What is CRPS?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is considered to be a multi-system syndrome/condition that is characterized by pain that lasts for a long time after the initial injury was supposed to heal. It often begins in one area of the body where the injury or surgery began. It's not abnormal to have bilateral CRPS after a spine surgery. CRPS 1 can spread to any part of the body, after any type of mild, moderate or severe trauma. There may or may not be physical symptoms that are visual. Some afflictions may include, swelling, redness, blueness, cold or hot to the touch. The extreme sensitivity to light touch is more profound than an intentional weighted touch to the affected region.

According to the of Budapest Criteria, CRPS – Not Otherwise Specified affects about 15% of patients who no longer fully qualify for CRPS 1 or CRPS 2 but signs and symptoms significantly fall into a CRPS diagnosis.

Complex regional pain syndrome type 2 often occurs after a known nerve injury. There is no differential diagnosis between type 1 and type 2 otherwise. The afflicted will often have pain signals that are equal to that of broken bones, being attacked by a swarm of bees, continual jolts of electricity, and more. Many people often equate the level of pain to being physically tortured.

CRPS with remission features often only happens when diagnosed and treated early with a range of modalities that are affective for that individual. Because more research is needed, it is impossible to know which person will respond well to a specific type of treatment. There are a number of treatments that are completely ineffective for one person but may work miracles on another.