New York City & Long Island’s Top Doctors For Reflex Symphatetic Dystrophy

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS), also known as complex regional pain syndrome, is a rare disorder of the sympathetic nervous system that is characterized by chronic, severe pain.*

Board-certified physicians ready and qualified to treat all spine-related conditions are who make up our team at New York Spine Institute. Through diagnosis, they can understand and personalize a treatment plan for every patient in order to provide the highest level of excellence.*

Why Choose New York Spine Institute

Quality Care

Based upon your specific diagnosis, our experienced doctors here at NYSI, are prepared to give you personalized and high quality. All of this is done in order to make sure that you are aware of your proper treatment options

Industry Leaders

Under the supervision of our medical director, Alexandre B. de Moura, M.D. FAAOS, our spine doctors at New York Spine Institute are industry leaders. All are well versed with knowledge pertaining to various neck and spine disorders that make them prepared to provide all of our patients with suitable treatment options.

Multiple Languages

Our professional staff here at NYSI speak a variety of languages in order to better communicate with our patients. The languages they speak are Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German and Russian. Our team is ready and looking forward to help serve the needs of our patients always.

The Founder of NYSI Alexandre B. de Moura, MD, FAAOS

Dr. Alexandre de Moura

Trusted by Patients and Peers

Patients know him for his empathy and confidence. Physicians refer to him for his judgment and results. Dr. de Moura has built his reputation on trust, precision, and outcomes that truly change lives.

Early Inspiration

Dr. de Moura's path began with his father—a pioneering orthopedic surgeon whose legacy deeply shaped his passion for spinal care. From a young age, he witnessed how expert hands and compassionate care could transform lives, setting the foundation for a lifelong mission.

World-Class Training

Dr. de Moura received elite surgical training at some of the nation's top institutions, gaining the technical skill and clinical insight needed to treat the most complex spinal conditions. His background combines academic excellence with hands-on expertise.

Founding NYSI

In 2000, Dr. de Moura founded New York Spine Institute to bring comprehensive, multi-specialty care under one roof. His vision was clear: make world-class spine care accessible, coordinated, and deeply patient-focused.

20+ Years of Experience

With over two decades of specialized practice, Dr. de Moura has performed thousands of procedures and guided countless patients through recovery. His deep experience allows him to deliver not just treatment—but true transformation.

Specialist in Complex Spine Conditions

From scoliosis to spinal deformities and degenerative disorders, Dr. de Moura is known for handling the cases others refer out. He's not just a surgeon—he's a problem solver, often sought out when options feel limited.

Understanding the Causes Of Your Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

The cause of RSD is not known. The condition is thought to be a malfunctioning of the sympathetic nervous system, but some researchers are questioning this. Since RSD most often follows trauma to the extremities, some conditions that can trigger RSD are sprains, fractures, surgery, damage to blood vessels or nerves and certain brain injuries.*

RSDS may occur after trauma, surgery, infection, burns, radiation therapy, and/or paralysis on one side of the body (hemiparesis). In some rare cases, RSDS may develop after a heart attack (myocardial infarct). Disorders of the spine, such as cervical osteoarthritis, have also been associated with RSDS.*

What Our Patients Have To Say Real Patient Testimonials

Dr. Roberts is the BEST and that’s my personal opinion. He is very hands on, compassion and understanding. I highly recommend his services.

—Anna Thomas

I worked with Dr. Macagnau and he was amazing! Extremely friendly and funny to match his knowledge and guidance with my injury. The rest of the staff was no different, I would high...

—Juan Rolon

“If I can help one person and say you’ll make it through this, go to them, they will help you. I would help you to let you see what it is like on the other side of the fence when s...

—Annette

“I was having severe chronic back pain daily. This went on for almost fifteen years. As soon as I met Dr. Macagno I said, “that’s the guy.” I eventually had a spinal fusion L4/5 an...

—Gregg

“My reason for writing to you is to express my appreciation for the concern and encouragement you gave me following my surgery. Your visits to me early in the morning and your care...

—L.B.

“Please accept my sincere gratitude for helping me overcome a very serious back problem that I’d had for many years. You were highly recommended to me, and you certainly lived up t...

—J.B.

“I want to thank you from my heart for all you’ve done for me at such a difficult time in my life. You gave me your time and your confident recommendation, and you even offered to ...

—K.F.

“Dr. Macagno is the Best doctor! Professional and compassionate. Honest and knowledgeable. Worth every star and about 10 more!!!”

—M.C.

“Dr. Alexandre de Moura and New York Spine Institute are absolutely wonderful! I have personally seen the level of personal care and dedication when one of my seriously injured cli...

—A.Z.

Dr.v is a great doctor !!! From day one he has accessed and managed my pain while acknowledging me not only as his patient but as a person as well. Every Dr office should have a...

—Chrissy

—Eleanor Morgan

Treatment Options For Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

The diagnosis of RSDS may be confirmed by a thorough clinical evaluation that includes a complete history of symptoms and a comprehensive physical examination. Other specialized tests (e.g., skin temperature readings, x-rays, thermographic studies, and bone scans) may also suggest the diagnosis.*

Treatment Options For Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Early detection is key in RSD treatment. The earlier you’re able to catch it, the better your treatment will work. Some cases of RSD don’t respond to treatment. RSD doesn’t have a cure, but it’s possible to recover from many of the symptoms.*

There are several stages of RSD with symptoms that include:

Acute (three to six months): burning, flushing, blanching, sweating, swelling, pain, and tenderness. This stage can show early X-ray changes of patchy bone thinning.
Dystrophic (three to six months): early skin changes of shiny, thickened skin and contracture with persistent pain, but diminished swelling and flushing.
Atrophic (may be long-standing): loss of motion and function of the involved hand or foot with contracture (flexed scarring process), and thinning of the fatty layers under the skin. X-ray can show significant osteoporosis.

Treatments for RSD vary. Certain interventions and medications may help relieve and treat symptoms. You may also seek physical therapy and psychotherapy to reduce the effects of RSD. You may find that your condition improves dramatically with treatment, but some people have to learn how to manage their symptoms.

Interventions for RSD include:

spinal cord stimulation
pump implantation
sympathectomy, either chemical or surgical, which destroys some of your
sympathetic nerves
deep brain stimulation
antidepressants
beta-blockers
membrane stabilizers
muscle relaxers
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Another option may be physical therapy. In order to promote blood flow and strengthen necessary muscles, this can be an excellent way to manage symptoms and help patients improve their quality of life.*

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