Experiencing intense pain for a minor ache? Doctor explains reasons

Imagine having to be on bed rest just because your limbs ache. The pain you are expressing does not look proportionate to the extent of the injury. Those around might find it tough to believe you, and even you might wonder why you feel what you do. Unfortunately, such conditions exist, and they are called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Dr Alka Elizabeth Jacob, Anesthesiology and Pre-Operative Consultant at the Mar Sleeva Medicity, Palai, explains the condition and the pain clinics that help handle them. 

What is CRPS?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a condition in which pain is felt to an unusual extent, beyond the level expected for the injury. Symptoms include limited joint movement, swelling, skin discolouration, and increased body temperature. Early diagnosis and treatment help in reducing pain. Many people delay seeking expert treatment for joint-related pain. This is because when they feel slight pain in their shoulder or back, they often self-treat with lotions bought from medical stores. However, if an injury occurs due to a fall or in sports, they are compelled to seek treatment and, wishing to return to their lives as soon as possible, they seek care at a pain clinic.

Pain resulting from infection or bone loss can be reduced through treatment methods at pain clinics. Most people suffer from musculoskeletal pain. Pain from cancer can be unbearable for many patients. Modern pain management techniques in pain clinics can reduce pain intensity, providing relief to patients. Conditions like Peripheral Vascular Occlusive Disease, which causes limb pain due to poor blood circulation; Postherpetic Neuralgia, nerve pain following chickenpox; Trigeminal Neuralgia, affecting the trigeminal nerve in the face; and Migraine are treated at pain clinics.

Innovative treatments provide pain relief
The uncertainty about whether physiotherapy and palliative care centres are the same as pain clinics often hinders people from seeking expert treatment. Lack of knowledge about innovative treatment methods often forces patients to endure severe pain. Conservative treatment methods, including medications, lifestyle changes, and exercises, can provide relief in the initial stages.

Patients can find relief from pain through minimally invasive interventional pain procedures guided by fluoroscopy or ultrasound; Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), a treatment method that provides long-term relief for pain by targeting nerves that transmit pain signals; Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF); Epidural Steroid Injection, which reduces pain radiating to the neck, back, and legs by injecting anti-inflammatory medication around the nerves adjacent to the spine; procedures used for neuropathic, complex regional pain syndrome, vascular pain, and cancer pain such as Sympathetic Ganglion Block, Neurolysis; and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, which uses the patient's own blood platelets to promote regeneration of tendon, ligament, joint, and soft tissue injuries.