Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic nerve condition that usually develops after an injury or surgery, where the body’s pain response becomes overactive and out of proportion to the original problem.

The nervous system gets “stuck” in high alert mode

Pain signals continue even after tissues have healed

The brain and nerves amplify normal sensations into pain

Common Symptoms

• Burning or intense pain (often in an arm or leg)

• Extreme sensitivity to touch or temperature

• Swelling, color, or temperature changes

• Stiffness or reduced movement

The pain is real—but it’s driven by a dysregulated nervous system, not ongoing injury.

CRPS is best understood as a condition involving:

• nerves

• brain processing

• circulation

Which is why treatment focuses on:

• retraining the nervous system

• gentle movement

• reducing sensitivity

The Bottom Line
CRPS is a condition where the body’s pain system becomes overactive and protective, causing ongoing pain and sensitivity—even after the original injury has healed.