Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Diagnosis, Treatment, and the Role of Spinal Cord Stimulation

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that often follows an injury, surgery, or prolonged limb immobilization. Characterized by severe, burning pain, inflammation, and mobility loss, CRPS can significantly impact quality of life if not treated early.

At Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers, we provide advanced treatments for CRPS, including Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS), an FDA-approved therapy for chronic pain relief.

What Causes CRPS?

CRPS is thought to result from dysregulation of the nervous system, leading to overactive pain signaling. It is classified into:

  • CRPS Type I (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, RSD) – No confirmed nerve damage.

  • CRPS Type II (Causalgia) – Associated with a specific nerve injury.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the exact cause is unclear, but nerve inflammation and abnormal immune responses play a key role.

Signs & Symptoms of CRPS

✔ Chronic burning pain that worsens over time
✔ Swelling and temperature changes in the affected limb
✔ Sensitivity to touch (Allodynia) and movement pain (Hyperalgesia)
✔ Skin changes (color, texture, excessive sweating)
✔ Muscle weakness and joint stiffness

Early diagnosis is crucial to preventing permanent disability.

Diagnosis of CRPS

There is no single test for CRPS. Instead, doctors use a combination of diagnostic criteria and imaging tests to confirm the condition.

Diagnostic Criteria for CRPS (Budapest Criteria)

✔ Disproportionate pain to the initial injury
✔ Symptoms in at least 3 out of 4 categories (sensory, vasomotor, sudomotor, motor/trophic)
✔ No alternative diagnosis that explains symptoms

Diagnostic Imaging & Tests

🩻 Bone scans – Detect abnormal bone activity
🧲 MRI scans – Identify soft tissue changes
🌡️ Thermography – Measures temperature differences in the affected limb

For more on CRPS diagnosis, visit the CDC’s chronic pain section.

Treatment Options for CRPS

CRPS treatment follows a stepwise approach, beginning with conservative therapies and advancing to interventional procedures if needed.

Step 1: Medication Management

✔ NSAIDs & Corticosteroids – Reduce inflammation
✔ Anticonvulsants (Gabapentin, Pregabalin) – Control nerve pain
✔ Antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Duloxetine) – Modulate pain signals
✔ Topical Treatments (Lidocaine, Capsaicin Cream) – Desensitize pain receptors

Step 2: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

✔ Mirror Therapy – Rewires the brain’s pain response
✔ Graded Motor Imagery – Improves limb movement and function
✔ Desensitization Exercises – Helps reduce hypersensitivity

Step 3: Interventional Pain Treatments

✔ Sympathetic Nerve Blocks – Temporarily relieve pain
✔ IV Ketamine Therapy – Modulates nerve pain in severe cases
✔ Intrathecal Drug Pumps – Directly deliver pain relief to the spinal cord

Step 4: Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) – A Breakthrough for CRPS

For patients with severe, treatment-resistant CRPS, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is one of the most effective therapies available.

What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

SCS uses a small implantable device that delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord, blocking pain signals before they reach the brain.

FDA Approval for SCS in CRPS

The FDA has approved Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) as a treatment for chronic pain conditions, including CRPS. This minimally invasive therapy offers long-term relief for patients who have not responded to other treatments.

Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation for CRPS:

✔ Significant reduction in pain
✔ Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
✔ Personalized pain relief with adjustable settings
✔ Reduces opioid dependence
✔ Improves mobility and function

Top Spinal Cord Stimulation Manufacturers

Several medical companies produce advanced SCS systems with customizable pain relief settings:

Where to Get CRPS Treatment in Oklahoma

At Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers, our team of pain specialists provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art treatments for CRPS, including:

✔ Spinal Cord Stimulation Trials & Implants
✔ Pain Management Programs
✔ Nerve Blocks & Advanced Interventions

Visit Our Locations:

  • Oklahoma City – 13601 Memorial Park Drive, Suite 200, Oklahoma City, OK 73120

  • Yukon – 1491 Health Center Parkway, Yukon, OK 73099

  • Norman – 2596 West Tecumseh Road, Norman, OK 73069

    📞 Call us at (405) 751-0011 to schedule a consultation!

Conclusion

CRPS is a devastating pain condition, but with early diagnosis and advanced treatment options like Spinal Cord Stimulation, many patients regain function and experience significant pain relief. If you or a loved one is suffering from CRPS, don’t wait—contact Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers today to explore your treatment options!

For further research, visit: