Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Can't Be Simplified Just Yet

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is properly named -- it is very complex! Scientists still aren't sure what causes it. In the last few years they have been able to divide it into two types: I and II. Drs. Jänig and Baron from the Christian-Albrechts University in Germany offer this editorial (opinion) on the topic.

After reviewing the possible mechanisms of CRPS they suggest there isn't just one cause of CRPS but several. It's not an inflammatory disease and it's not a psychologic based disorder. A brief review of two articles in the February 2006 issue of the journal Pain is presented in this editorial.

Both articles are based on new and original research. Both conclude that CRPS type I is a neuropathic pain syndrome. This means nerve damage is the main cause of the condition. The editors warn readers to view these conclusions with caution.

They suggest the neuropathic pain theory is part of the big picture but there are other factors to consider. It's more likely once the pain gets started that the neuropathic theory explains why the pain continues.

Clearly more study is needed. The editors suggest it's too early to make a final decision based on these two studies.