Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treatment

Diagnosis and Effective Treatment for CRPS/RSD

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), affects about 50,000 Americans per year. Seeking help is important, because without proper CRPS/RSD treatment, symptoms can become extremely disabling.

If you’ve been diagnosed with CRPS, we encourage you to contact American Pain Consortium to find out what we can do for you.

Understanding CRPS Type 1 & CRPS Type 2 Conditions

Most doctors and researchers agree that CRPS is related to a “misfiring” nervous system that sends excessive pain signals to the brain.

Two main types exist – CRPS type 1 and CRPS type 2:

• CRPS type 1 causes extreme pain typically following an injury, surgery, or immobilization, but it can develop with no known injury.
• CRPS type 2 (formerly called causalgia) causes extreme pain following a known and direct nerve injury.

Both CRPS type 1 and type 2 are known to cause extreme pain that is much worse and lasts much longer than would be expected. This symptom occurs because the central nervous system “overreacts” and sends pain signals long after the precipitating trigger is resolved.

Recognizing Signs & Symptoms of CRPS/RSD

Chronic pain in one or multiple extremities is the hallmark symptom of CRPS. Other signs and symptoms include:

• Pain from stimuli that don’t normally hurt (allodynia), like the feeling of clothes on your skin
• Red, blue, or white discoloration of the skin
• Swelling
• Muscle weakness, tremors, dystonia (uncontrollable movements), and stiffness
• Increased sweating or asymmetrical sweating
• “Trophic” changes including skin and nail discoloration, altered skin temperature, and altered hair growth
• Temperature sensitivity

Personalized CRPS/RSD Treatment Plans with Our Pain Management Team

Our multidisciplinary team at American Pain Consortium uses evidence-based techniques to provide individualized CRPS/RSD treatment.

We can help reduce your pain and alleviate symptoms through services like:

• Medications and nerve blocks
• Spinal cord stimulators
• Pain-relieving injections
• Intrathecal therapy

Don’t wait to ask for help. Complete the online form or call today to schedule your consultation.