSD it can spread if you don't treat it quickly and properly.

The best of luck to you. Try to find the very best doctor you can in a teaching hospital or well recognized medical center. I wish that I had.

Lyrica is one of many meds that is written for nerve pain. I took it for a while. For some it causes weight gain. I take Topamax because it is better for head pain.

Sandy