Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is an uncommon chronic pain condition that occurs after a traumatic event, such as an injury, surgery, or stroke. It’s characterized by intense burning or throbbing pain, usually in an extremity, with the pain often being more severe than the original injury. In addition to muscle pain, this syndrome may also produce swelling, temperature sensitivity, atrophy, and changes in appearance and skin texture in the affected area. The cause of CRPS is unknown.

There are a number of treatments for CRPS, including pain medications, steroids, nerve blocking medications, physical therapy, biofeedback, and heat or cold therapy. Acupuncture is also an option in treating CRPS, as there has been research conducted on a small number of subjects, with promising results. In one study, veterans with combat injuries causing CRPS responded to acupuncture with electric stimulation. Acupuncture is effective at treating CRPS through the following mechanisms:

• Acupuncture increases the circulation of your body’s own pain-relieving opioids and chemically blocks the transmission of pain signals going to your brain.
• Acupuncture increases the circulation of blood and nutrients to the inflamed or damaged tissue. 
• Acupuncture increases the body’s production of naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agents at the local site where the acupuncture needle is inserted.

At Revive Acupuncture we provide a number of strategies for pain management and treating CRPS, including acupuncture, acupuncture with electric stimulation, Chinese herbs, anti-inflammatory supplements, and dietary recommendations. CRPS responds best to interventions early in the progression of the condition. For this reason it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible if you have been diagnosed with this condition. Please contact our clinic if you would like to try holistic medicine for CRPS.