Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome & HBOT
Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an uncommon and very painful condition that usually affects an arm or leg. Often developing after an injury, surgery, or major medical event, CRPS is one of the most painful conditions in existence (1). The pain is usually more severe than the initial injury itself. Symptoms of CRPS include continuous burning or throbbing pain, cold or touch sensitivity, swelling, skin temperature changes, skin color changes, skin texture changes, joint stiffness, muscle spasms, and decreased ability to move the affected body part (1). If untreated for a long time, the affected limb may become cold and pale (1). When the affected limb reaches this point, the condition may be irreversible (1).
CRPS benefits from early treatment. Unfortunately, the diagnosis is sometimes missed in the early stages. The basic remedies include heat therapy, topical analgesics such as lidocaine patches or capsaicin cream, mirror therapy, biofeedback, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) (1). These treatments have varying and limited effects. CRPS is a notoriously difficult condition to treat. But what if there were a treatment protocol that could not just treat, but heal or even cure CRPS? Luckily, there is: hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% infused oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. This enables oxygen to reach every part of the body, where it both repairs damaged cells and encourages new cellular growth (2). At the same time, HBOT promotes circulation and stem cell growth, which reduces inflammation and supports the immune system (2). For decades, HBOT has proven effective for treating a multitude of medical conditions, including diabetic ulcers, bone infections, and radiation injury (3).
Studies showing the effectiveness of HBOT to treat CRPS are emerging all the time. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study from 2004 studied 71 patients: 37 patients were treated with hyperbaric oxygen; 34 patients in the control group received normal air (4). The results were promising, as the group treated with HBOT had significantly better results. Those who were treated with HBOT experienced decreased pain and oedema, as well as increased range of motion (4). The control group did not experience significant improvement of or reduction of symptoms.
A 2016 case study of a patient with CRPS in his ankle following surgery also showed encouraging results; a three week, 15 session HBOT protocol led to significantly reduced pain and vasomotor symptoms (5). The three weeks of HBOT treatment were so effective in restoring normal function, the patient was able to resume working full time as a firefighter. HBOT gave him his life back. Not only is he working full time again, he now jogs several times a week, no longer takes any pain medication, and his ankle pain is now intermittent and mild (5). These are just a couple of the many studies showing HBOT can greatly reduce, or even cure, CRPS. Contact us to learn more.
At Holistic Hyperbarics, we treat a variety of chronic pain conditions. We have successfully treated many patients suffering from CRPS. Though CRPS is notoriously difficult to treat, there is hope, healing, and improvement available through HBOT. If you are seeking treatment for CRPS, we are here to support you. Our state-of-the art spa features knowledgeable staff, a relaxing environment, and comfortable hyperbaric chambers. Though CRPS treatment can be challenging, there is hope and there is help. We’d love to answer your questions about CRPS and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Give us a call today.
SOURCES:
1. Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 18 Feb. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crps-complex-regional-pain-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20371151.
2. Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 Jan. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/about/pac-20394380.
3. Staff, IHAUSA. “Anti Aging.” International Hyperbarics Association, International Hyperbarics Association, 2020, www.ihausa.org/anti-aging.html.
4. Kiralp, M Z, et al. “Effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, The Journal of International Medical Research , May 2004, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15174218/.
Rita Katznelson, Shira C. Segal, Hance Clarke, "Successful Treatment of Lower Limb Complex Regional Pain Syndrome following Three Weeks of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy", Pain Research and Management, vol. 2016, Article ID 3458371, 4 pages, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/3458371.