CHRONIC PAIN: COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME: GETTING HELP

While complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a mysterious and sometimes misdiagnosed disorder, there are doctors who understand and know how to treat it. This is most likely to happen if the doctor is board-certified in Pain Medicine by the American Board of Pain Medicine or holds a special certificate in Pain Management from the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Ideally, the doctor works in a recognized pain clinic that includes several types of treatment, but such clinics are not available in all areas of the country. Be aware that many doctors and other health care practitioners call themselves pain specialists, but may not be as well trained or experienced in treating chronic pain conditions.

The important thing is to shop around — and get multiple consultations, if necessary — until you are completely satisfied that the health care practitioner or facility can help you with your CRPS. Some questions to ask your doctor:

· Do you believe the disorder exists?

· How many cases of CRPS have you treated?

· What are your special qualifications to treat CRPS patients?

· What is your philosophy of CRPS management in terms of medications, other treatment options and complementary therapies?

· What types of medications do you generally prescribe?

· What types of non-drug therapies (including psychological and/or spiritual help) do you use?

· Where do you refer patients who need additional treatment?

· Is your clinic listed with any professional societies?

· Do you have seven-days-a-week, 24-hour coverage if I need help?

Here are some places and people that can help manage CRPS:

· Comprehensive Pain Centers. Such centers provide multi-modality, interdisciplinary treatment, but may not have CRPS programs or specialists. Be sure to check first.

· Pain Medicine Physicians. Pain medicine has become a medical specialty in recent years. Pain medicine physicians specialize in treating many different pain conditions. Depending on background and interest, many treat CRPS. However, inquire about their experience and interest in treating CRPS and whether they incorporate a variety of therapeutic (multi-modality) approaches.