The Link Between Trauma and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Most of us expect pain to fade as injuries heal or after post-surgical recovery. A bruised elbow or surgical incision should stop hurting over time. But what happens when pain overstays its welcome long after physical healing? This is the perplexing reality of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

At ReGen Pain in Plano, Texas, Dr. Jonathan Koning specializes in managing CRPS, a rare and chronic pain condition. While its cause remains unclear, and there’s no definitive cure, trauma often plays a key role. 

Read on to learn more about the two types of CRPS and explore potential relief options.

All about CRPS I

CRPS I, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is the more common type of this syndrome. It usually arises following a traumatic event, like a minor injury, car accident, or illness such as a stroke or heart attack. What’s intriguing is that the trauma can sometimes be minimal, even a pinprick or a small cut.

The absence of identifiable nerve damage sets CRPS I apart from CRPS II. Despite the injury healing, the pain is disproportionately intense and persistent, leaving many patients in chronic discomfort with no clear explanation.

All about CRPS II

CRPS II, or causalgia, is the result of identifiable nerve damage. This condition frequently targets the arms, legs, hands, or feet, causing severe burning pain, tingling sensations, and hypersensitivity. For people with CRPS II, even light clothing can feel unbearable.

In some cases, CRPS II also has symptoms like abnormal sweating or skin color changes. This form of CRPS typically originates from more severe trauma, such as a crushing injury, severe burn, or nerve damage caused by surgery.

CRPS is a mystery

While trauma is a common factor in both types of CRPS, the exact mechanism behind the condition remains unclear. If you have CRPS, your nervous system appears to misfire, amplifying pain signals or sending them unnecessarily, even after the original injury heals.

Finding relief from CRPS

Though there’s no cure for CRPS, advanced treatments like spinal cord stimulation offer hope and relief for many people.

Spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the source of your pain. A small device implanted under your skin near the abdomen or buttocks sends low-level electrical signals to the nerves causing your pain. These signals disrupt the communication between your nerves and brain, effectively silencing the pain.

Dr. Koning begins with a trial run. He has you use an external device for one week to evaluate its effectiveness. If the device reduces your pain by at least 50%, he can implant it permanently, using advanced imaging technology to position it precisely.

Living with CRPS can feel overwhelming, but relief is possible. Whether you’re experiencing the widespread pain of CRPS I or the nerve-focused discomfort of CRPS II, treatments like spinal cord stimulation can provide meaningful, long-term improvement.

If you’re struggling with chronic pain and want to learn more about your options, contact ReGen Pain Management to schedule an appointment. Let us help you reclaim your life from CRPS.