Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Specialist

Maryland Pain & Wellness Center Our Services Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Maryland Pain & Wellness Center

Pain Management & Interventional Pain Management Physician located in Crofton, MD & Prince Frederick, MD

If you suffer from chronic pain due to complex regional pain syndrome, there is a better way to live. Early treatment is the best way to reduce pain and restore your quality of life. Henry Achampong, MD, MS, and his experienced medical team offer advanced pain relief solutions at Maryland Pain & Wellness Center’s Delmar, Crisfield, Princess Ann, Pocomoke, Berlin, Ocean City, Cambridge, Easton Crofton, Prince Frederick, and Salisbury, Maryland, locations. Call the office to learn more about your options or use the online booking tool today.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Q & A

What is complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a form of chronic pain that often affects your legs or arms. It might develop after an injury, stroke, heart attack, or surgery. An injury or abnormality of your central or peripheral nervous system can cause it. Early CRPS treatment is your best chance of long-lasting symptom relief.

What are the different types of complex regional pain syndrome?

There are two main types of complex regional pain syndrome: CRPS 1 and CRPS 2. Type 1 often occurs after an injury or illness that didn’t directly damage nerves. About 90% of people with CRPS have this first type. CRPS Type 2 is associated with a distinct nerve injury.

What are the symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome?

The following signs and symptoms may indicate you have CRPS:

  • Touch or cold sensitivity
  • Swelling, redness, and pain
  • Burning or throbbing in a limb
  • Changes in your skin’s temperature, texture, or color
  • Hair or nail growth changes
  • Joint damage, stiffness, or swelling
  • Decreased mobility or range of motion
  • Muscle tremors, spasms, or weakness

CRPS symptoms can range from mild to severe. If you experience them, it’s important to see your pain doctor as soon as possible to increase your chance of successful treatment.

How is CRPS treated?

To help diagnose complex regional pain syndrome, your doctor completes a physical exam and reviews your medical history. They might also use bone scans, nerve tests, X-rays, or MRIs. Your personalized treatment plan may include one or more of the following:

Medications

Over-the-counter and prescription medicines help alleviate inflammation and other painful symptoms of CRPS, and prevent or delay bone loss. Topical pain-relieving creams or patches are often effective too.

Injections

Steroid injections, numbing agents, and nerve blocks help decrease inflammation, improve mobility in your limbs, and alleviate pain when you have CRPS.

Physical therapy

Your physical therapist helps you strengthen and stretch parts of your body affected by CRPS to reduce chronic pain and other symptoms.

TENS

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) applies electrical impulses to nerve endings to ease discomfort.

Spinal cord stimulation

During spinal cord stimulation, your pain doctor inserts a special device beneath your skin that delivers electrical currents to your spinal cord to relieve CRPS symptoms.

Intrathecal pumps

Intrathecal drug pumps deliver medicines to spinal cord fluid slowly over time to relieve pain from CRPS.

Don’t live with debilitating symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome when numerous treatment options are available at Maryland Pain & Wellness Center. Schedule an appointment by phone or online today.

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