Complex regional pain syndrome has no cure, however, there are natural remedies to treat symptoms and reduce pain. Learn more here.
Complex regional pain syndrome is a chronic pain syndrome also referred to as reflex sympathetic dystrophy and CRPS. It’s renowned for causing severe burning, stabbing or stinging pain, as well as changes to the temperature and colour of the skin. Despite years of research taking place to better understand CRPS, there is no cure for sufferers. However, there are a number of things sufferers can do, eat, and add to their daily lives in order to treat and ease symptoms as much as possible. In this blog, we outline natural treatments for CRPS in the hopes that you can feel some relief from the painful symptoms you experience on a daily basis. As CRPS lawyers, however, it’s important to remember that we aren’t medical experts, so you should consult with your GP or any other medical professionals involved in your healthcare before beginning any new course of treatment.
1) Exercising. Taking part in light, gentle exercises is said to be beneficial for those suffering with CRPS. While exercising, your body produces its own type of painkiller, which actually increases your pain threshold and change your perception of pain. Before exercising, however, we would recommend visiting an experienced, qualified physiotherapist who will be able to advise you on the exercises that will benefit you and your affected limb.
2) Vitamins. By taking vitamin supplements, you will be able to make sure your body has everything it needs to work to the best of its ability. Fish oil is a great example of a beneficial supplement, as it is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. This particular study proved that fish oil has its benefits for CRPS patients; after 75 days on fish oil, more than half of the patients involved in the study reported back to state that they have ended their prescription painkillers.
3) Heat therapy. Heat helps to soothe the affected area and relax the mind. In fact, Lady Gaga, a long-term fibromyalgia sufferer and famous pop star, revealed on Twitter that heat therapy works for her to treat her symptoms. Epsom salt baths, electric heated blankets, and infrared saunas are her preferred treatment methods for reducing her symptoms.
4) Breathing. Another natural remedy to treat CRPS is deep breathing exercise. Although breathing won’t cure your chronic pain, it is something that could help you make it through the day. Breathing exercises help to relax your mind, reduce stress and tension, and provide your brain with a distraction from pain.
5) Meditation. Similarly to breathing exercises, meditation encourages relaxation and reduces pain by providing you with something else to focus your attention on. In the past, it has been found that meditation has the power to reduce pain in chronic pain sufferers, as well as lower levels of anxiety and depression.
6) Diet. Although there is no specific diet for every CRPS sufferer to follow, there are specific foods that are said to be anti-inflammatory and beneficial for easing symptoms. According to professionals, successful, healthy diets should be made up of the four F’s, which stand for the following; fresh fruit; fresh vegetables; fish; and fowl. Harmful foods sit under the four C’s; cookies; cakes; chocolate; cocktails; and candy. Click here for further advice on which foods are beneficial to your overall health.
As stated above, our expertise lies in being expert CRPS solicitors, which is why we recommend you discuss potential treatment options with your medical professional. If you suffer with the condition as a result of an accident or injury and would like to discuss your situation with our expert team to discover whether or not you’re entitled to compensation, call us for free on 0808 123 003.
We do not endorse any research, studies or sources mentioned within our blogs and comments. Furthermore, we do not endorse any medical advice provided, and would strongly recommend anyone seeking medical advice to contact their local healthcare provider.
