Chronic Pain Management Pune Experts

Find relief from chronic pain syndromes in Pune with personalized neurology treatments designed to restore comfort and quality of life.

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Overview

Chronic pain syndromes are medical conditions where pain persists for three to six months or longer, well beyond the normal healing time. Unlike temporary pain that signals injury and disappears as you heal, chronic pain becomes a disease itself, fundamentally changing how your nervous system processes pain signals.

Two of the most challenging chronic pain conditions are fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). These conditions affect millions of people worldwide, causing significant disability and dramatically reducing quality of life. Fibromyalgia creates widespread muscle pain throughout the body, while complex regional pain syndrome typically affects a single limb with severe, burning pain following an injury or surgery.

Symptoms

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Fibromyalgia symptoms are often described as feeling like you have the flu that never goes away. The primary signs include:

Widespread musculoskeletal pain affecting multiple body areas
Extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Sleep disturbances and waking up feeling unrefreshed
Cognitive difficulties, often called “fibro fog,” affecting memory and concentration
Morning stiffness lasting more than an hour
Headaches and jaw pain
Digestive issues including irritable bowel syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Symptoms

Complex regional pain syndrome symptoms are typically more localized but intensely severe:

Constant, burning pain that feels like your limb is on fire
Extreme sensitivity to light touch, cold, or vibration
Swelling and changes in skin color (red, blue, or pale)
Abnormal skin temperature (hot or cold compared to the opposite limb)
Changes in hair and nail growth patterns
Muscle weakness, tremors, or spasms
Reduced range of motion in affected joints

Both conditions share common features like sensitivity to touch, sleep problems, and mood changes including anxiety and depression. Symptoms often fluctuate, with some days being better or worse than others.

Causes

Fibromyalgia Causes

Fibromyalgia causes remain partially mysterious, but research suggests several contributing factors:

The condition appears to result from abnormal pain processing in the brain and spinal cord, where normal sensations are interpreted as painful. Genetic factors play a role, as fibromyalgia often runs in families. Physical or emotional trauma, infections, and psychological stress can trigger the onset of symptoms.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Development

Complex regional pain syndrome typically develops after an injury, surgery, or trauma to a limb. However, the pain is disproportionate to the original injury and persists long after healing should have occurred. The exact mechanism involves dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls blood flow, temperature, and other automatic functions.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing chronic pain syndromes:

Gender: Women are significantly more likely to develop both fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome
Age: Most commonly affects adults between 30-50 years old
Previous injuries: Fractures, sprains, or surgical procedures increase CRPS risk
Family history: Genetic predisposition may contribute to fibromyalgia
Other chronic conditions: Arthritis, depression, or autoimmune disorders
Physical inactivity: Sedentary lifestyle increases risk of developing chronic pain
High stress levels: Both physical and emotional stress can trigger symptoms

Diagnosis

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

Fibromyalgia diagnosis can be challenging because there’s no specific blood test or imaging study that confirms the condition. Fibromyalgia doctors rely on established criteria including:

Widespread pain lasting at least three months
Pain in at least 11 of 18 specific tender points on the body
Exclusion of other conditions that might cause similar symptoms

Fibromyalgia specialists will conduct thorough physical examinations and may order blood tests to rule out conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or thyroid disorders.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Diagnosis

Diagnosing complex regional pain syndrome involves evaluating the patient’s medical history, physical examination findings, and specific diagnostic criteria. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the presence of characteristic symptoms following an injury or trauma.

Imaging studies like bone scans or MRIs may show changes in the affected limb, but these tests are not always necessary for diagnosis.

Types

Complex regional pain syndrome is classified into two main types:

Type 1 (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy): Occurs without confirmed nerve injury and represents about 90% of cases
Type 2 (Causalgia): Develops when there’s clear evidence of nerve damage

Both types share similar symptoms and treatment approaches, though Type 2 may be more challenging to treat due to the underlying nerve damage.

Stages

Complex regional pain syndrome stages can progress over time if left untreated:

Acute Stage (0-6 months): Severe pain, swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected limb
Chronic Stage (6+ months): Skin becomes cool and pale, muscle weakness develops, and movement becomes severely limited

However, not all patients follow this progression, and early treatment can prevent advancement to chronic stages.

