CRPS

An estimated 150,000 to 250,000 Americans are living with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) (previously known as RSD) at any given time. Left unmanaged, CRPS can hamper your mobility, limit your day-to-day activities, and prevent you from enjoying a healthy, active lifestyle. At Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Francis Pecoraro, MD, DAPMR, SAAPMR, has years of experience diagnosing and treating CRPS. If you’re living with this debilitating condition, make an appointment by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What is complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS, is a type of chronic pain that usually occurs in your legs or arms. 

In the majority of cases, CRPS develops following an injury or surgery to a limb. The pain CRPS causes is much greater than the source of the initial injury, interfering with all aspects of your life. 

Complex regional pain syndrome is one of the least understood causes of chronic pain. However, clinical studies suggest that treatment is most effective when started early on. 

With the help of interventional pain management experts, the symptoms of CRPS may improve and, in some instances, even go into remission. 

Does CRPS present any obvious symptoms?

The symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome vary from person to person and depend on the initial injury or health problem. However, common telltale signs of CRPS of the affected area include: 

• Sensitivity to light touch
• Changes in skin color
• Changes in skin temperature
• Joint stiffness
• Joint swelling
• Decreased mobility
• Muscle spasms

As CRPS progresses, your affected limb might become cold and pale, or you might experience skin and nail changes. In rare instances, CRPS can spread from one limb to other parts of your body. 

When should I see a doctor regarding CRPS?

If you regularly experience chronic pain in one limb that lasts beyond the expected normal healing time for the injury, and it prevents you from performing normal tasks such as reaching, grabbing, lifting, or walking, it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. 

This is because treatment for CRPS is most effective when a diagnosis occurs in its early stages of development.

How do you diagnose CRPS?

To diagnose complex regional pain syndrome, Dr. Pecoraro performs a physical exam and reviews your medical history. He also asks you a series of questions regarding your symptoms. 

Unfortunately, there isn’t one single test that’s capable of pinpointing CRPS. However, certain procedures can help Dr. Pecoraro determine the cause of your discomfort. Depending on your symptoms, he might recommend a bone scan, X-rays, or sympathetic nervous system tests. 

How do you treat CRPS?

Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC uses conservative, minimally invasive treatments to manage CRPS. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, Dr. Pecoraro might recommend non-opioid pain medications, heat therapy, topical analgesics, and/or physical therapy.

If these methods of treatment don’t provide relief, you might benefit from sympathetic nerve blocks and a spinal cord stimulator trial. 

Living with complex regional pain syndrome isn’t always easy, but it’s possible to manage and ease your symptoms. Call Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, or request an appointment online today.