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CRPS Awareness Series · Clinical Edition

How Misfiring Nerves Sustain CRPS Pain

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can sustain pain through peripheral C-fiber misfiring, central sensitization in the spinal cord, and changes in the brain's processing of threat. Stress and adrenergic signaling can further sensitize nerves, creating a feedback loop in which pain fuels stress and stress amplifies pain.

Last Reviewed October 2026

  1. Pain Nerves Misfire

    Small C-fiber pain nerves in the affected limb fire too easily and too often, long after any tissue has healed, and the pain can spread beyond where it started. Light touch can register as pain (allodynia).

    C-Fiber Pain Nerves · Affected Limb

  2. The Spinal Cord Amplifies

    Constant input sensitizes spinal cord neurons (central sensitization). They become more excitable and turn up the volume on every pain signal sent to the brain.

    Spinal Cord · Dorsal Horn

  3. The Brain Reads Danger

    The brain's map of the affected limb can reorganize, tracking pain severity. The amygdala flags threat and the hypothalamus triggers fight or flight.

    Amygdala · Hypothalamus · Cortex

  4. Stress Hormones Rise

    The adrenal glands release cortisol, and sympathetic nerves trigger epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline) into the bloodstream.

    Adrenal Gland · Cortisol and Adrenaline

  5. Sensitized Nerves React

    CRPS skin carries extra adrenaline receptors, so stress chemicals can drive pain directly. Nerve-driven inflammation shifts skin color, temperature, sweating, and swelling.

    Nerve Fiber · Adrenaline Receptors

Pain Feeds the Loop

Pain is itself a stressor. Repeated fight or flight can keep nerves and the spinal cord sensitized, sustaining chronic pain.

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Wear orange on Color the World Orange™ Day

Monday, November 2, 2026

#CRPSOrangeDay

Orange stands for the burning pain of CRPS.

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Copyright © Infinity Labs Solutions™, LLC · October 2026

Education only. Not medical advice.

Proud Supporter of CRPS Awareness and a Patient Living With CRPS.

Published by Amy Diette, Founder, Infinity Labs Solutions™.

Sources: NINDS, CRPS Fact Sheet, May 2025 · Lima Pessôa et al., Cureus, December 2024 · Zangrandi et al., Frontiers in Pain Research, September 2021 · Drummond et al., Pain, March 2014 · Color the World Orange, October 2026 · Concept adapted from Burning Nights CRPS Support, October 2026.