While complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a mysterious and sometimes misdiagnosed disorder, there are doctors who understand and know how to treat it. This is most likely to happen if the doctor is board-certified in Pain Medicine by the American Board of Pain Medicine or holds a special certificate in Pain Management from the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Ideally, the doctor works in a recognized pain clinic that includes several types of treatment, but such clinics are not available in all areas of the country. Be aware that many doctors and other health-care practitioners call themselves pain specialists, but may not be as well trained or experienced in treating chronic pain conditions. The important thing is to shop around �?and get multiple consultations, if necessary �?until you are completely satisfied that the health-care practitioner or facility can help you with your CRPS. Some questions to ask your doctor: -
Do you believe the disorder exists? -
How many cases of CRPS have you treated? -
What are your special qualifications to treat CRPS patients? -
What is your philosophy of CRPS management in terms of medications, other treatment options and complementary therapies? -
What types of medications do you generally prescribe? -
What types of non-drug therapies (including psychological and/or spiritual help) do you use? -
Where do you refer patients who need additional treatment? -
Is your clinic listed with any professional societies? (You can check this out yourself by going to the Web pages of the professional societies listed in The NPF Web site.) -
Do you have seven-days-a-week, 24-hour coverage if I need help? Here are some places and people that can help manage CRPS: Comprehensive Pain Centers. Such centers provide multi-modality, interdisciplinary treatment, but may not have CRPS programs or specialists. Be sure to check first. Pain Medicine Physicians. Pain medicine has become a medical specialty in recent years. Pain medicine physicians specialize in treating many different pain conditions. Depending on background and interest, many treat CRPS. However, inquire about their experience and interest in treating CRPS and whether they incorporate a variety of therapeutic (multi-modality) approaches. Professional Groups There are professional societies and health-related organizations that can help you locate health care professionals or facilities that are knowledgeable about CRPS management and treatment. Pain-Related American Academy of Pain Medicine 4700 West Lake Glenview, IL 60025 (847) 375-4731 Fax: (847) 375-6331 www.painmed.org American Chronic Pain Association Post Office Box 850 Rocklin, CA 95677 916-632-0922 www.theacpa.org American Pain Society 4700 West Lake Avenue Glenview, IL 60025 (847) 375-4715 Fax: (877) 734-8758 [email protected] www.ampainsoc.org American Society of Pain Management Nurses 7794 Grow Drive Pensacola, FL 32514 888/34-ASPMN (342-7766) Fax: (850) 484-8762 www.aspmn.org/ International Association for the Study of Pain International Pain Foundation 909 NE 43rd Street, Suite 306 Seattle, WA 98105 (206) 547-6409 www.halcyon/iasp.com Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome of America (RSDSA) P.O. Box 502 Milford, CT 06460 (877) 662-7737 Fax: (203) 882-8362 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.rsds.org/ Other Health Related American Society of Anesthesiologists www.asahq.org American Academy of Neurology www.aan.com American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation www.aapmr.org American Medical Association 515 North State Street Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 464-5000 www.ama-assn.org American Psychological Association 750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002-4242 (303) 336-5500 www.apa.org Overview | Making the Diagnosis | Getting Help | Fast Facts | Myths and Misconceptions | Children and Pain Pain Definitions | Medications | Complementary | Physical Therapy | Psychology |Surgery |