Spinal Cord Stimulation in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Narrative Review

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic, debilitating pain disorder that primarily affects the limbs and often arises after injury, surgery, or trauma. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as a promising intervention for patients with refractory CRPS, offering targeted modulation of pain pathways in the spinal cord. Evidence suggests that SCS can provide significant pain relief, improve functional outcomes, and enhance quality of life. While generally safe, the therapy carries potential risks, including surgical complications, hardware issues, and infection. Advances in neuromodulation technologies and patient selection strategies continue to refine SCS therapy, highlighting its evolving role within multidisciplinary pain management. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the mechanisms, efficacy, safety, and future directions of SCS in treating CRPS.