Orlando Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Doctors

Living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) can be difficult and confusing, and finding a reputable doctor who specializes in its treatment is an essential part of successful long-term pain management. If you live in the Orlando, Florida area, there are several top CRPS doctors to choose from that have extensive experience providing care for this challenging condition. We will explore what you should look for when choosing a CRPS specialist in Orlando so you can find the physician who best suits your needs.

What Is CRPS and What Are the Symptoms?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neurological condition that results in severe and chronic pain. The exact cause of this medical condition has not yet been determined, however, it most often occurs after an injury or trauma to the limb or body part. Common symptoms of CRPS include unbearable pain and burning sensations in the affected area, intense sensitivity when touched, changes in the skin over time – such as discoloration and extreme temperature changes – and swelling of the affected area. What makes diagnosing CRPS difficult is that none of these symptoms are exclusive to this medical condition; they may be associated with other problems. As such, it is important to see a doctor if you’re experiencing this type of pain for an accurate diagnosis.

How Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) often involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and additional tests such as X-rays or blood tests. Symptoms may develop after an injury or even spontaneously and can be present in different areas of the body. Physicians will look for specific patterns of skin burning and sensitivity to touch, temperature variations, and muscle spasms. In certain cases, nerve conduction studies may be necessary to look for damage to the affected nerves. Generally, CRPS is diagnosed based on the presence of these signs, which should match the expected course of the condition. While there is no concrete lab or imaging test that definitively diagnoses CRPS yet, integrating clinical data from multiple sources allows doctors to reach a diagnosis that is effective for treatment planning.

What Are the Treatments for CRPS?

Treatment for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) often aims to reduce neuropathic pain and may include medications that are typically used for neuropathic pain such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Other treatments may include ketamine infusions, as well as sympathetic blocks or spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Physical therapy is also oftentimes recommended to prevent musculoskeletal changes associated with CRPS, enhance mobility, and increase function. Ultimately, a multi-disciplinary approach incorporating medical treatments along with physical therapies can be very advantageous in managing the pain of CRPS.

Neuropathic Medicine for CRPS

Medications used for the treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) include neuropathic medications. Neuropathic medications, commonly referred to as antidepressants, are prescribed to block or modulate pain pathways in the brain. These medications can be extremely useful when it comes to reducing pain by decreasing the body’s production of pain signals and ultimately reducing the amount of excruciating discomfort patients may feel. Additionally, research suggests these medications may also aid in improving sleep quality, which is incredibly important for recovery since people with CRPS often have difficulty entering a restorative sleep state due to chronic flare-ups and persistent pain. Overall, using neuropathic medications for the treatment of CRPS has shown promise in countless studies.

Low-Dose Naltrexone for CRPS

Low-dose Naltrexone (LDN) is a promising treatment option for those suffering from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This opiate antagonist significantly reduces inflammation while limiting nerve damage, allowing the body to heal and restore itself naturally. While LDN has been used frequently to treat other issues such as autoimmune diseases, its efficacy with regard to CRPS is relatively recent. Consequently, LDN can be an ideal non-invasive alternative to conventional methods of treatment like medications or surgeries. Studies indicate that those taking Naltrexone typically experience significant improvement with positive results sustained over a long period. Due to this, LDN continues to emerge as an effective form of pain management for individuals experiencing CRPS-related symptoms.

Ketamine Infusion Therapy

Ketamine infusion therapy is another treatment option for CRPS patients. Ketamine is an anesthetic drug that has been used since the 1970s but has only recently gained popularity as a treatment for chronic pain conditions like CRPS due to its ability to modulate nerve activity and block certain types of receptors in the brain associated with pain transmission. When administered intravenously through an infusion pump, ketamine can provide relief from CRPS symptoms such as allodynia (pain caused by something innocuous like skin contact), burning sensations, sensitivity to temperature changes, and muscle spasms. Ketamine infusion therapy has also been found to help treat refractory depression associated with CRPS or other chronic pain conditions.

Sympathetic Blocks

Thankfully, sympathetic blocks have proven to be an effective management option for those suffering from CRPS. Sympathetic blocks involve the injection of medication into affected areas to interrupt or decrease signals from nerves that are causing pain. This technique can provide considerable relief when other treatments have failed, allowing individuals affected by CRPS to regain their quality of life. For those struggling with severe and unheard sensations due to CRPS, seeking out this procedure may be the most beneficial course of action for decreasing the cycle of pain and restoring comfort.

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

Spinal cord stimulation is an FDA-approved therapy used to treat chronic pain conditions such as CRPS. It works by sending electrical signals to the nerves in the spine to block or reduce painful sensations from reaching the brain. During this procedure, a small device called a neurostimulator is placed under the skin near your spine. The neurostimulator sends electrical pulses along wires connected to it that stimulate your nerve fibers to relieve pain. Spinal cord stimulation is effective for relieving neuropathic pain associated with CRPS.

Summary

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic, progressive condition that causes severe pain. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing the condition from getting worse. There is no cure for CRPS, but there are treatments that can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. If you think you may have CRPS, talk to one of our pain medicine doctors about your symptoms and options for treatment.