Chronic Pain

Chronic pain conditions have many symptoms.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), also known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), is a chronic condition characterized by burning, stabbing pain, and nervous system abnormalities.

The condition typically appears after an acute, traumatic injury to a joint or limb, though it may also occur with no obvious precipitating event. At first, there is pain and swelling from the injury that does not subside but actually intensifies. It spreads from the injury site to other parts of the body.

The skin and deep tissues in affected areas are painfully sensitive to touch. Almost without exception, the pain is aggravated by using the affected body part, passive movement or touch. Some patients’ skin is so hypersensitive that the slightest friction from clothing or bedsheets can produce excruciating pain. Patients learn not to move that body part and go to amazing extremes to protect it from any physical touch. Unexpected noises or bright lights can also cause a sudden, marked aggravation of pain.

Emotional disturbances — anger, fear, excitement and mental distress — can aggravate the pain. The initiating factor may be an argument, an exciting story or watching a dramatic motion picture or television program. The pain can also flare up for no apparent reason.

Redness and abnormal warmth are also common. Changes in sweating, hair growth, muscles, joints or bones and difficulty moving a joint or limb are other hallmarks of the disorder. In addition to the inflammation and abnormal autonomic nervous system function, there are tremors, spasms and weakness.

RSD/CRPS can affect both genders and all ages (including children), although it is thought to be more common between the ages of 40 and 60 and may be more frequent in women. The cause of RSD/CRPS is unknown, and many treatments are ineffective for many patients.

Please visit our patient education library to learn more about chronic pain management.

Dedicated to helping you overcome pain.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Comprehensive Pain Management in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at 225-368-2300 or use our online appointment request form.

Chronic Pain Relief Services in Baton Rouge, LA

Over the years, our dual board-certified anesthesiologists and fellowship-trained pain specialists have accurately diagnosed chronic pain conditions in thousands of patients. We have successfully controlled or eliminated their pain while improving their quality of life. We have helped people return to work, sports, activities, hobbies and lifestyles. Even if we cannot eliminate your pain, we can help you function better.