Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy) is a chronic pain condition believed to originate secondary to dysfunction in the central or peripheral nerve systems. CRPS may have a specific cause or injury, but many times CRPS has no known trigger or cause. Symptoms vary but are typically described as a burning or tingling pain. There is often associated skin changes, hair changes and nail changes to the painful areas. Further surgeries and interventional treatments into the damaged area will typically worsen the pain symptoms. CRPS is better treated with sympathetic nerve blocks at the originating nerves, medical management and specific physical therapies after sympathetic nerve blocks.