Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating pain disorder that is typically considered lifelong, with limited treatment options. However, groundbreaking research led by NeuRA’s Centre for Pain IMPACT and the University of South Australia has found that early detection and effective treatment can lead to significant recovery within 18 months, offering hope to millions of people worldwide. Up to 80% of patients have been shown to recover within the first 18 months of being diagnosed with CRPS.
CRPS is a multi-system disorder triggered by trauma, such as surgery or fracture, that manifests with severe pain localized to a single limb. It often persists beyond typical recovery periods and can cause issues with sweating, temperature regulation, and mobility. Women are disproportionately affected, with up to four times as many diagnosed with the condition as men. The new study reviewed the latest advances in CRPS epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment, finding that the best approach to treatment includes education about CRPS, pain management, physical rehabilitation, and psychological support.
Lead researcher, NeuRA’s Michael Ferraro, describes the research findings as a paradigm shift in understanding CRPS. He challenges the prevailing notion that CRPS is a lifelong burden, emphasizing that recovery is likely for most people with the disorder, especially with early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses the multi-system nature of CRPS. By combining education, medication, rehabilitation, and psychology, patients have the best chance of recovery within the first 12-18 months of symptoms.
Co-researcher and pain expert, UniSA’s Professor Lorimer Moseley, highlights the significance of the research in understanding and treating CRPS. He emphasizes the involvement of biological and psychosocial factors in successful management of the disorder and the need for national and international networks of researchers to test the most promising treatments in clinical trials. One such initiative is the ongoing MEMOIR study conducted by NeuRA and UniSA, an Australian Government-funded trial evaluating medication and a newly developed rehabilitation program through telehealth to enable nationwide participation.
Overall, the research on CRPS offers hope and new avenues for patients and healthcare professionals alike, with a focus on early detection, comprehensive treatment approaches, and a shift away from the assumption that CRPS is a lifelong burden. By addressing the biological and psychosocial factors involved in the disorder, researchers are paving the way for improved understanding and management of CRPS, with the potential for significant recovery within 18 months of diagnosis. Further research and clinical trials are needed to validate these findings and test the most promising treatments on a larger scale.