Millions of people go to doctors every year for chronic pain treatment. In many of these cases, the doctors send them home with painkiller prescriptions. However, the pills don't address the cause of the problem and have a potential for abuse. Also, some people could be in need of complex regional pain syndrome treatment to solve the problem.
What Causes CRPS?
Formerly called reflex sympathetic dystrophy, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an uncomfortable and frustrating condition. People usually develop it after they suffer an injury, and the pain that it causes is typically chronic.
This condition has two types. CRPS-I doesn't involve nerve damage and is more likely to be temporary. CRPS-II involves nerve damage from an injury or trauma and is more likely to be permanent. Other than those differences, the symptoms are basically the same.
The primary symptom of complex regional pain syndrome is prolonged pain that may be continuous. Some people describe the pain as a pins-and-needles or burning sensation. It could spread throughout an arm or leg even though the injury or trauma only affects one finger or toe. The pain might travel to the other limb too, but that occurrence is rare.
Available Treatments for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
It's difficult for doctors to diagnose complex regional pain syndrome. The process often involves eliminating all other possibilities first. The condition is a challenge to treat. However, many chronic pain treatment options are available.
People who have CRPS tend to get treatment from a team of medical professionals, including physical therapists and neurologists. They and other specialists can determine which treatments will be the most effective.
The most common complex regional pain syndrome treatment is physical therapy or rehabilitation. Exercising improves blood flow throughout the body and reduces circulatory symptoms. It also improves the function, flexibility, and strength of people's limbs. In some cases, rehabilitation can reverse or prevent the secondary changes in the brain that chronic pain causes.
Also, a psychologist can help people cope with living with CRPS. It's typical for this condition and similar disorders to cause symptoms such as anxiety and depression. These effects make the perception of pain worse, which makes treatment harder and less effective. Treating these secondary problems aids the entire recovery process.
CRPS Medication & Addiction
The Food and Drug Administration hasn't approved any drugs for complex regional pain syndrome treatment. However, doctors may use non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. Some depression and seizure medications may also be useful for addressing neuropathic pain.
Despite their usefulness in making the above treatments easier, it's vital that people don't rely on only medications. They should combine different methods for optimal results.
Alternative Treatments for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
People with complex regional pain syndrome can also benefit from alternative therapies. Some examples include acupuncture therapy, chiropractic care, and heat and cold therapy.
Relaxation techniques such as neurofeedback therapy can make patients more aware of their bodies. They can even teach them how to control pain so that they can remain relaxed and more tolerant. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation provides pain relief through the application of electrical impulses to nerve endings.
Learn CRPS Management Techniques at Kemah Palms Recovery®
If you need complex regional pain syndrome treatment, Kemah Palms Recovery® can help. We offer a comprehensive chronic pain recovery program with Dr. Flowers at the helm. Your treatment plan will take into consideration all of your needs, including addiction recovery if necessary.
Kemah Palms Recovery® may use acupuncture, massage and yoga therapies as part of your treatment. We even offer meditation, nutrition, and physical fitness services. The programs that are part of our chronic pain management include:
- Medical detox
- Family therapy
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Partial hospitalization program
- Aftercare program
Alongside our chronic pain treatment, we offer several services for drug addiction. We may include some of these in your treatment plan. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and trauma therapy.
Don't suffer from chronic pain because you mistakenly believe that there's no treatment for your condition. Find out how complex regional pain syndrome treatment at Kemah Palms Recovery® can give you relief without opioid painkillers. Reach out to us for more information at 713-568-1210.