Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
FAQs
Q. My doctor gave me an anti-depressant medicine to treat my CRPS. He said that we may need try an anti-convulsant (seizure medicine) sometime in the future. I am not depressed, and I do not have seizures. Why am I taking these types of drugs?
A. Both classes of medications may reduce the pain associated with CRPS, independent of the use for depression or seizures. Read more about anti-depressants and anti-convulsants for treatment of CRPS.
Q. I have heard that spinal cord stimulation really helps control pain. Why do I need to try drugs and physical therapy before having spinal cord stimulation to help my CRPS?
A. Drugs and physical therapy carry much less risk of harm than spinal cord stimulation. Most pain specialists prefer that less risky procedures and drugs be tried before considering spinal cord stimulation. With aggressive, early and proper treatment, spinal cord stimulation can be avoided in most CRPS cases. Read more about spinal cord stimulation and neuromodulation.
A. Both classes of medications may reduce the pain associated with CRPS, independent of the use for depression or seizures. Read more about anti-depressants and anti-convulsants for treatment of CRPS.
Q. I have heard that spinal cord stimulation really helps control pain. Why do I need to try drugs and physical therapy before having spinal cord stimulation to help my CRPS?
A. Drugs and physical therapy carry much less risk of harm than spinal cord stimulation. Most pain specialists prefer that less risky procedures and drugs be tried before considering spinal cord stimulation. With aggressive, early and proper treatment, spinal cord stimulation can be avoided in most CRPS cases. Read more about spinal cord stimulation and neuromodulation.