I. MEDICAL BACKGROUND OF COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME
The cause of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is not well understood. The current theories are that CRPS is caused by an injury or an abnormality of the peripheral and central nervous systems. CRPS generally occurs as the result of a physical injury or trauma such as infections, surgery and heart attacks.
There are two main types of CRPS. Type 1 is also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD). Type 1 CRPS develops after an injury or illness that does not directly damage the nerves in the affected limb.