Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Treatment in Granada Hills, CA
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is one of the most severe and misunderstood chronic pain conditions — producing intense, disproportionate pain in an extremity that can be profoundly disabling. At Modern Pain Solutions, Dr. Jungjae Lim brings specialized fellowship training in CRPS diagnosis and management, offering patients in the San Fernando Valley access to the most advanced therapies available for this challenging condition.
What Is CRPS?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neurological condition characterized by severe, burning pain — typically in a limb — that is far out of proportion to the original injury or cause. CRPS is categorized as Type I (formerly reflex sympathetic dystrophy, or RSD), which occurs without a confirmed nerve injury, and Type II (formerly causalgia), which follows a specific nerve injury. Both types involve abnormal central and peripheral nervous system processing of pain signals, often accompanied by changes in skin color and temperature, swelling, sweating abnormalities, and motor dysfunction in the affected limb.
CRPS most commonly develops following a fracture, surgery, sprain, or other injury — though in some cases it arises without a clear precipitating event. Early diagnosis and aggressive, multimodal treatment are critical to preventing the condition from spreading and becoming permanently disabling. At Modern Pain Solutions in Granada Hills, CA , Dr. Lim offers a comprehensive approach to CRPS management that addresses both the peripheral and central nervous system contributions to this complex condition.
Symptoms of CRPS
- Severe, continuous burning or throbbing pain in an arm, leg, hand, or foot
- Sensitivity to touch or cold (allodynia and hyperalgesia)
- Skin color changes — red, blue, or mottled appearance
- Skin temperature changes — the affected area may feel warmer or cooler than surrounding tissue
- Swelling of the affected limb
- Changes in skin texture — shiny, thin, or dry skin
- Abnormal sweating patterns in the affected area
- Motor dysfunction — weakness, tremor, or difficulty moving the limb
- Changes in nail and hair growth in the affected area
CRPS Treatments at Modern Pain Solutions
Dr. Lim offers a comprehensive, multimodal approach to CRPS management, including sympathetic nerve blocks (stellate ganglion and lumbar sympathetic blocks), peripheral nerve blocks, and Spinal Cord Stimulation and Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation — which have strong clinical evidence for CRPS pain reduction. Regenerative therapies may support tissue healing in select cases. If your CRPS was triggered by a personal injury, see our Personal Injury Pain Management services. Contact Modern Pain Solutions at (818) 826-4145 for an evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About CRPS
What causes CRPS?
CRPS typically develops following an injury — most commonly a fracture, sprain, surgery, or crush injury — though the severity of CRPS pain is disproportionate to the original trauma. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it involves abnormal activation of the sympathetic nervous system and central sensitization, in which the brain and spinal cord amplify and sustain pain signals beyond the normal healing period. In some cases, CRPS develops after a minor injury or even without any identifiable cause.
How is CRPS diagnosed?
CRPS is diagnosed clinically — based on a patient’s history, symptom pattern, and physical examination findings. There is no single definitive blood test or imaging study for CRPS. Diagnosis is guided by the Budapest Criteria, which require specific combinations of reported symptoms and observable signs, including sensory, vasomotor, sudomotor, and motor/trophic changes. Dr. Lim is experienced in recognizing CRPS presentations and will conduct a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Is CRPS treatable?
Yes, though CRPS is one of the most challenging pain conditions to manage. Early, aggressive, multimodal treatment — before the condition becomes entrenched — produces the best outcomes. At Modern Pain Solutions, Dr. Lim uses a combination of sympathetic nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, and other advanced interventional approaches that have demonstrated effectiveness for CRPS. Many patients experience significant, meaningful reduction in pain and improvement in function with appropriate care.
What is a sympathetic nerve block and how does it help CRPS?
A sympathetic nerve block is an injection of local anesthetic near the sympathetic nerves — the stellate ganglion for upper limb CRPS or the lumbar sympathetic chain for lower limb involvement. By temporarily interrupting the sympathetic nervous system’s contribution to the pain signal, these blocks can provide meaningful relief and help break the pain cycle in CRPS. They are also used diagnostically to determine whether the sympathetic nervous system is a primary driver of a patient’s pain.
Can spinal cord stimulation help CRPS?
Yes. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation are among the most effective treatments for CRPS, with strong clinical evidence supporting their use. By delivering targeted electrical stimulation to the spinal cord or specific nerve clusters, these therapies can significantly reduce the severe, burning pain of CRPS and improve limb function and quality of life. A trial period is always performed before permanent implantation to confirm benefit.
Can CRPS spread to other parts of the body?
Yes. In some patients, CRPS can spread beyond the initially affected area — either to adjacent regions, the contralateral (opposite) limb, or other parts of the body. This spread is more likely in cases where treatment is delayed or inadequate. Prompt, comprehensive treatment at Modern Pain Solutions is important to minimize the risk of spreading and to prevent the condition from becoming more entrenched and difficult to manage.
Can CRPS be caused by a car accident or personal injury?
Yes. CRPS can develop following traumatic injuries including those sustained in car accidents, workplace incidents, and surgical procedures. If you have developed CRPS following a personal injury, Modern Pain Solutions can provide both expert treatment and thorough medical documentation to support your legal case. We accept lien-based cases and coordinate with attorneys and case managers. Visit our Personal Injury page for more information.