What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
Complex regional pain syndrome is a syndrome associated with chronic dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system and the central nervous system. This usually results in pain, autonomic dysfunction and motor dysfunction. This typically presents following trauma to the limb. There are two different types that are usually thought about. Type 1 being no definable nerve damage (the most common type) and Type 2 where there is definable nerve damaging. What happens is that tissue injury in the area leads to increased sensitivity in the area with an easier ability to send pain signals to the brain and a potential increase in pain perception as a result or even aberrations in motor control. It is most often in the upper and lower extremities, but can exist anywhere in the body.
What are the Symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
Usually trauma exists to an arm or leg that results in a lot of pain, the pain becomes chronic and highly sensitive. Things that typically don't cause pain in the area or may have not previously caused pain may spark spontaneous and intense pain. There can be swelling, redness, skin discoloration, cooling sensations or warmth around the site of pain or even changes to hair in the area (darkening, thickening, increase in hair or even loss of hair in the area) or changes to the nails or bones in the area. Sometimes abnormal sweating can present as well.
Chiropractic Treatment Can Help
Chiropractic care can help alleviate some of the pain associated with CRPS. Treatments may include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and guided exercises to improve mobility and reduce pain.