Hope for Patients Suffering from CRPS Pain with Hyperbaric Chamber Oxygen Therapy

CRPS or complex regional pain syndrome is the current term for RSD or reflex sympathic dystrophy. Although knowledge about CRPS is increasing, it is difficult to diagnose. New advances in technology are developing to help with the diagnosis. However, it usually takes a well trained and skilled physician experienced in CRPS to make the diagnosis. One of the most promising methods of treatment includes the use of HBO or hyperbaric chamber oxygen therapy.

According to the American RSD Hope Foundation, CRPS Type I, known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome involves soft tissue injuries. These types of injuries include strains, sprains, tears, burns, arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis. The American RSD Hope Foundation also states that CRPS Type II involves damage to major nerves. Causalgia was the original term for this type of nerve injury. Type I comes from unknown sources, whereas Type II is stated as being nerve injury. Treatments for these injuries include medical treatments, nerve blocks, drug therapies, hyperbaric chamber oxygen therapy, water therapy and other therapies.

Physicians have used hyperbaric chamber oxygen therapy on divers for years. The FDA has approved it for fourteen medical conditions not including CRPS. Because the FDA has not approved it for CRPS hospitals cannot administer it for CRPS, and insurances do not cover the therapy. However, free standing clinics can legally use hyperbaric chamber oxygen therapy for CRPS. The Journal of International Medical Research performed a double blind study in 2004, in Istanbul, Turkey for the treatment of CRPS with the use of hyperbaric chamber oxygen. The outcome was positive with a report that HBO was an effective treatment.

With hyperbaric chamber oxygen therapy there is hope for people with CRPS. Other conditions treated with HBO include stroke, wound healing, brain injuries, chronic pain syndromes and other conditions creating unbearable pain. Several therapy centers provide hyperbaric chamber oxygen treatments at affordable prices to help people suffering from painful conditions. If you have tried pain relief medications and other treatments before, and nothing has helped, consult with a HBO treatment center and find out how hyperbaric chamber oxygen therapy could help you.