ACUTE PAIN – Pain that arises immediately after an injury and is usually treatable.

ALLODYNIA – The perception of pain due to a non-painful stimulus, such as light touch or clothing.

ATROPHIC STAGE – The phase characterized by distinct degeneration of muscles, bones, or limbs.

ATROPHY – The wasting away or degeneration of muscles or limbs due to disuse.

BLOOD VESSELS – Structures that transport blood throughout the body, including veins, capillaries, and arteries.

CATECHOLAMINES – Hormones produced by adrenal glands in response to stress.

CAUSALGIA – Formerly known as CRPS Type II.

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM – The complex network of nerve tissues that control the body’s activities, consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

CENTRAL SENSITIZATION – Increased excitability of nerve cells in the spinal cord, triggered by constant or intense noxious stimuli related to tissue or nerve damage.

CHRONIC PAIN – Pain that lasts longer than three (3) months, often unaffected by treatments.

CHRONIC PRIMARY PAIN – Persistent pain lasting more than three months, causing emotional distress or functional disability, not attributable to another chronic condition.

CONTIGUOUS – Gradual enlargement and spreading of the original CRPS site.

CONTRACTURE – Permanent shortening of tendons and muscles.

CONTRALATERAL (spreading of CRPS) – Also known as Mirror Image Spread, where CRPS symptoms appear on the diagonally opposite part of the body.

CRPS – Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, a chronic pain condition.

CYANOSIS – Bluish discoloration of limbs or extremities due to poor circulation or inadequate oxygen in the blood.

DIAGONAL – Spread or occurrence of CRPS symptoms on the diagonally opposite part of the body.

DORSAL ROOT GANGLION (DRG) – A cluster of nerve cell bodies in a dorsal root of a spinal nerve.

DORSAL ROOT GANGLION STIMULATOR – A CRPS treatment option similar to the Spinal Cord Stimulator.

DYSTONIA – Prolonged muscle spasm causing abnormal body positions or twisting actions.

DYSTROPHIC – Related to dystrophy, often causing weakness or muscle wasting.

DYSTROPHY – Weakness or wasting of muscles or limbs due to lack of use.

EDEMA – Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.

EMG – Electromyography, a test to measure muscle electrical activity in response to nerve stimulation.

EXTREMITY – A limb of the body, such as a hand or foot.

HYPERALGESIA / HYPERSENSITIVITY – Increased sensitivity and heightened sense of pain.

HYPERPATHIA – Exaggerated response to a stimulus in the limb or extremity, persisting after the stimulus has ceased.

IMMUNE SYSTEM – The body’s defense system against toxins and infections.

INDEPENDENT SPREAD – Appearance of new CRPS symptoms in a different area of the body.

IPSILATERAL (spread of CRPS) – CRPS symptoms occur on the same side of the body as the original CRPS area.

MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a diagnostic imaging technique.

MUSCLE ATROPHY – Muscle wastage.

NERVE CONDUCTION STUDY / STUDIES – A test to measure nerve function by sending electrical impulses through nerves.

NERVOUS SYSTEM – The body’s network of nerve cells and fibers transmitting nerve impulses.

NEURON – A specialized cell that transmits nerve impulses, also called a nerve cell.

NEUROPLASTICITY – The brain’s ability to adapt and adjust to injury or changes in the environment.

NOCICEPTOR – A nerve cell that senses pain and transmits pain signals.

NOXIOUS STIMULUS – A potentially damaging stimulus that may cause pain but does not always do so.

OEDEMA – Swelling caused by fluid accumulation in body tissues.

OSTEOPENIA – Reduction in bone mass.

OSTEOPOROSIS – Condition characterized by weak and brittle bones.

PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM – The nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord.

RSD – Formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, now called CRPS Type I.

SCS – Spinal Cord Stimulator.

SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR – An implanted device sending electrical impulses to the spinal cord to control chronic pain or CRPS.

STIMULUS – Something that causes a reaction.

SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM – Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the “fight or flight” response.

VELOCITY – Speed.

This glossary is a helpful guide to understanding CRPS and the challenges faced by sufferers and their loved ones. Please note that it may not cover every term associated with CRPS.