Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or CRPS, is not easily diagnosed and, in fact, can’t be confirmed by any single test. Most CRPS cases that are considered mild, or early cases, tend to resolve on their own and, while the pain caused can be difficult to deal with, treatment options are available for people affected by all pain levels. These will be determined through discussions with your primary care physician, as they need to know the ins and outs of your specific type of CRPS. It is best to get treatment as early as possible for it to be the most effective.

Psychotherapy for CRPS

Psychotherapy is typically considered a treatment for the psychological effects that result from CRPS itself. These can include situational anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Because of these resulting conditions, pain can be more acute, creating a cycle that makes it difficult to deal with or even seek treatment for their condition. Psychotherapy is designed to help break that cycle.

Physical Therapy and Rehab

The first method of treatment for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is usually physical therapy or rehab, which is designed to increase blood flow, which helps take care of the circulatory system, which increases the likelihood that symptoms will decrease. Some therapy is also designed to help CRPS sufferers find ways to return to their daily life and work while dealing with the symptoms.

Medication

There are many medications that can treat symptoms of CRPS, though the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not approved them to be specifically considered “CRPS medications.” Medications can affect each body differently, as well, which is why any of the medications that may be prescribed in certain combinations will change with each person suffering from CRPS. Some drugs include:

Stimulation of the Spinal Cord

Blocking the pain through the use of electrodes which are placed just outside the spinal cord is one method of possible treatment for CRPS pains. Sometimes these electrodes are kept in place for a few days to check the overall effectiveness of this treatment on each individual patient.

Alternative Therapies

There are many nontraditional therapies that have been tried to treat CRPS symptoms, including acupuncture, relaxation techniques, behavior modification and even the use of medical marijuana. Because studies are limited, these should be assessed with your doctor and may, like other therapies, be best in combination with other efforts, either traditional or other.

Summary

Not every treatment method will work for every person who suffers from CRPS, which is why you will consult with your doctor to find the option to best treat the type or types of pain you are feeling. You may end up needing a combination of treatments, perhaps a mix of traditional and non-traditional, which is why it is healthy to keep an open mind. You can also keep a healthy diet in order to reduce inflammation, potentially decreasing the pain through natural means on top of your treatment.

Author
Maryland Pain & Wellness

You Might Also Enjoy...

Tips for Dealing with Winter Headaches

If you’re a regular sufferer of headaches, you know your triggers better than anyone – it could be a number of single things, or a combination of things, but you can usually figure out how to avoid those things whenever possible.

Five Options for Chest Pain Therapy

Chest pain can be a terrifying experience, often triggering concerns about heart problems and serious health issues. While it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you're experiencing chest pain, there are several therapies and...

Five Therapeutic Options for Back Pain

Suffering from persistent back pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making even the simplest tasks seem daunting. While it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis, there are various therapeutic options that...

Treatment Options for Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is a common ailment that can range from mild discomfort to severe agony, depending on the cause. It can impact our daily lives and overall well-being, and can stem from various causes, such as indigestion, infections, or underlying...

Chronic Pain Therapy Options

Living with chronic pain can be an overwhelming and debilitating experience. Whether it's due to a medical condition, injury, or other factors, finding effective ways to manage and alleviate chronic pain is essential for improving your quality of life.

Natural Remedies for Neck Pain: 5 Effective Solutions

Neck pain is a common ailment that can be caused by poor posture, muscle strain, injury, or underlying health conditions. While medication and professional treatment may be necessary in some cases, there are several natural remedies that can provide...