Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is a chronic pain condition most often affecting one of the extremities (arms, legs, hands, or feet), usually after an injury or trauma to that extremity. There are those rare cases where the entire body of the patient is involved. CRPS is believed to be caused by an injury to, or a malfunction of, the peripheral and central nervous systems. The central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord, & the peripheral nervous system involves nerve signaling from the brain & spinal cord to the rest of the body. CRPS is characterized by prolonged or excessive pain & mild or dramatic changes in skin color, temperature, and/or swelling in the affected area.
CRPS symptoms vary in severity & duration. Studies of the incidence & prevalence of the disease show that most cases are mild & individuals recover gradually with time. In more severe cases, individuals may not recover & may have long-term disability.
By you visiting this website, we understand you or a loved one has CRPS & you are searching for treatment that is effective. If you have been told that the only way to control the pain levels is to surgically implant a morphine pump or nerve stimulator into the spine, please know there are alternatives.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) first works to saturate the body with oxygen. This reduces any oxygen deprivation from the inflamed tissues & setup a healing process for the affected tissues. Like any other form of treatment for CRPS, HBOT results may vary from patient to patient. Some cases show immediate improvement of condition & continued improvement with subsequent treatments. HBOT treatments are simple; the patient is placed in a chamber where our techs deliver increased oxygen concentrations with an increase in pressures greater than atmospheric pressure, therefore saturating the body with the oxygen it needs to heal itself. The first symptom to change will be the inflammation; the patient will notice the inflammation or swelling decrease, with this decrease, a decrease in the pain levels follow. The dramatic skin color & temperatures are usually decreased on the first treatment. The overall well being of the patient is improved, sleep patterns improve followed a reduction in depression. The average treatment regiment is 40 treatments for CRPS.
Dr. Skaggs is a member of the International Hyperbaric Medical Association (IHMA) & was recently appointed to the Executive Board of Directors. This organization is on the cutting edge of research, establishing treatment protocols, indications for treatment, while establishing safety for the public & the industry. Please feel free to contact our office if we can answer any questions.