Chronic Pain and Neuropathies

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neurological pain disorder characterized by an abnormal and disproportionate response of the nervous system following trauma, surgery, immobilization, or nerve injury. It is a complex condition that may cause severe pain, sensory disturbances, autonomic dysfunction, and progressive functional deterioration of the affected limb.

CRPS Type I develops without an identifiable nerve injury, whereas CRPS Type II is associated with a demonstrable peripheral nerve injury. Both forms may progress to highly disabling chronic conditions if not diagnosed and treated early by experienced specialists.

Most Common Symptoms

The clinical presentation may vary depending on the stage of the disease and the degree of neurological and vascular involvement.

The most common symptoms include:

Severe pain disproportionate to the initial injury
Burning sensation, electric shock-like pain, or hypersensitivity
Allodynia and hyperalgesia
Temperature changes in the affected limb
Changes in skin coloration
Persistent edema and inflammation
Abnormal sweating
Joint stiffness and functional limitation
Muscle weakness and loss of strength
Trophic changes affecting the skin, nails, and subcutaneous tissue
Difficulty moving the affected limb

In advanced stages, central sensitization and severe functional impairment may develop, significantly affecting quality of life.

Advanced Diagnosis

The diagnosis of CRPS requires an expert multidisciplinary clinical assessment based on specific diagnostic criteria together with complementary tests aimed at identifying neurological, autonomic, and vasomotor abnormalities.

Computerized Infrared Thermography

At Clínica VERTEBRA, we have been using Infrared Thermography for the past four decades as a specialized complementary diagnostic tool for the evaluation of neuropathic pain and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Computerized Infrared Thermography enables the non-invasive assessment of skin temperature alterations associated with autonomic dysfunction, inflammation, and vasomotor abnormalities characteristic of CRPS. This technique can help to:

Detect pathological thermal asymmetries
Assess neurovascular abnormalities
Identify areas of inflammation or hypoperfusion
Support the clinical diagnosis
Monitor disease progression and treatment response
Objectively assess functional changes in the early stages

The integration of Infrared Thermography with clinical assessment and advanced imaging studies allows for a more accurate and personalized diagnostic approach.

Specialized and Minimally Invasive Treatment

Early, multidisciplinary treatment is essential to reduce pain, prevent chronic progression, and improve functional recovery.

At Clínica VERTEBRA, we provide an advanced, individualized approach that may include:

Specialized medical treatment for neuropathic pain
Intensive Functional Rehabilitation
Specialized Neurological Physiotherapy
Pain Neuromodulation
Ultrasound-Guided Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
Pulsed Radiofrequency
Image-Guided Interventional Procedures
Biological Therapies and Regenerative Medicine
Multimodal Chronic Pain Management
Personalized Functional Recovery Programs

The therapeutic goal is to modulate neural sensitization, control pain, and promote functional recovery of the affected limb.

At VERTEBRA SpinePain & Regenerative SURGERY CENTERS, we have extensive expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and complex neuropathic pain, using specialized diagnostic techniques and high-precision image-guided interventional procedures.

Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, personalized, and minimally invasive approach aimed at reducing pain, improving function, and optimizing the quality of life of patients suffering from complex, refractory chronic pain.

Clínica VERTEBRA is a pioneer in the implementation and development of advanced minimally invasive techniques and has received international recognition for its contributions.