Complex Regional Pain Syndrome -Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which doctor should I consult forchronic regional pain syndrome?

A: You can initially consult your familyphysician or GP who can treat the condition with pain killers and refer you tophysiotherapy. For persistent severe pain you will be referred to a painspecialist for evaluation and management.

Q: Can chronic regional pain syndrome be cured?

A: There is no cure for CRPS. However withmedications, physiotherapy and counseling most patients experience significantimprovement in their symptoms. A few patients suffer from severe persistentsymptoms.

Q: Am I eligible for disability benefits if I am diagnosed with CRPS?

A: You might be eligible for Social Security disability benefits (SSD or SSI) if the pain persists even after a year. You may have to produce concrete evidence for your pain complaints.

Q: What is the difference between CRPS and reflex sympathetic dystrophy?

A: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)Type 1 is otherwise referred to as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. Experts believe that RSD occurs due to dysfunction of the nervous system leading to excessive impulses being sent to the affected site resulting in chronic pain.

Q: Can CRPS be caused by autoimmune disease?

A: One of the theories suggested for CRPS is an autoimmune cause. If autoimmunity is suspected, testing for autoantibodies(antinuclear antibody) may be performed.