Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
CRPS, formerly known as RSD, is a rare neuro-inflammatory disorder that causes severe inflammation in the sympathetic nervous system. CRPS is believed to be caused by damage to, or malfunction of, the peripheral and central nervous system. The central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord; the peripheral nervous system involves nerve signaling from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.
Symptoms in the affected area are typically:
Although the key symptom is pain that:
- Dramatic changes in skin temperature, color, or texture
- Intense burning pain
- Extreme skin sensitivity
- Swelling and stiffness in affected joints
- Decreased ability to move the affected body part
Although the key symptom is pain that:
- Is intense and burning, and is usually much stronger than would be expected for the type of injury that occurred.
- Gets worse, rather than better over time.
- Begins at the point of injury, but may spread to the whole limb, or in some cases, to the arm or leg on the opposite side of the body.
CRPS is divided into two types: CRPS-I and CRPS-II. Individuals without a confirmed nerve injury are classified as having CRPS-I (previously known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy syndrome). Individuals with a confirmed nerve injury are classified as having CRPS-II (previously known as causalgia). Nonetheless, treatment is similar.
It is uncertain why some individuals develop CRPS while others with similar trauma do not. Studies say that close to 90 percent of all CRPS cases the condition is triggered by a clear history of trauma or injury. The most common triggers are fractures/sprains, a soft tissue injury (example: cuts, burns, or bruises), limb immobilization, surgery or sometimes even minor medical procedures such as a splinter. The biggest thing to know about CRPS, is that it represents an abnormal response that magnifies the effects of the actual injury.
Peripheral nerve abnormalities found in the individuals with CRPS usually involve the small unmyelinated and thinly myelinated sensory nerve fibers (axons) that carry pain messages and signals to blood vessels. (Myelin is a mixture of proteins and fat-like substances that surround and insulate some nerve fibers.) Because small fibers in the nerves communicate with blood vessels, injuries to the fibers may trigger the many different symptoms of CRPS. Molecules secreted from the ends of hyperactive small fibers are thought to contribute to inflammation and blood vessel abnormalities. These peripheral nerve abnormalities in turn trigger damage in the spinal cord and brain.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. NIH, January 2017.
- Blood vessels in the affected limb may dilate (open wider) or leak fluid into the surrounding tissue, causing red, swollen skin. The dilation and constriction of small blood vessels is controlled by small nerve fiber axons as well as chemical messengers in the blood. The underlying muscles and deeper tissues can become starved of oxygen and nutrients, which causes muscle and joint pain as well as damage. The blood vessels may over-constrict (clamp down), causing cold, white, or bluish skin.
- CRPS also affects the immune system. High levels of inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) have been found in the tissues of people with CRPS. These contribute to the redness, swelling and warmth reported by many affected.
- CRPS is more common individuals with other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, such as Arthritis.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. NIH, January 2017.
Life after diagnosis:
CRPS can feel overwhelming, daunting, and even seem impossible.
Finding a team of doctors, who are willing to communicate (and if needed, also work) with one another about your treatment plan's and goals, is vital.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the earlier you are aware of the disease and begin treatment, particularly rehabilitation, the more successful you will be in limiting the disorder.
Keep a Journal. It is a great way to understanding how your body is reacting to medications, emotions/stress, foods, etc. Learn as much as you can about your body and what causes what.
Keep track of your medical documents and records (possibly in a binder). Bring pamphlets about CRPS with you to new doctor appointments, hospital visits, etc.
The most important thing to remember, is you are the best advocate for your own health. Do research. Get involved in your treatment/care.
Finding a team of doctors, who are willing to communicate (and if needed, also work) with one another about your treatment plan's and goals, is vital.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the earlier you are aware of the disease and begin treatment, particularly rehabilitation, the more successful you will be in limiting the disorder.
Keep a Journal. It is a great way to understanding how your body is reacting to medications, emotions/stress, foods, etc. Learn as much as you can about your body and what causes what.
Keep track of your medical documents and records (possibly in a binder). Bring pamphlets about CRPS with you to new doctor appointments, hospital visits, etc.
The most important thing to remember, is you are the best advocate for your own health. Do research. Get involved in your treatment/care.
Finding support is always a helpful tool. Studies suggest that peer support groups can help improve quality of life. Support from peers - people already living with that health condition - can help fill in some voids, knowledge, and sometimes help the well being overall. Peer support groups offer advocacy, assistance and education, led and managed by people living with health conditions, similar to theirs.
Finding those who can offer hope and/or help feels limited for those living with CRPS. Ketamine Wellness Center’s vision is to become the gold standard of care and provider of choice in your wellness journey. And they do just that, deal with your wellness journey.
As of today, there is no definite cure for CRPS, but that does not mean there will never be one.
Just remember:
Just remember:
"I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it."
~ Maya Angelou ~
~ Maya Angelou ~