Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that typically affects a limb after an injury, surgery, or stroke. Characterized by severe, burning pain, swelling, skin changes, and sensitivity to touch, CRPS requires specialized, multidisciplinary treatment from pain management experts who understand its complexity.
At Interventional Pain Consultants, our board-certified physicians have extensive experience diagnosing and treating CRPS using advanced interventional techniques. We recognize that early, aggressive treatment offers the best chance for symptom control and functional recovery, and we tailor each treatment plan to the individual patient.
Our approach combines neuromodulation, nerve blocks, physical therapy, and medication management to address both the pain and the underlying nervous system dysfunction. We work closely with your referring physicians to ensure coordinated care that maximizes your chance for meaningful, lasting relief.
APPOINTMENTS
Sympathetic nerve blocks are a cornerstone of CRPS treatment, targeting the overactive sympathetic nervous system that drives much of the pain and autonomic dysfunction in this condition. A stellate ganglion block (for upper extremity CRPS) or lumbar sympathetic block (for lower extremity) delivers anesthetic near the sympathetic nerve chain.
By temporarily interrupting the abnormal sympathetic signaling, these blocks can provide significant pain relief, improve circulation, reduce swelling, and restore normal skin temperature and color. Early and repeated sympathetic blocks may also help prevent the progression of CRPS to more advanced stages.
At Interventional Pain Consultants, we use advanced imaging guidance to ensure precise, safe placement of these blocks and monitor your response to tailor the frequency and type of block to your specific presentation.
LEARN MORESpinal cord stimulation (SCS) is one of the most effective advanced therapies for CRPS, particularly for patients who have not achieved adequate relief from nerve blocks or medications. A small implanted device delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, modulating pain signals and replacing them with a comfortable tingling sensation.
SCS has been shown in clinical studies to provide significant, long-term pain relief for CRPS patients, often improving function and quality of life when other treatments have failed. Modern SCS systems offer multiple programming options to target different types of pain components.
Before permanent implantation, we offer a trial period so you can evaluate the relief SCS provides in your daily life. Our affiliated specialists have extensive experience in SCS for CRPS and will optimize your stimulation settings for the best possible outcome.
LEARN MOREPhysical therapy is an essential component of CRPS treatment, focusing on desensitization techniques, graded motor imagery, and gentle range-of-motion exercises to retrain the affected limb and nervous system. These therapies help reduce sensitivity, improve mobility, and prevent muscle wasting and joint stiffness.
Our affiliated therapists are experienced in CRPS-specific rehabilitation protocols, including mirror box therapy and sensory discrimination training, which can help reorganize the brain's response to the affected limb and reduce pain perception over time.
At Interventional Pain Consultants, we integrate physical therapy with your interventional treatments to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that addresses both the neurological and musculoskeletal components of CRPS.
LEARN MOREMedications play an important role in managing CRPS symptoms, particularly neuropathic pain, inflammation, and sleep disturbances. Our physicians may prescribe anticonvulsants (such as gabapentin or pregabalin) for nerve pain, topical agents for localized relief, and low-dose antidepressants that help modulate pain signals.
Bisphosphonates and other bone-modifying agents may be used to address the underlying bone changes that can occur in CRPS. All medication plans are carefully tailored and monitored to minimize side effects while maximizing benefit.
Medication management is always combined with our interventional treatments to create a comprehensive, multi-modal approach that reduces reliance on any single therapy and provides more consistent, durable relief.
LEARN MOREDorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation is a newer, highly targeted form of neuromodulation that is FDA-approved specifically for CRPS. Unlike traditional SCS, DRG stimulation targets the dorsal root ganglion — the junction where sensory nerves enter the spinal cord — allowing for more precise, focal pain coverage.
This therapy is particularly effective for CRPS patients with pain localized to specific areas such as the foot, ankle, knee, or hand. DRG stimulation can provide relief in areas that are difficult to cover with conventional SCS.
At Interventional Pain Consultants, our affiliated specialists are trained in the latest DRG stimulation techniques and will help determine if this advanced therapy is right for your specific CRPS presentation during a comprehensive evaluation.
LEARN MOREReducing Pain. Improving Function. Enhancing Quality of Life.
We specialize in advanced pain management solutions, offering minimally invasive treatments to help patients live pain-free and improve their quality of life.