Here’s what it means to have complex regional pain syndrome

Anyone can get hurt at work. From the office worker who injures their back while lifting a heavy object to a construction worker who suffers from repetitive-strain injuries from using heavy machinery that vibrates, there are dozens of reasons that people may get hurt at work. These individuals deserve an opportunity to seek workers’ compensation and to get the financial coverage that they need as they recover.

One of the injuries that can happen on the job is called complex regional pain syndrome. If you haven’t heard of it, you’re not alone. This is a little-known condition that is most likely to develop after a worker suffers from a crushing injury of some kind.

How do you know if you have complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome has some hallmark traits. Some of the symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Muscle spasms
• Skin discoloration
• Sensitivity
• Painful burning sensations
• Sweating

These symptoms may match several other conditions, which is why CRPS is sometimes hard to diagnose. Despite that, if you have suffered from a crushing injury or other type of injury on the job, then it’s important to discuss the possibility of this being the cause of your pain and symptoms with your doctor.

Can any doctor diagnose CRPS?

It’s likely that any doctor will be able to understand your symptoms, but they may not be familiar with CRPS as a condition. It’s a good idea for you to research medical providers who specialize in this syndrome, so you can see someone with the knowledge needed to diagnose it.

There is no single test that will give you a diagnosis. Your physician will need to perform a physical examination, review your symptoms and look at your past history. If you have changes in the way your skin looks or feels, more pain than expected or other conditions that match this disorder, then the provider may diagnose it as the cause of your symptoms.

CRPS is hard to diagnose, but you still need to report your injury

If you’re hurt at work, it’s important to report that injury as soon as possible. Within 30 days, that claim should be filed, or you could miss the deadline and be unable to do so.