through advanced pain care
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a condition that causes pain in the upper and lower extremities (arms, legs, hands, and feet). Doctors don’t quite know the cause of this condition. Still, most people believe it is usually caused by damage to the peripheral nerves (the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord) and the central nervous system (CNS) (which mainly consists of the nerves in the brain and spinal cord).
According to research, tissue trauma from an injury may stimulate the immune system to release inflammatory chemicals into the affected area. According to other research, the cause may be damage or changes to the nervous system. This malfunction may be caused by tissue damage and increased activity in the central nervous system and sympathetic nervous system (nerves associated with the fight or flight response).
Two types of CRPS
There are two types of CRPS that have very similar symptoms but different causes. Type 1 is called reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). This condition usually occurs after an illness or injury that does not directly damage the nerves in the affected limb. Most people have CRPS type 1; in fact, 90% of people have this type.
Type 2 is called cauterization, which means that CRPS may occur after direct and significant damage to the peripheral nerves. The symptoms of type 2 are very similar to those of type 1, except that the cause and effect relationship is more direct in type 2 than in type 1.
Both are diagnosed by your doctor, who may review your medical history and symptoms and give you a physical exam. You may be asked to have some imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to check for any potential nerve damage. However, even if you do show signs of having CRPS, it’s not always possible to detect the underlying nerve damage.
If you have no signs of nerve damage, your doctor may ask you to detail any recent injuries or surgeries to rule out any other painful conditions. If you have experienced any illness or injury and have symptoms that are the same or similar to CRPS, you may still receive diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of CRPS
The main symptom of CRPS is burning pain. The degree and severity can vary, but most pain is reported to be worse than the pain of the injury or trauma itself. You may also experience swelling of the skin, decreased function of the affected limb, and changes in skin temperature, skin color, and discoloration of the texture. You may also experience insufficient hair or nail growth.
Treatment of CRPS
non-invasive treatment
Even if you have CRPS, it’s important to continue moving and exercising. Moving the affected limb allows you to maintain flexibility and prevent localized muscle loss.
Pain and mental health disorders often go hand in hand. So if you’re chronically low or depressed, depressed, or anxious, talk to your primary care doctor to see if they can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will be able to support your mental health and overall well-being in coping with your condition.
Additionally, focus on things you enjoy doing or spend time with family and friends for support. If your mental health declines, chronic pain may become more severe and unbearable. Both chronic pain and mental health issues can disrupt your sleeping and eating patterns and increase your stress levels, which can lead to increased inflammation in the body and worsen CRPS.
There are several different prescription and over-the-counter medications you can use. These include steroids for inflammation; blood pressure medications; medications that help prevent or slow bone loss and antidepressants.
Invasive treatment
Once you are diagnosed with CRPS, you may receive sympathetic denervation therapy. They can numb the pain in the affected limb. Lumbar sympathetic nerve block involves injecting an anesthetic near the waist to relieve pain in the lower extremities. For your neck or upper body pain, your doctor may prescribe a stellate ganglion blocker, which involves injecting a numbing agent into one side of your neck. These treatments are suitable for early-stage CRPS and only help to move the limbs to relieve pain.
Another effective treatment is spinal cord stimulation (SCS), in which doctors insert tiny electrodes along the spinal cord. SCS has been shown to provide sustained relief from pain caused by inflammation over a period of time and is a more effective treatment than blockers. To make sure it works for you, your doctor will perform a test run before implanting it.
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may have the option of having surgery. Your doctor will sever the affected nerve to prevent painful impulses from reaching the brain. However, this does not apply to people diagnosed with CRPS early. Surgery is recommended only for the most severe cases that have not responded to the other treatments mentioned earlier.
Importantly, if you have persistent, severe pain in a limb that you cannot tolerate touching or moving that limb, you should contact your doctor immediately. When you treat CRPS early, your pain will be more manageable and you can maintain mobility.
