Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome: The Relatively Unknown Chronic Pain

July 21, 2012

Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome: The Relatively Unknown Chronic Pain

Chronic regional pain syndrome, commonly referred to as CRPS, is a condition of chronic pain that can affect any area of the body. CRPS can happen as a result of many reasons including head injuries from car accidents.

However, it most commonly targets an arm or leg. Relatively rare and not well understood by doctors, CRPS, according to the Mayo Clinic, involves pain that "is out of proportion to the severity" to the injury or event that is believed to have triggered the condition.

While it is unknown what exactly causes CRPS to develop -- the A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia notes there are several theories, including a condition of the sympathetic nervous system and an immune response -- it is believed that CRPS is caused by an injury or damage to a person's nervous system.

There are two types of CRPS: Type 1 and Type 2. Both have similar symptoms, but develop differently.

Type 1 and 2 Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome

Type 1, according to the Mayo Clinic, is the most common type of CRPS with about 90 percent of people with CRPS having this type. Type 1 CRPS is caused by illness or an injury that does not directly damage a person's nerves.

Type 2 is caused by a direct damage to a person's nerves.

CRPS can be caused by any number of injuries or accidents. Mayo Clinic notes that injuries such as crushings, sprains, fractures and amputations or traumas like surgery, stroke or emotional stress may all cause CRPS.

The A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia says that occasionally, no injury or trauma is needed to cause CRPS, which can spontaneously develop without an "obvious injury."

Symptoms of CRPS

According to Mayo Clinic, CRPS has several symptoms. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms of CRPS, and symptoms may change over time. The Clinic lists common symptoms of CRPS as:
-Pain or burning sensation
-Swelling
-Sensitivity to temperature
-Sensitivity to touch
-Changes in skin color
-Changes in skin temperature
-Changes in skin texture
-Swelling, stiffness or damage in joints
-Weakness or atrophy of muscles

Symptoms of CRPS generally progress through three stages. While it is possible to develop severe CRPS symptoms immediately, the general pattern includes:
-Stage 1 will last approximately one to three months. During this stage people with CRPS symptoms will notes that their skin temperature will begin to change and alternate between warm and cool; hair and nails will grow faster; joints will be painful; skin will become blotchy, shiny and thin, and swollen; and achy and burning sensations may increase with gentle touching.
-Stage 2 may last three to six months. People with CRPS will notice changes in their skin condition will persist; increased pain; nails will become brittle, easily cracking and breaking; hair growth will slow; muscle weakness; and joint stiffness.
-Stage 3 is often typified by the onset of irreversible changes or damages. People will begin to notice that their CRPS is causing tightened muscles and tendons, called contracture, which in turns causes the affected limb to have limited movement; muscle or tissue wasting, called atrophy; and the affected limb will become painful.

CRPS is most effectively treated if it is caught early, so if you experience any of these symptoms over a prolonged period of time, consult with your doctor. When treated early, remission is possible.

Treatment for CRPS is available through medications like over-the-counter pain relievers, steroids, nerve blockers, antidepressants and other medications and therapy such as hot and cold presses, physical and psychological therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), among other options, according to the Mayo Clinic.

CRPS may alter a person's day-to-day life, from taking medication and physical therapy to pain and possibly embarrassing changes in skin condition.

Article provided by Friedman, Hirschen & Miller, LLP
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