How to Treat Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome is a chronic burning pain, usually in an arm or leg, that lingers long after an injury to a limb has healed. Complex regional pain syndrome is uncommon, and its cause or causes remain unknown. More than one type of treatment is sometimes needed to control complex regional pain syndrome.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take oral medications. You might take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Aleve, Advil or aspirin) or prescription medications such as corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, antidepressants or bone-loss medications such as calcitonin.

2. Receive injections of a nerve-blocking medication. Sympathetic nerve blocks usually work immediately and at least one injection is recommended for those suffering from complex regional pain syndrome.

3. Stimulate the nerve in the affected area with acupuncture, electrical nerve stimulation or spinal cord stimulation. The chronic pain of complex regional pain syndrome can sometimes be controlled by targeting the nerves or nerve endings.

4. Stretch, strengthen and condition the affected limb through controlled exercises. Physical therapy can often help those who suffer from complex regional pain syndrome when used soon after the diagnosis of this condition is made.

5. Apply capsaicin cream to the affected area. Most effective when used in early stages, this cream (made from an ingredient found in hot chili peppers) may control the pain associated with this condition by desensitizing the person.

Tips & Warnings

• You might need to take more than one type of medication to treat complex regional pain syndrome. There is no set drug therapy for this condition. It's usually trial and error for each patient until the right combination of drugs is found.
• As with oral medications, overall treatment of complex regional pain syndrome is almost always customized to each patient. What works for one person may not work for another.
• Psychological counseling is sometimes suggested for those suffering from complex regional pain syndrome.
• Do not get capsaicin cream on unaffected parts of the body, as irritation may result.

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