Managing Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome with Medical Cannabis
Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), also known as complex regional pain syndrome, is severe, and debilitating Chronic Pain which is commonly concentrated in one area. In CRPS, pain is usually limited to one limb, however, in some cases, it can affect multiple limbs.
What are the symptoms?
Chronic Pain is the main symptom of Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Flare-ups, where pain and other symptoms worse, can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Flare-ups may occur on their own but they can also be triggered by stress. Mental health conditions may therefore present their own symptoms and challenges when dealing with CRPS.
There are other pain symptoms outside of Chronic Pain that may present themselves. These include:
- Stinging, burning, stabbing sensation
- Sensitive skin in the affected area
- Hyperalgesia (feeling pain from pressure or temperature)
- Allodynia (experiencing pain from a very light touch of the affected skin)
- Ghost sensations in the affected limb
Other indirect symptoms which are often experienced by people with CRPS can include:
- Insomnia
- Skin infections
- Ulcers
- Osteoporosis in the affected limb
- Muscle atrophy
- Muscle contractures
- Difficulty moving the affected limb
- Tremors and muscle spasms
- Hair and nail changes
- Alternating changes to the skin in the affected limb. Becoming hot, red, and dry and other times cold, blue and sweaty.
Cause and treatment
CRPS usually occurs within one month of trauma or injury, such as bone fractures, sprains and strains, burns, and cuts. The pain will usually present itself in the affected area or limb, however, in some cases it can spread to affect other areas of the body as well.
It is thought to be a response to trauma that causes a number of the body’s systems to malfunction. Some experts believe that a person’s genes can also make them more likely to develop CRPS.
There is no known cure for Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome. Treatments for the condition primarily focus on symptom management and achieving reductions in pain.
A combination of physical therapies, medicines, and psychological support are often prescribed for the management of CRPS.
Medical Cannabis and Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
For those living with Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome, medical cannabis could be an alternative form of treatment that offers much-needed relief. Cannabis-based medicines have been implicated as a potential alternative to opioids, which are commonly prescribed for the management of Chronic Pain. Opioids are known to have carry a high risk of addiction and abuse, as well as questionable efficacy.
Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
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Conditions Specialists
Dr Anup Mathew
Lead Psychiatry Specialist
Dr Anup Mathew
Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Lecturer
M.D., MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych, FHEADCP, MDCH, DCBH, PGCDM, PGCCE, MAcadMEd
Dr Mathew is a Community Psychiatrist in the NHS responsible for providing medical psychiatric support to a multi-disciplinary Primary Care Mental Health Service across East and North Kent.
Dr Mathew has extensive knowledge of mental health legislation having completed an MA in Medical Ethics and Law. He was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal in the Social Entitlement Chamber. Dr Mathew also has a special interest in PTSD and Military Psychiatry having completed an MSc in War and Psychiatry and trained with the Royal Marines Reserve.
Dr Mathew was awarded Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy following his involvement in medical education which included being a University Lecturer.
As a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Addictions Faculty, Dr Mathew has qualifications and expertise in the management of alcohol and drug misuse, particularly with co-morbid mental health problems. Due to his expertise, Dr Mathew is a Medical Examiner and Health Examiner for the General Medical Council.
Dr Mathew holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and he is also a qualified Medical Hypnotherapist. He incorporates a holistic approach in treatment that considers how biological, psychological and social factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey. His work ethic has always been focused on trying to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness.
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Lead Pain Specialist
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Acute and Chronic Pain Management Consultant
MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA
Specialisms: Musculoskeletal pain; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia; headaches; migraines; chronic neck, upper & lower back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain; myofascial pain; inflammatory and connective tissue disorders; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; post-surgical pain and cancer pain.
Dr Sinovich qualified in anaesthesia and is professionally trained to treat different pain problems, particularly musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. He is well renowned in his field following completion of specialised training in Pain Management at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, a world leading hospital in pain research and management.
Dr Sinovich is a pioneer in medical cannabis prescribing to chronic pain patients in the UK. He has extensive experience in prescribing medicinal cannabis over the last 3 years with training undertaken in Canada. He has featured in cannabis health news, BBC news, and in the daily mirror on topics related to medicinal cannabis. He has presented various web-based seminars on medicinal cannabis to both patients and aspiring doctors wanting to enter the field of medicinal cannabis. He is involved in research trials to better understand the use of medicinal cannabis and making it more accessible to individuals with chronic pain.
Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sinovich:
- Granted Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FFPMRCA)
- Medical director of “Panacea Pain Relief Clinic” with consulting rooms at the Spire Clare Park Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Spire St Anthony Hospital
- Presented at numerous national anaesthesia and pain medicine conferences
- Member of the British Pain Society and of the European Society for Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine
- Faculty member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the Association of Anaesthetists (AAGBI)
- Local Pain Medicine Educational Supervisor responsible for teaching of undergraduate medical students in acute and chronic pain
Medical cannabis, legally prescribed
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FAQ’s
Answers to your most important medical cannabis questions.
Can medical cannabis help manage Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?
Yes. Medical cannabis may help reduce the severenerve pain, inflammation, and hypersensitivity associated with CRPS. AtCantourage Clinic, we offer personalised cannabis-based treatment plans forCRPS patients who haven’t responded to conventional therapies.
Is medical cannabis a legal treatment for CRPS in the UK?
Yes. In the UK, specialist doctors are legallypermitted to prescribe medical cannabis for chronic pain conditions like CRPS,especially when standard treatments are ineffective. Cantourage Clinic provideslegal, regulated access to these therapies under expert clinical care.
What symptoms of CRPS might cannabis-based treatments relieve?
Patients with CRPS may benefit from reduced nervepain, inflammation, muscle spasms, and sleep disturbances. Our clinicians mayrecommend balanced or THC-inclusive cannabis formulations to target painpathways while also improving rest and quality of life.
How do I start CRPS treatment with medical cannabis at Cantourage Clinic?
Simply book aconsultation with our team. We’ll review your CRPS history, currentmedications, and overall health. If appropriate, we’ll develop a tailoredmedical cannabis plan and provide full support throughout your treatmentprocess.