Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Specialist

Interventional Spine Medicine

Pain Management Specialists located in Barrington, NH & Rye, NH

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that affects millions of people in the United States, with a higher incidence among women. An early diagnosis and treatment plan may help limit the duration of the chronic condition. Jan Slezak, MD, and Asteghik Hacobian, MD, at Interventional Spine Medicine specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of complex regional pain and design plans to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. To schedule an evaluation, call the office in Barrington, Gilford, Rye, Plaistow, or North Hampton, New Hampshire.

Complex Regional Pain Q&A

What is complex regional pain?

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), previously known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, causes long-term pain that most often affects one limb after mild to severe trauma, such as an injury or surgery.

It’s theorized that complex regional pain develops due to damage or malfunction in your peripheral and central nervous system.

The chronic pain condition affects millions of Americans but is more common in women than men. Though it can occur at any age, chronic regional pain rarely affects children or the elderly.

What are complex regional pain symptoms?

Complex regional pain symptoms vary in type and severity. However, the signature symptom of the condition is severe pain that’s out of proportion to the underlying injury.

With complex regional pain, the pain is usually localized to your arm/hand or leg/foot and may travel through your limb, even if the injury only affected your finger or toe.

In addition to pain, your complex regional pain symptoms may include:

Color or temperature change in the affected limb
Swelling
Hair loss in the affected limb
Joint stiffness
Poor muscle coordination

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact Interventional Spine Medicine to schedule an evaluation. Getting an accurate diagnosis ensures you get the treatment you need as quickly as possible, which may reduce the duration of your chronic regional pain.

How is complex regional pain diagnosed?

The pain management experts at Interventional Spine Medicine diagnose complex regional pain after a comprehensive exam. During your exam, the team reviews your symptoms, medical and surgical history, and examines the affected limb.

To rule out other causes of your symptoms, the team may request diagnostic testing, such as lab work or imaging.

The team determines your diagnosis based on the information gathered during your examination.

How is complex regional pain treated?

The team at Interventional Spine Medicine specializes in the treatment of complex regional pain and offers many options. Your treatment plan may include:

Physical therapy
Drug therapy
Nerve blocks
External or implantable pain relief devices (spinal cord stimulation)

The pain management experts work closely with you and adjust your treatment as needed. Though you may experience improvement in your pain, response to treatment can be difficult to predict.

To schedule an evaluation with the pain management experts at Interventional Spine Medicine for treatment of your complex regional pain, call the office!

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