Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a somewhat rare condition, but that doesn’t make it any less painful for the people it affects. At The Spine Care Center, we know how painful and life-disrupting it can be to live with the symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome, and our compassionate spine experts will work to help you manage your symptoms and return to pain-free living. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition below, and get in touch with The Spine Care Center in Manassas today for an appointment.
Complex regional pain syndrome is a condition that causes chronic pain in one arm or leg. The pain may begin after a serious health event such as an injury, heart attack, or stroke. However, the pain following the health event is much more severe than it would typically be in patients not suffering from CRPS.
Because CRPS is not a common condition, medical experts do not fully understand why it occurs, though many researchers and physicians suspect it is due to nerve damage. CRPS can go into remission with treatment, though it may take many months of work.
While pain is the main symptom associated with CRPS, you may also experience other symptoms in the affected limb, such as:
CRPS can grow worse over time, potentially causing muscle wasting and bone deterioration. Early treatment from a pain management expert, along with lifestyle changes, may help to relieve these symptoms.
If you have severe, long-lasting pain in a limb, you should see your doctor quickly. Early treatment for CRPS is more likely to be effective.
To diagnose CRPS, your doctor will begin by asking about your medical history. They will likely ask if you have recently suffered an injury, and they will also ask you a variety of questions about your pain and perform a physical examination of the affected limb.
There is no single test that can be used to diagnose CRPS. Your doctor may be able to diagnose your condition after your exam, or they may need to order imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI to look for changes in the affected limb.
The pain management experts at The Spine Care Center treat all types of pain disorders, including CRPS. Their commitment to long-term pain relief has repeatedly earned them recognition as Top Doctors in both Washingtonian and Northern Virginia Magazine.
Your skilled pain management physician will provide you with personalized care tailored to your needs and your lifestyle. Your comprehensive treatment plan may include:
You may need to try different treatment combinations to find lasting relief, and you can rest assured that our team will be with you every step of the way. CRPS should resolve with time, though it may return in times of high stress.
You don’t have to live in pain. Request an appointment with The Spine Care Center today.