What’s Causing My CRPS: The Facts vs. the Myths

Are you experiencing chronic pain, yet no treatment seems to help? Is your physician having a hard time diagnosing the culprit of your pain? With this ocean of fluctuating symptoms and flare-ups, chronic pain can cause you to feel as though you’re paddling against the current. You could be suffering from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). 

This misconceived disorder is better managed with the help of pain management specialists who understand CRPS and the associated frustrations accompanying it. Our specialists can help manage your CRPS symptoms so you can live on your terms. 

First, you must understand what CRPS is. CRPS is tricky to diagnose since it’s not well understood in the medical community. The misinformation related to CRPS only perpetuates the confusion surrounding this disorder.  Hence, the reason we’ve crafted this list of facts, as well as myths, to help you understand CRPS a little better.

What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

Simply put, CRPS is pain that continues in an injury that seems to have healed. Usually, CRPS affects your arms or your legs, and is attributable to a previous injury, like a: 

• Cuts
• Stroke
• Sprain
• Fracture
• Past surgery 
• Limb immobilization 
• Injection needle pricks 

Pain is the most prevalent symptom of complex/chronic regional pain syndrome. The pain almost always surpasses the severity of the actual cause. Here’s a prime example: a slight rub or touch can provoke agonizing pain. Other symptoms include:

• Tremors
• Weakness
• Mobility issues
• Muscle spasms
• Joints that are stiff
• Cold temperature sensitivity
• Changes in your skin color, temperature, and texture

It is thought that inflammation and/or nerve damage are the culprits that trigger CRPS and can be divided into two categories:

CRPS I — Pertains to pain that originates from unidentified nerve damage.

CRPS II — Pertains to a damaged nerve that has been identified; however, more definitive data is unavailable.

CRPS: Myths and Facts

1. Myth — It Will Rectify Itself

Fact — In mild cases with patients in good overall health, CRPS may resolve itself. However, when allowed to linger, it often gets worse rather than better and can contribute to disability.  

2. Myth — CRPS Is All Mental

Fact — This myth came to be an attempt to explain something that is not medically fully understood. CRPS is physical, according to pain scale test measurements, and is not related to emotional or mental health. However, chronic pain can trigger emotional and/or mental distress. Physical symptoms include: 

• Limb atrophy
• Changes to skin color
• Fluctuations in texture/temperature of your skin

3. Myth — CRPS Only Happen Following Substantial Injuries

Fact — This condition does not discriminate; anyone can be afflicted following an injury, regardless of age. Broken bones and major sprains are easily identifiable; however, minor cuts, minimally invasive surgical procedures, and lab work (needle sticks) can cause CRPS. 

4. Myth — CRPS Always Recognize Nerve Blocks

Fact — There are also two additional subcategories:

1. Sympathetically independent pain (SIP): SMP typically responds well to nerve block treatment. 

2. Sympathetically maintained pain (SMP): SIP does not. 

Remember that although the nerve block ameliorates your symptoms, these effects are only temporary. 

5. Myth — A Diagnosis Is An Educational Guess

Fact — Many tests can detect nerve patterns and nerve conduction. For example, take magnetic resonance imaging, this type of test identifies deformities within your bone marrow and your bone that suggest some nerve damage. Additionally, a triple-phase bone scan can often aid in identifying injured nerves.  

Are You Living with CRPS?

If you’re living with chronic pain and flare-ups due to CRPS, and it’s been challenging to find effective pain and symptom relief, fill out the form below to contact our team.  Prescription medications are also often recommended for symptoms and pain relief during flare-ups.