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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): causes, symptoms and treatments

(last updated on April 17, 2019)
Home » Painful Conditions » Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
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  • Cervical Radiculopathy
  • Cervical Spinal Stenosis (CSS)
  • Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
  • Meniscus Tears
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  • Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
  • Facet Joint Pain
  • Herniated Discs
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  • Rotator Cuff Injury
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  • Spinal Compression Fractures
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What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?

Also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is an uncommon form of chronic pain condition that affects a particular region of the body, believed to be caused by damage to the peripheral nervous systems – typically a body part, such as an arm, leg, hand, or foot and sometimes in rare cases, traveling to opposite extremity. The cause of CRPS isn’t well-understood, but the symptoms of CRPS usually develops following an injury, surgery, stroke, or a heart attack.

Living with CRPS can be extremely frustrating and distressing causing undue emotional stress which may heighten symptoms of CRPS. The pain experienced is often much more intense than the pain caused by the initial injury or event. Unlike most injuries which heal with time and rest, symptoms of CRPS develops and progresses, and they only get worse over time.

Fortunately, technological advances have made it possible to treat the symptoms of CRPS and reverse some of the damaging effects. A comprehensive course of medication, nerve blocks, and physical therapy can reduce pain and swelling, and even send the condition into remission. But treatment must begin early. The earlier you can recognize the symptoms of nerve injury and get an accurate diagnosis of CRPS, the better your chances for a successful recovery.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of CRPS include:

CRPS is a chronic pain condition that affects a particular region of the body – typically an arm, leg, hand, or foot.

Complex-Regional-Pain-Syndrome-(CRPS), Advanced Pain Management Clinic Los Angeles
CRPS affects a particular region of the body – typically an arm, leg, hand, or foot.
  • An intense pain, constant throbbing or burning pain, typically in the arm, hand, leg, or foot.
  • Swelling and tenderness in the region of pain.
  • Hypersensitivity to cold.
  • Fluctuating skin temperature – hot, cold, clammy, or sweaty skin.
  • Changes in skin color – white, red, blue, or blotchy areas.
  • Changes in skin texture – shiny, thin, or tender areas.
  • Joint stiffness, swelling, and limited mobility in the affected area.
  • Changes in nail or hair growth.
  • Muscle spasms.
  • Weakness and atrophy.
Nuvo Treatment Options

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treatment Options Include:

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Sympathetic Nerve Blocks


Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Stages

The symptoms of CRPS may manifest in different ways from person-to-person. In most cases, we see a pattern in the progression of symptoms. In the early stages, patients experience severe pain, swelling, and redness, and start to notice their skin changing temperature and overreacting to cold or touch. It’s important to recognize these symptoms right away and get to a pain specialist for a complete exam and proper medical advice for treatment and pain management.

Later, as CRPS grows more severe, the affected area may turn cold and pale, and undergo visible changes in the hair, skin, and nails. Muscle spasms and involuntary tightening are also common. By the time the condition has reached this stage, it is usually considered irreversible.

CRPS may start in one region of the body, and spread outward to affect others, even the opposite extremity. Emotional distress may exacerbate the pain.

The pain may last for months, or even years. In some cases, the symptoms clear up, and the pain resolves on its own. But generally, waiting it out isn’t worth the risk. We recommend starting treatment for early to have the best chances of success.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Treatment Options

Many patients see some improvement, or even complete remission, of CRPS if they begin treatment in the first few months after noticing symptoms.

Your treatment plan will be individualized to meet your specific case, often incorporating various types of therapies, such as:

  • Topical Analgesics. When applied directly to the skin, these can provide pain relief by numbing.
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation. This is an implant which masks pain signals on their way to the brain.
  • Sympathetic Nerve Blocks. A numbing agent is injected near the spine, blocking the sympathetic nerves.

If you or your loved one suffers from CRPS, do not delay treatment any longer. Visit the pain specialists at Nuvo Spine for a consultation and a review of your best options.

  • Author
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Dr. Payem Vahedifar M.D.

Dr. Payem Vahedifar M.D.

Dr. Vahedifar graduated with honors from UCLA and then from Tulane University College of Medicine where he did extensive research on nerve-associated pain. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and a member of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Dr. Vahedifar's pain management strategies integrate cutting-edge medical technology with targeted interventions to minimize pain and treat pain’s underlying causes.
Dr. Payem Vahedifar M.D.

