Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Find Treatments for CRPS Pain Relief

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that typically affects a limb after an injury, surgery, or stroke. Characterized by severe, burning pain, swelling, skin changes, and sensitivity to touch, CRPS requires specialized, multidisciplinary treatment from pain management experts who understand its complexity.

At Interventional Pain Consultants, our board-certified physicians have extensive experience diagnosing and treating CRPS using advanced interventional techniques. We recognize that early, aggressive treatment offers the best chance for symptom control and functional recovery. Our approach combines neuromodulation, nerve blocks, physical therapy, and medication management to address both the pain and the underlying nervous system dysfunction.

Common Causes of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

CRPS typically develops following an injury or medical event, though the severity of the pain is often disproportionate to the initial injury. Common triggers include fractures (particularly of the wrist, ankle, or arm), surgical procedures, soft tissue injuries such as sprains or burns, and immobilization in a cast or splint. In some cases, CRPS may develop after a seemingly minor injury or even without a identifiable trigger.

The condition is believed to result from a combination of nervous system dysfunction, including abnormal sympathetic nervous system activity, peripheral nerve sensitization, and central nervous system changes that amplify pain signals. Genetic factors and psychological predisposition may also play a role. Early identification of CRPS is critical, as prompt treatment can prevent progression to more advanced stages characterized by muscle atrophy, joint contractures, and irreversible tissue changes.

Advanced Interventional Treatments for CRPS

Interventional Pain Consultants offers a full range of advanced treatments specifically tailored for CRPS. Sympathetic nerve blocks — including stellate ganglion blocks for upper extremity CRPS and lumbar sympathetic blocks for lower extremity involvement — target the overactive sympathetic nervous system to reduce pain, improve circulation, and restore normal skin changes.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is one of the most effective advanced therapies for CRPS, with strong clinical evidence supporting significant, long-term pain relief. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation offers a newer, highly targeted form of neuromodulation FDA-approved specifically for CRPS, allowing precise, focal pain coverage. Physical therapy and desensitization techniques including graded motor imagery and mirror box therapy help retrain the nervous system. Medication management with anticonvulsants, topical agents, and low-dose antidepressants helps control neuropathic pain and inflammation.

When to Seek Treatment for CRPS

Prompt medical evaluation is essential if you experience persistent, severe pain following an injury or surgery that seems out of proportion to the initial trauma — especially if accompanied by swelling, changes in skin color or temperature, unusual sweating, or extreme sensitivity to touch in the affected limb. Early intervention is critical, as CRPS can progress rapidly and become more difficult to treat in later stages.

If you have been diagnosed with CRPS and are not achieving adequate relief from your current treatment plan, or if you are experiencing progressive symptoms including muscle weakness, joint stiffness, or changes in hair and nail growth in the affected limb, it is time to consult a specialist. The team at Interventional Pain Consultants is dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care for this challenging condition.