Complex Regional Pain Syndrome | Pain and Spine Specialists

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a condition that causes pain, changes in skin color and texture, and other symptoms in a particular part of the body, often the extremities. Pain from CRPS is often experienced in the arm, leg, hand, or foot.
There is currently no known cause for complex regional pain syndrome. However, it is believed that CRPS originates from a dysfunction in your central or peripheral nervous systems. Your central nervous system is your brain and spinal cord, while your peripheral nervous system relays the information from your brain and spinal cord to your organs, arms, legs, fingers, and toes.
It is believed that the sensitivity to the pain you feel in your extremities can result from the overreaction of the pain signals that your body can't turn off. CRPS can go away on its own and potentially last a short period. However, CRPS symptoms can be long-term (over six months), and symptoms can reoccur.
It's estimated that about 10% to 30% of people who initially experience CPRS experience a recurrence. The cause for the recurrence is unknown. Therefore, seeking early, effective pain management treatment options is essential to improve your CRPS symptoms.
Type 1 complex regional pain syndrome, previously known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), occurs after an illness or injury that didn't directly damage the nerves in the affected limb. Despite this, the pain is significantly disproportionate to the severity of the initial injury. About 90% of people with CRPS have Type 1.
Complex regional pain syndrome type 2, formerly known as causalgia, is less common and occurs after a distinct nerve injury. The nerve injury could be due to a fracture, surgery, or any trauma that directly affects the nerve in the impacted area.
Both types of CRPS are characterized by prolonged or excessive pain and changes in skin color, temperature, or swelling in the affected area. Other common symptoms include changes in skin texture, abnormal sweating, changes in nail and hair growth patterns, stiffness in affected joints, problems coordinating muscle movement, and abnormal movement in the affected limb.
Although the root cause of CRPS remains largely unknown, several preventative measures are recommended to lower your risk of CRPS. For instance, lifestyle factors like smoking and poor management of health conditions such as diabetes can prevent your nerves from healing efficiently.
Meanwhile, taking Vitamin C before surgery or after a wrist fracture is believed to prevent CRPS. Also, early mobilization after a stroke like getting out of bed and walking around can lower your risk of developing CRPS.
Since CRPS is rare, it can be difficult to spot all the signs and symptoms of the condition accurately.
CRPS Stage 1 (1-3 Months After the Initial Onset of CRPS)
-Burning or Aching Pain that Worsens at the Slightest Touch
-Frequent Changes in Skin Temperature
-Changes in Hair and Nail Growth
-Muscle Spasms
-Joint Pain
-Changes in Your Skin's Color or Texture
CRPS Stage 2 (3-6 Months After the Onset of CRPS)
-Pain Worsens
-Nails Become Brittle and Cracked
-Joint Stiffness
-Muscles Weaken
CRPS Stage 3 (6 months After the Onset of CRPS)
-Muscles and Tendons Atrophy
-Contractures of the Affected Area
Often, after the six-month mark of suffering from CRPS symptoms, changes are permanent.
There is no cure for CRPS. Yet, a wide variety of treatment options can help relieve your CRPS symptoms, slow down the progression of the disease, and ultimately help the individual manage their pain better to get back to leading a productive, healthy life. Noninvasive treatment options are often the first course of action to reduce CRPS symptoms.
For advanced care, we utilize state-of-the-art interventional procedures. These procedures include:
-Spinal Cord Stimulation
-Intrathecal Pump
-Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Nerve blocks are injections of local anesthetics or other medications that block pain signals from specific nerves. These treatments can provide temporary relief from CRPS symptoms and may be combined with other therapies for optimal results.
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Wait until you go full body or develop POTS.