In this week's episode of the Spine & Nerve podcast, Dr. Karvelas and Dr. Joves continue the discussion on complex regional pain syndrome. As we discussed last episode, CRPS is essentially nerves not behaving themselves in the peripheral and Central nervous systems, and is one of the models for centralized pain.

Because CRPS is so variable in its clinical presentation and the way that our affects patients, the treatment plans and algorithms have to be tailored specifically to each individual case. Dr. Karvelas and Dr. Joves dive into treatment options and the medical literature for CRPS, taking things from conservative to more invasive.

Because CRPS can be a devastating disease process (especially in the chronic phases), most of the medical literature recommends early and more aggressive treatment. The best data for CRPS states that patients tend to do better in the long run if the symptoms are better controlled in the first 12 months. For this reason, the timeline for trying interventions can be accelerated in certain instances.

Listen as the docs walk through some of the treatments including:

Therapy focusing on contrast bags and contrasting textures

Medications

Infusions including ketamine and bisphosphonates

Injections to block the sympathetic chain ganglia

Neuromodulation including minimally invasive surgeries such as spinal cord stimulation and dorsal root ganglion stimulation

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This podcast is for information and educational purposes only, it is not meant to be medical advice. If anything discussed may pertain to you, please seek council with your healthcare provider. The views expressed are those of the individuals expressing them, they may not represent the views of Spine & Nerve.