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Individuals dealing with chronic pain following a minor injury, surgery, or trauma could be experiencing complex regional pain syndrome. What are the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments available?
Table of Contents
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS), more commonly known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), is a chronic pain condition where a person experiences severe, persistent pain in a limb, usually following an injury, that is significantly more profound than from the initial trauma. It is considered a neuroinflammatory disorder in which the body’s response to injury is dysregulated. The condition is characterized by severe burning pain, often in an arm or leg, that can occur following a minor injury, surgery, or trauma. It is associated with abnormal changes in skin temperature, swelling, and sensitivity to touch, usually affecting the affected area’s nerves, skin, muscles, blood vessels, and bones. Other names it is known by include:
CRPS is a chronic pain condition believed to result from dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous systems (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2017). It involves irritation and abnormal excitation of nervous tissue, leading to abnormal impulses along nerves that affect blood vessels and skin. Animal studies indicate that norepinephrine, a catecholamine released from sympathetic nerves, acquires the ability to activate pain pathways after tissue or nerve injury, resulting in CRPS. Another theory is that CRPS, which follows an injury, is caused by triggering an immune response and continuous inflammation symptoms (swelling, redness, warmth). (Goh E. L., Chidambaram S., & Ma, D. 2017) It is believed to have multiple causes producing similar symptoms.
There can be numerous triggers, including:
CRPS usually affects one of the extremities (arm, leg, hand, or foot). The primary symptom is intense, continuous pain. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2017) Other symptoms can include
Some experts suggest three stages during which progressive changes occur in the affected area’s skin, muscles, joints, ligaments, and bones (Harvard Health Publishing, 2023). However, further research is needed.
Treatment focuses on relieving painful symptoms and can include: (Goh E. L., Chidambaram S., & Ma, D. 2017)
These can include:
It is estimated that there are 50,000 new cases every year in the United States. (Tajerian M., & Clark J. D. 2016)
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2017). Complex regional pain syndrome fact sheet. Retrieved from www.ninds.nih.gov/sites/default/files/migrate-documents/CRPS_FactSheet-E_508C.pdf
Goh, E. L., Chidambaram, S., & Ma, D. (2017). Complex regional pain syndrome: a recent update. Burns & Trauma, 5, 2. doi.org/10.1186/s41038-016-0066-4
Bruehl S. (2015). Complex regional pain syndrome. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 351, h2730. doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h2730
Harvard Health Publishing. (2023). Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/complex-regional-pain-syndrome-crps-a-to-z
Stanford Medicine. (2025). Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). med.stanford.edu/pain/about/chronic-pain/crps.html
Tajerian, M., & Clark, J. D. (2016). New Concepts in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Hand Clinics, 32(1), 41–49. doi.org/10.1016/j.hcl.2015.08.003
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Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & Wellness Blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on this site and our family practice-based chiromed.com site, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.
Our areas of chiropractic practice include Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
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Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
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