What is the difference between chronic pain syndrome and complex regional pain s!

What is the difference between chronic pain syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome. Also, what causes ea

each? Does anything...medication or otherwise help you?

As icesk8er said, they're the same thing. "Chronic" regional pain syndrome is, as far as I know, just a common mistake. Complex regional pain syndrome is the latest name for a condition that has about a million names. The most common is reflex sympathetic dystrophy (which many still prefer over CRPS, myself included).

As for what causes RSD/CRPS, that's a much more difficult question to answer. Really, nobody knows. There are lots of theories out there, ranging from the classical theory (that it's a dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system) to the latest theories about inflammation (mostly Dutch research). The truth is that someday we'll probably find out that there are a few different things causing similar symptoms in different people.

There are lots of different treatments for RSD/CRPS. Usually, sympathetic nerve blocks are the first thing to try. I had temporary relief with those, as did icesk8ter, I believe. Some people have more permanent relief. I had even more success with continuous blocks.

Also, there are many medications to try. Usually, an antiseizure drug like Neurontin or a similar medication called Lyrica are among the first things to try. Some antidepressants like the older tricyclics (amitryptiline/Elavil and it's relatives) are often used. There are newer antidepressants that are also sometimes used, like Cymbalta. Many RSD/CRPS patients also take muscle relaxants for spasms or other muscle problems, which are common with this condition. Some people take strong pain medications as well. I found that blood pressure medications (Clonidine and nifedipine) helped me somewhat, as they have some calming effect on the sympathetic nervous system.

Physical therapy is also really important. It's essential for patients to keep moving so they don't lose the use of the effected limb. It's also important to try to keep muscles from atrophying.

There are other medications to try, and there are also a lot more interventional treatments (by that, I mean procedures and nerve blocks). Icesk8ter mentioned spinal cord stimulation, which is an implanted device that helps many people with RSD/CRPS. I had one as well, although I don't have it anymore.

I hope this answers your questions!