CRPS

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating but rare condition affecting some 200,000 Americans. Research shows that prompt treatment helps prevent CRPS from worsening, so partnering with a professional is crucial. At Greenwich Pain & Spine in Greenwich, Connecticut, board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain management specialist Christian Whitney, DO, offers various treatments for CRPS. He develops personalized care plans that relieve symptoms and improve their quality of life. Call Greenwich Pain & Spine to schedule a CRPS treatment consultation, or book your appointment online today.

What is complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?

CRPS is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes chronic pain in a specific area of your body, like your arms or legs. Often, it develops after an illness or a traumatic health event, like a heart attack or stroke.

The two types of CRPS are:

Type 1

This type, also called reflex sympathetic dystrophy, affects about 90% of CRPS patients. It occurs after an illness or injury that didn’t cause nerve damage.

Type 2

This type of CRPS presents symptoms similar to type 1. But it occurs after an illness or injury that causes direct nerve damage.

What are the symptoms of CRPS?

CRPS symptoms include:

• Chronic burning or throbbing pain in the arm, hand, leg, or foot
• Sensitivity to touch
• Joint stiffness and swelling
• Muscle spasms
• Swelling of the painful area
• Difficulty moving the affected body part

As the condition worsens, it can spread to the opposite limb or another part of your body.

When should I see a pain specialist about CRPS?

Make an appointment at Greenwich Pain & Spine if you have chronic limb pain that affects your mobility or quality of life. Treating CRPS early significantly reduces the risk of lasting problems, so you must take action.

How is CRPS diagnosed?

No specific test can diagnose CRPS. Instead, Dr. Whitney completes several screens, including:

Bone scan

CRPS often causes bone density loss. A bone scan lets Dr. Whitney see your bones and identify changes.

Sweat production tests

These tests measure the sweat that your limbs produce. Uneven readings might indicate CRPS.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

CRPS presents symptoms similar to other conditions affecting the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. An MRI shows tissue changes and helps Dr. Whitney rule out other injuries and medical issues.

How is CRPS treated?

At Greenwich Pain & Spine, Dr. Whitney takes a conservative, minimally invasive approach to treating CRPS. He could suggest:

• Spinal cord stimulation
• Epidural steroid injections
• Facet joint injections
• Trigger point injections
• Sympathetic nerve blocks
• Ketamine infusions
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Radiofrequency ablation

Most people benefit from a combination of two or more of these treatments. Dr. Whitney monitors your symptoms at routine checkups and adjusts your treatment plan as needed.

Call Greenwich Pain & Spine to schedule CRPS treatment, or book your appointment online today.