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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Specialist

Jason Chiu, MD -  - Pain Management Specialist

The Painless Center

Jason Chiu, MD

Pain Management Specialist & Anesthesiologist located in Carlstadt, NJ & Tenafly, NJ

The Painless Center in Tenafly and Carlstadt, New Jersey, offers customized treatment plans for a variety of chronic pain conditions, including complex regional pain syndrome. Jason Chiu, MD, and his knowledgeable medical team thoroughly assess your pain and other symptoms and focus on improving your long-term, overall health. Whether you need medications or nerve blocks, Dr. Chiu ensures your health is the top priority. Learn more about pain relief options for complex regional pain syndrome today by calling the office closest to you or using the online booking feature.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

What is complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome is a condition that causes chronic pain in your limbs. This type of pain lasts longer than six months and typically develops after a surgery.

People of any age or gender can develop complex regional pain syndrome, but the condition is most common in women and middle-aged adults. This type of condition rarely affects young children or the elderly.


What causes complex regional pain syndrome?

The cause of complex regional pain syndrome may relate to damage or dysfunction of your central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, and your peripheral nervous system, which carries pain signals from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body.

Nervous system damage is common after surgery, but it may also be triggered by injuries like:

  • Cuts
  • Burns
  • Sprains
  • Fractures

For some people, even minor procedures, such as a blood draw, can bring on symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome that interfere with your daily routine.


What are the symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome causes chronic pain that may feel like a burning or pins-and-needles sensation. Pain can affect all or any part of your arm or leg, and it can worsen when you touch or bump the affected area.

Other common symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome include:

  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Joint stiffness
  • Changes in skin texture
  • Difficulties in coordinating muscle movements

Changes in hair and nail growth patterns in an affected limb are also a possible side effect of complex regional pain syndrome.


What treatments are available for complex regional pain syndrome?

There is no test that confirms a complex regional pain syndrome diagnosis, so Dr. Chiu first evaluates your symptoms, medical history, and areas where you experience pain. He may also order tests to rule out other underlying medical conditions that may be causing your pain.

If he suspects you have complex regional pain syndrome, Dr. Chiu may initially prescribe medications, including anti-inflammatories and pain relievers, to reduce inflammation and pain.

When medications aren’t enough to alleviate chronic pain, Dr. Chiu may suggest a nerve block. A nerve block is an injection that delivers anesthetic medications to the damaged nerves, disrupting the signals being sent to your brain.

To learn more about your pain-relief options for complex regional pain syndrome, contact The Painless Center nearest you by phone or using the online booking system.