If you’ve been living with intense, burning pain that seems out of proportion to your injury, you may be experiencing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) — one of the most painful and misunderstood conditions in medicine. At Solutions Pain and Spine Doctors, with locations in Decatur, Peachtree Corners, Buford, and Athens, GA, we specialize in diagnosing and treating CRPS with cutting-edge neuromodulation therapies.
What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a chronic pain condition that typically affects a limb — most often after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. CRPS involves the nervous system sending abnormal pain signals that far exceed what the original injury would typically cause. It is classified into two types:
- CRPS Type I (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/RSD): Occurs without confirmed nerve injury. This is the most common type.
- CRPS Type II (Causalgia): Occurs following a distinct nerve injury.
Common Symptoms of CRPS
CRPS symptoms can vary in severity and may evolve over time. The hallmark symptoms include:
- Continuous burning or throbbing pain, usually in the arm, leg, hand, or foot
- Extreme sensitivity to touch or cold (allodynia)
- Swelling and changes in skin temperature (alternating between hot and cool)
- Skin color changes — red, blue, or blotchy
- Changes in skin texture — shiny, thin, or excessively sweaty
- Muscle spasms and decreased ability to move the affected body part
- Changes in hair and nail growth patterns
If you recognize these symptoms, early diagnosis and treatment are critical. CRPS is most treatable when caught in its early stages.
What Causes CRPS?
The exact cause of CRPS is not fully understood, but researchers believe it involves dysfunction of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Common triggers include:
- Fractures or sprains
- Surgery
- Heart attacks or strokes
- Infections
- Prolonged immobilization
In some cases, CRPS can develop without any obvious injury. Psychological stress and certain immune responses may also play a role in its onset and progression.
CRPS Treatment Options at Solutions Pain and Spine Doctors
At Solutions Pain and Spine Doctors, we take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to CRPS. Our goal is to reduce pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life using the most advanced interventional therapies available in Georgia.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Spinal Cord Stimulation is one of the most effective long-term treatments for CRPS. A small device delivers mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. Clinical studies show SCS can reduce CRPS pain by 50% or more in the majority of patients.
Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Ketamine infusions work at the NMDA receptor level to ‘reset’ overactive pain pathways in the nervous system. This makes it a powerful option for patients with refractory CRPS who have not responded to other treatments.
Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
Stellate ganglion blocks and lumbar sympathetic blocks can interrupt the abnormal nerve signals driving CRPS pain, providing significant relief and allowing patients to engage in physical therapy.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)
For localized CRPS affecting specific nerves, peripheral nerve stimulation targets the affected nerve directly, providing targeted pain relief without systemic side effects.
Pain Psychology and Biofeedback
Chronic pain conditions like CRPS profoundly affect mental health. Our integrated approach includes pain psychology and biofeedback to help patients manage the emotional toll of CRPS, change their pain response, and improve overall outcomes.
Why Choose Solutions Pain and Spine Doctors for CRPS in Georgia?
Dr. Priscilla Agbenyefia and the team at Solutions Pain and Spine Doctors are dedicated to being Georgia’s premier neuromodulation center. We offer:
- 4 convenient locations across metro Atlanta and Athens, GA
- Specialized expertise in neuromodulation — one of Georgia’s few centers focused exclusively on these advanced therapies
- A warm, patient-first environment where your care is fully customized to your needs
- Integrated mental health support for whole-person healing
Take the First Step Toward CRPS Relief
You don’t have to live with the burning, relentless pain of CRPS. Our team is ready to help you find relief and reclaim your life. Schedule your appointment online or call us today at (470) 275-3626 at one of our four Georgia locations: Decatur, Peachtree Corners, Buford, and Athens.