Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that is a result of over-active nerve impulses affecting a specific part of the body. Parts of the body that are usually affected by CRPS are the arms and legs. However, the condition can affect other areas and can sometimes spread. The causes of CRPS are believed by many to be dysfunctions of the central or peripheral nervous system.
While the exact causes of CRPS are not known, the condition is associated with osteoporosis, migraines, asthma, and angiotension-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy. Currently, there are eight modes of thinking regarding the causes of CRPS, or aetiology. The logic behind the causes of CRPS is also the primary influence behind the current treatments.
Inflammatory Causes of CRPS
One of the alleged causes of CRPS is a problem with the body’s inflammatory process. The idea was originally considered by a medical expert named Peter Sudeck, who is the reason CRPS is also called Sudeck’s atrophy. It was noticed that the five cardinal signs from inflammation were present. CRPS symptoms of inflammation include hot, red, and swollen area with reduced function. Further research indicated that the causes of CRPS included other factors involved with the body’s inflammation process.
Causes of CRPS as an Allergic Response
It was also established that another one of the possible causes of CRPS is trauma or injury involving the affected area. The most common injuries related to causes of CRPS are fractures, sprains, strains, limb immobilization, surgical or medical procedures, and soft tissue injuries. CRPS is an expression of the abnormal response causing magnification of the injuries. The causes of CRPS are similar to an allergy since only some individuals will react in this manner.
Nervous Abnormalities as Causes of CRPS
Peripheral nerve problems are found in individuals with CRPS. They usually involve small unmyelinated and thinly myelinated nerve fibers. Myelin is the protective, fatty coating of nerve cells. These nerve fibers, called axons relay sensory messages and signal blood vessels. Some think that some of the causes CRPS may be related to injury of these small nerve fibers that communicate with blood vessels. Molecules that are released from hyperactive, dysfunctional nerve fibers might contribute to inflammation and problems with blood vessels. This, in turn, solicits an abnormal neurological feedback mechanism in the spinal cord and brain leading to what the patient will perceive as chronic pain.
Causes of CRPS from Blood Vessels
Another problem related to the causes of CRPS involves the effects on blood vessels. In patients with CRPS, blood vessels in the affected limb may dilate or leak fluid into nearby tissues. This causes red, swollen, irritated skin. Underlying tissues like the muscles may become deprived of oxygen and other necessary nutrients. After an amount of time, this results in joint and muscle pain and damage. Blood vessels can also become over-constricted causing cold, bluish, or white skin.
Cortical Causes of CRPS
Some research has indicated that there are neurological causes of CRPS rooted in the cerebral cortex. Among the symptoms experienced by patients is the perception that the affected limb feels strange, disfigured, and out of place. This is said to possibly be caused by an “altered cortical limb representation.” This means that there is a dysfunction of the brain causing the patient to sense their body parts in this way. Furthermore, many physicians have made progress with their patients with “mirror therapy.” This is a technique that can be used if one of the limbs is unaffected. The therapy works by tricking the brain into normalizing swelling, redness, and pain of the affected limb.
“Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Fact Sheet.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
N.p., 12 Jul 2013. Web. 9 Aug 2013.
Goebel, Andreas. “Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Adults.” Medscape. (2011): n. page. Web. 9 Aug.