Complex regional pain syndrome is a chronic, progressive pain disorder. Severe burning or shooting electrical pain typically begins in one arm, hand, leg, or foot then spreads to other limbs and the whole body. People with advanced CRPS often experience dramatic changes in skin color, temperature, sensitivity, and tenderness accompanied by sweating and swelling.

Causes of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Complex regional pain syndrome has no known cause. Researchers have observed abnormalities in sympathetic nerve, immune response, and inflammation pathways. Many patients attribute the onset of CRPS to a particular injury. There are two types of CRPS: Type I or reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and Type II or causalgia, in which there is evidence of nerve damage.

Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

In limited studies hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown to reduce the pain and tenderness associated with complex regional pain syndrome and other chronic pain disorders. Physicians may prescribe HBOT as an adjunct or alternative to drug treatments and other therapies.

HyperbaricLink Evidence Index for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

PubMed.gov 3 citations

HBOEvidence.com 1 appraisal

ClinicalTrials.gov 0 trials

The HyperbaricLink Evidence Index is our at-a-glance summary of the clinical evidence on HBOT for the treatment of specific diseases and conditions. Scoring is based solely on our reading and interpretation of the medical literature.

• Disproved - Strong evidence against using HBOT.
• None - Unfavorable results or no published evidence.
• Scant - Early or mixed results with lingering questions.
• Promising - Repeatedly favorable results urging further study.
• Compelling - Strong body of evidence meriting approval.
• Approved - HBOT indicated and widely reimbursed.

Follow the links to our primary sources to read the papers and analyses that have shaped our views. PubMed.gov lists most all scientific papers published in reputable medical journals. HBOEvidence.com critically appraises key studies in the hyperbaric medical literature. ClinicalTrials.gov lists human clinical trials currently enrolling, in progress, and recently completed.

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