What Many People Don’t Understand About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Living with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can be an incredibly frustrating and isolating experience. Often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, CRPS is a chronic pain condition that typically affects one limb after an injury or surgery — but the pain is far more intense and long-lasting than what would normally be expected.

At Spinal Diagnostics, we understand the complexity of CRPS and work with patients to accurately diagnose and manage this often-debilitating condition.

What is CRPS?

CRPS is a condition in which the nervous system overreacts to a stimulus, causing severe, burning pain, swelling, changes in skin color or temperature, and reduced mobility. It’s believed to be caused by damage or malfunction in the peripheral and central nervous systems.

There are two types of CRPS:

Type 1: Follows an illness or injury that didn’t directly damage the nerves in the affected limb.
Type 2: Involves direct, confirmed nerve injury.

In both types, patients may experience pain that’s disproportionate to the original injury and doesn’t improve over time as expected.

Common misconceptions about CRPS

CRPS is often misunderstood — even by those in the medical community. Some common misconceptions include:

“It’s just in your head.” While CRPS does involve the nervous system, the pain is real and physical. It’s not psychological.
“It’s rare.” While it’s considered uncommon, CRPS is more prevalent than many realize and may go undiagnosed in some patients.
“It’s just regular nerve pain.” CRPS involves a distinct set of symptoms and neurological dysfunction that make it more complex than general nerve pain.

Raising awareness about these misunderstandings is key to getting people with CRPS the support and treatment they need.

Treatment options

CRPS is best managed when diagnosed early. At Spinal Diagnostics, we tailor treatment plans to each patient and may recommend:

Medications for nerve pain and inflammation
Physical therapy to maintain mobility and function
Spinal cord stimulation or dorsal root ganglion (DRG) therapy
Sympathetic nerve blocks
Psychological support for coping with chronic pain

Because CRPS can worsen without intervention, it’s essential to seek care from specialists familiar with the condition.

Compassionate care you can count on

If you or someone you love is struggling with unexplained, ongoing pain after an injury, don’t wait to seek answers. CRPS is a complex condition, but with the right care, it’s manageable.

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