Protocol · Pain Management
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Supportive Care Protocol
Vitamin C and Magnesium are the core of this stack, with 6 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Supportive Care.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
8 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Vitamin C | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily (2,000 mg for prevention after trauma/surgery) | Strong evidence for CRPS prevention after fractures and surgery; may reduce oxidative stress | Not graded yet | ||
| Magnesium | Amount listed: 400–600 mg daily | NMDA receptor antagonist; may help with central sensitization; supports nerve and muscle function | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–4 g EPA+DHA daily | Anti-inflammatory; may help with neuropathic pain components | Not graded yet | ||
| Alpha-Lipoic Acid | Amount listed: 600 mg daily | Antioxidant with specific efficacy for neuropathic pain; supports nerve function | Not graded yet | ||
| B-Complex Vitamins | Amount listed: B-complex daily (avoid >100 mg B6) | B1, B6, B12 support nerve health and repair | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily | Deficiency may worsen pain; supports immune modulation and nerve health | Not graded yet | ||
| Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) | Amount listed: 600–1,200 mg daily in divided doses | Endocannabinoid-like compound; studied for neuropathic and inflammatory pain | Not graded yet | ||
| DMSO (Topical) | Amount listed: 50% DMSO cream applied to affected area 3–5 times daily | Free radical scavenger; some studies for CRPS specifically; applied topically | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
We earn from purchases made in our Fullscript store, and links to Fullscript, iHerb or Thorne carry our referral, so we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Grades come from the research and never change based on what we earn. Full disclosure
How this protocol works
In plain language
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), formerly called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is a chronic pain condition usually affecting a limb after injury, surgery, or trauma. The pain is typically out of proportion to the initial injury and involves changes in skin color, temperature, swelling, and movement.
TYPES OF CRPS:
- CRPS Type I: No confirmed nerve injury (formerly RSD)
- CRPS Type II: With confirmed nerve injury (formerly causalgia)
SYMPTOMS include:
- Severe, burning or throbbing pain
- Sensitivity to touch or cold (allodynia)
- Skin color changes (red, blue, mottled)
- Skin temperature changes (warm or cold)
- Swelling
- Reduced range of motion
- Changes in skin texture, hair, or nail growth
- Muscle weakness or atrophy
CRITICAL: CRPS requires specialized multidisciplinary treatment. Early intervention is crucial. This protocol is SUPPORTIVE ONLY.
TREATMENT APPROACHES:
- Physical/Occupational Therapy: Essential - maintain function and movement
- Medications: NSAIDs, anticonvulsants (gabapentin), antidepressants, bisphosphonates
- Nerve Blocks: Sympathetic blocks, ketamine infusions
- Spinal Cord Stimulation: For refractory cases
- Psychological Support: CBT, pain psychology
- Mirror Therapy/Graded Motor Imagery: Brain retraining
PREVENTION:
Vitamin C* (500-2000mg daily) after fractures and surgery has strong evidence for reducing CRPS development - discuss with surgeon.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid and PEA* may help with neuropathic pain components.
Topical DMSO* has some specific evidence for CRPS.
Expected timeline: CRPS is a chronic condition. Early treatment within first 6-12 months has best outcomes. Supplements support overall pain management.