Treatment

Fibromyalgia Treatment

Fibromyalgia treatment requires a comprehensive approach combining multiple strategies:

Medications:

FDA-approved drugs like pregabalin, duloxetine, and milnacipran
Pain relievers including acetaminophen and low-dose naltrexone
Sleep medications to improve rest quality
Antidepressants for both pain and mood symptoms

Fibromyalgia treatments also include non-medication approaches:

Regular low-impact exercise like swimming, walking, or yoga
Cognitive behavioral therapy to develop coping strategies
Stress management techniques including meditation and deep breathing
Massage therapy and acupuncture for symptom relief

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treatment

Complex regional pain syndrome treatment often requires aggressive early intervention:

Medical Treatments:

Nerve blocks to interrupt pain signals
Spinal cord stimulation for severe cases
Intravenous medications like ketamine or bisphosphonates
Topical anesthetics for localized relief

Physical Interventions:

Physical therapy to maintain function and prevent muscle wasting
Occupational therapy to adapt daily activities
Desensitization techniques to reduce hypersensitivity

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in managing both conditions:

Physical Rehabilitation focuses on maintaining mobility, strength, and function through carefully designed exercise programs. For complex regional pain syndrome, physical therapy must be gentle initially but progressively challenging to prevent permanent disability.
Occupational Rehabilitation teaches patients how to modify daily activities, use adaptive equipment, and conserve energy throughout the day.
Psychological Rehabilitation addresses the emotional impact of chronic pain through counseling, support groups, and stress management training.

Complications

Without proper management, both conditions can lead to serious complications:

Physical Complications: Muscle weakness, joint stiffness, reduced mobility, and in CRPS cases, permanent limb dysfunction
Psychological Complications: Depression, anxiety, social isolation, and reduced quality of life
Functional Complications: Inability to work, perform household tasks, or maintain relationships
Sleep Complications: Chronic insomnia leading to increased pain sensitivity and fatigue

Prevention

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent these conditions, certain strategies may reduce risk:

Prompt injury treatment: Seek immediate medical attention for fractures, sprains, or surgical complications
Early mobilization: Begin gentle movement as soon as medically appropriate after injury or surgery
Regular exercise: Maintain physical fitness to reduce chronic disease risk
Stress management: Develop healthy coping mechanisms for life stressors
Vitamin C supplementation: Some evidence suggests it may lower CRPS risk after certain surgeries

Living With Chronic Pain Syndromes

Successfully managing chronic pain requires developing effective self-management strategies:

Daily Management involves taking medications as prescribed, following exercise routines, practicing stress reduction techniques, and maintaining regular sleep schedules.
Adaptive Strategies include pacing activities, using energy conservation techniques, modifying work environments, and learning to recognize early warning signs of flare-ups.

Key Takeaways

Fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome are serious chronic pain conditions that require specialized medical care and comprehensive treatment approaches
Early recognition of fibromyalgia symptoms and complex regional pain syndrome symptoms is crucial for preventing long-term complications and disability
Fibromyalgia diagnosis and CRPS diagnosis require expertise from fibromyalgia specialists who understand these complex conditions
Treatment success depends on combining medical interventions, physical therapy, psychological support, and lifestyle modifications
Sancheti Hospital provides comprehensive care for chronic pain syndromes, offering access to experienced fibromyalgia doctors and multidisciplinary teams specializing in pain management, helping patients achieve better quality of life through evidence-based treatments and personalized care plans

Meet Our Neurology Specialists

Patient Stories & Experiences

The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.

Vinita Singh

The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!

Parvati

I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.

Balaji Kharat

I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.

Shantilal

My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!

Kalpana Lepcha

The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.

Karuna

I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.

Kishore Bhosle

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome?

Fibromyalgia causes widespread body pain affecting multiple areas, while complex regional pain syndrome typically affects one limb with severe, burning pain following an injury.

Who should I see for chronic pain syndrome diagnosis?

Start with your primary care physician, who may refer you to a fibromyalgia specialist or pain management specialist for comprehensive evaluation and treatment.

How long does treatment take to work?

Fibromyalgia treatments and complex regional pain syndrome treatment often require several weeks to months to show significant improvement, and finding the right combination of therapies takes time.

Will I be able to work with these conditions?

Many people with chronic pain syndromes continue working with appropriate accommodations and treatment. The key is early intervention and ongoing management with qualified healthcare providers.

Chronic Pain Syndromes