CRPS Natural Treatment: What Actually Works?
In 1994, I was diagnosed with RSD, now called CRPS. Over the years, I have tried many conventional, natural, and holistic approaches to help manage it. One of the biggest things I have learned is that there isn’t one CRPS natural treatment or conventional treatment that works for everyone.
What worked for me wasn’t about one supplement, one therapy, or one product. It was a combination of medical care, physical therapy, movement, nutrition, stress management, nutritional support, and the development of healthier lifestyle habits. So when someone asks me what actually worked, my answer is to always look at the whole person. CRPS is complex, and its treatment plan needs to be multidimensional.
CRPS Natural Treatment That Helped
Physical Therapy and Movement
Not being able to walk and struggling to walk with the pain from CRPS was one of the worst lifetime experiences I have had. I am active today and have always been active, and becoming active again was a number one priority for me. For me, exercise was a way of relaxing with a gentle mile or two walk in the park and some strength training. With CRPS, that was something I couldn’t do anymore. For almost 2 years, I went to physical therapy and kept up with the instructions on my days off from therapy. It began in the pool, then on to learning to re-climb stairs and maneuver uneven pavement. For me, it was worth it. I feel keeping moving was key to my recovery.
Nervous System and Stress Support
Stress is something we are no stranger to when we are dealing with pain. Stress affects the body and can exacerbate pain. When you are under stress, your body is in fight-or-flight mode, which shuts down the rest-and-relax mode, which is also tied to digestion and gut health. When you are continually in the fight-or-flight mode, your nervous system can become oversensitized. Making sure you manage your stress is important, whether through hypnosis, biofeedback, meditation, or a Nervous System Reset program.
Nutrition and Inflammation
One of the biggest changes I made was in how I ate. I haven’t eaten at a fast food restaurant in over 25 years. My focus turned to a nutrient-dense diet; I mean, if you bought a racehorse, you wouldn’t feed it a Big Mac, so why was I eating them? Once my body was getting the whole foods, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats it needed, I felt it! I had a reduction in digestive concerns, pain, and inflammation. You see, foods like fruits and vegetables are known as anti-inflammatory foods and are high in antioxidants, which help the body maintain a healthy inflammatory response.
Supplements and Nutritional Support
When I was first diagnosed with RSD/CRPS, my doctor told me to take Vitamin C and a B Complex vitamin to support my nervous system due to my stress and pain levels. He also told me to take Omega 3s to help with inflammation. I took them as well as other chronic pain supplements for support. After studying natural health, I discovered that most people have a weak link. For those in pain, it was our nervous system needing additional support, and I supported it. This was also an important step.
Sleep and Rest
I don’t know about you, but sleep was a tiger. It’s when your body and mind are exhausted, yet when you lie down, all you can feel is pounding in your heart and pain; it’s like it’s darkness, pain, and you. Conquering sleep is a tough one. I found that listening to a relaxing, meditative voice helped me shift my mind to a voice rather than a pounding feeling. Essential oils of Lavender and herbs like Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, and Magnesium were also helpful. If my mind was overactive, I found L-Theanine helpful. Sleep is one of the most important areas you need to master. Our bodies need it to repair and replenish.
Complementary Approaches
I also went outside the conventional box and used wellness products like the Chi Machine, far infrared therapy, electrical stimulation, and TENS. I also got regular massage and chiropractic treatments. All were helpful, and I feel they are worth exploring for yourself to see how they may help you. I have spoken to many individuals, and several have used PEMF Therapy and found it helpful; others have used Red-light therapy and hyperbaric oxygen and found benefits.
Attitude and the Mind-Body Connection
Your mind and body are connected, and your attitude can make or break you. If you focus on the pain and become fearful, it is only going to make the pain worse, which is explained in the book, “The Way Out” by Alan Gordon. In fact, that is exactly how I faced the pain, on a really bad day, instead of going into a panic, I told myself this is bad but it will get better, I am just having a flare up. This helped me keep my pain from getting crazy. I also beleive that there are people and things that each person may find draining or unsupportive. I also cleared those out of my life. I now use both these skills in everything I do, set boundaries and priorities, and always try to remember not to panic.
What actually works?
After living with CRPS for more than 30 years, I don’t believe there is one natural treatment that “works” for everyone. What has worked for me is consistently supporting my whole body while continuing to move, managing stress, eating well, getting adequate rest, and paying attention to what makes my symptoms better or worse.
None of those things cured my CRPS. Together, however, they helped me improve my function, lower my overall pain level, maintain my independence, and feel more in control of my health.