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Stephen T. Pyles, MD-Spinal Stimulation Therapy for Pain Management

352-861-4600
2300 South Pine Ave. • Ocala, FL 34471
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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment

Posted on 02.17.15 |

pain1Diagnosing and treating complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can be complicated, but with a team of pain specialists and experts, an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can be achieved. The best way to diagnose this chronic condition is by ruling out other conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, for example. By the process of elimination, a pain doctor and his team can come to the correct diagnosis.

According to WebMD, triple-phase bone scans can be used to identify changes in the bone and in blood circulation. The presence of a previous injury can be a sign of complex regional syndrome, as well as a higher-than-expected amount of pain from that injury. The Mayo Clinic points out how important your medical history is when diagnosing this condition. They also suggest the following:

  •  Bone scan – A radioactive substance injected into one of your veins permits viewing of your bones with a special camera. This procedure may show increased circulation to the joints in the affected area.
  • Sympathetic nervous system tests – These tests look for disturbances in your sympathetic nervous system. For example, thermography measures the skin temperature and blood flow of your affected and unaffected limbs. Other tests can measure the amount of sweat on both limbs. Dissimilar results can indicate complex regional pain syndrome.
  • X-rays – Loss of minerals from your bones may show up on an X-ray in later stages of the disease.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – Images captured by an MRI device may show a number of tissue changes.
Medication will be one form of treatment. According to WebMD, Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), may ease pain and inflammation. In some cases, doctors may recommend prescription medications. For example, antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, and anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin (Neurontin), are used to treat pain that originates from a damaged nerve (neuropathic pain). Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may reduce inflammation.Pain management therapies will also be suggested to relieve your pain. Hot and cold compresses can reduce swelling and treat the temperature of the affected areas. Various creams may be used to help reduce hypersensitivity. Nerve-blocking medication may help to relieve pain, as well as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and spinal cord stimulation. Since complex regional pain syndrome seems to stem mainly from nerve damage, treating the nerves from deep within can be your best option.And, of course, physical therapy will be recommended to improve range of motion and strength. If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times, staying healthy, eating right, and remaining active are truly the best medicine for many chronic conditions. Physical therapy, light yoga, and light exercise are, more often than not, going to be included in every multidisciplinary pain relief treatment.

If you have unexplained pain that might be wrongly diagnosed, speak to Dr. Pyles today.

Categories: Pain Management Tips and Advice Tags: diagnose, diagnosing, pain, pain management

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Pain Treatment Centers-2300 South Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34471

(352) 861-4600