Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Pain in a limb—either the arm or leg—without a clear cause is known in the medical field by various names, such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, or causalgia. Most individuals affected by this condition have experienced a prior injury or trauma. CRPS is characterized by ongoing pain in a specific area following an injury, where the intensity of the pain is considered out of proportion to the original damage. In more severe cases, even light touch can trigger extreme pain. Doctors typically arrive at a CRPS diagnosis by ruling out other potential conditions.

Causes

The exact cause of CRPS remains unclear. However, it is believed to involve dysfunction in the sympathetic nervous system, which is part of the autonomic nervous system. Another theory is that CRPS results from a miscommunication between the peripheral nerves (those outside the brain and spinal cord) and the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

There are two recognized types of CRPS:

• Type 1: Symptoms appear after an injury without direct damage to the nerves.
• Type 2: Similar symptoms occur but follow a known and specific nerve injury.

Treatment Options

Management of CRPS typically involves aggressive physical therapy to improve mobility and function in the affected limb. Medication may be prescribed to temporarily reduce pain and discomfort. In some cases, your pain specialist might recommend minimally invasive procedures like nerve blocks. For CRPS in the legs, a lumbar sympathetic block may be used, while a stellate ganglion block is often employed for arm or upper body symptoms. More advanced treatments include spinal cord stimulation or the use of an intrathecal pain pump.

Additional Potential Treatments

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Trigger Point Injections

Diagnostic Consultations