Latest posts by Dr. Payem Vahedifar M.D. (see all)

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About
ABOUT OUT PRACTICE
ABOUT OUR DOCTOR
ABOUT OUR LOCATIONS
Conditions
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical Spinal Stenosis (CSS)
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
Facet Joint Pain
Herniated Discs
Knee Arthritis
Labrum Tears
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS)
Meniscus Tears
Hip Arthritis
Plantar Fasciitis
Rotator Cuff Injury
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Sciatica (Lumbar Radiculopathy)
Spinal Compression Fractures
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Procedures
A2M (Alpha 2 Macroglobulin)
Adipose and Bone Marrow Aspiration Stem Cell Therapies
Advanced Neurostimulation
Biological Therapy
Disc-FX® System
Epidural for Pain Treatment
Facet Joint Injection
Fluoroscopy Guided Injection
Genicular Nerve Block
HydroDiscectomy / SpineJet™ Percutaneous HydroDiscectomy
Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET)
Intrathecal Pump
Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
MILD Procedure for Spinal Stenosis
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP for Chronic Back Pain
PRP for Hip Arthritis
PRP for Rotator Cuff Injury
PRP for Whiplash
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Spinal Cord Stimulators
Stem Cell Therapy
Sympathetic Nerve Block
Traumeel injections
Superion Procedure
Zeel Injections
Testimonials
Insurance
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Dr. Vahedifar is amazing! I have been to numerous doctors for my spine as I have several herniations that are incredibly painful. Dr. Vahedifar is literally the best. Spine herniations are scary; but he eases my mind because he is so intelligent and well-read—something that is so important to people who live with daily pain.
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The patient care is excellent from the moment you walk in. Dr.Vahedifar is always on time and very thorough. Great staff also. He listens carefully and thinks of all possibilities to help with the problem.
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Dr. Vahedifar is very compassionate and knowledgeable  I have been seeing Dr. Vahedifar for the past 7 years and he is the best Dr that I have ever had in my life. The office staff is also very helpful and supportive too. Thank you to Dr. Vahedifar and his staff!
Dionne W.
There's nobody else you should consider for pain management. I've going to Dr. Vahedifar for a long time for various spine and ailments and by far he is the best at what he does at diagnosing and managing pain. He is well known amongst his peers and doctors through out Los Angeles and that says a lot. His staff is superior and his diagnostic abilities are superior.
Steven B.
I have always valued Dr. Vahedifar as he has been able to manage my issues better than any other medical professional, and I had been suffering with these particular issues for years. I know that I can send an email and get a response by phone or a reply in a timely manner which is very important!
Alison F.
I have been a patient of Dr. Vahedifar for 9 years and he has managed to alleviate my excruciating pain with kindness and compassion. My quality of life has improved, because Dr. V is a brilliant doctor that keeps up with all of the latest techniques. I trust him 100%! .  
Dani D.
I have been so impressed and pleased with Dr. Vahedifar and his entire staff, that I have referred many patients to him over the last decade or so. Thank you so much for all you do.
Rhonda S.
Dr. Vahedifar has been my doctor now for about 10 years. He is the kindest, most compassionate and knowledgeable orthopedic physician I have experienced. He has been a lifesaver for me. If you are having chronic pain orthopedic or neuralgia PLEASE make an appointment with him. You will not regret it
Gallob J.
I highly recommend Dr. Vahedifar, he is as good as it gets. He is an extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and caring doctor.  I had a couple of epidurals done on my back, getting me out of the severe pain I was in from my herniated disc.
Nader Y.
Dr. Vahedifar has been my doctor for many years! He's always been compassionate and explained any/all options available to me. My family appreciates that he has given me back a quality of life that I would not have were it not for him. I trust Dr. Vahedifar 100% to do his best for me.
ERIK S.
Unless you have experienced pain there are no words that can describe it. Dr. Vahedifar is a doctor will work to find a way to help. He is gentle and caring and spends the time explaining and listening to the patient. Thank goodness I have finally found him. I feel like I might believe in miracles!
Yvonne L.
Dr. Vahedifar is very understanding & compassionate. I have been seeing him off and on for over 5 years and don’t plan on going anywhere else. His staff is also kind and caring.
Arin W.

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16633 Ventura Blvd, Suite 802
Encino, CA 91436
(818) 600-4822

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