By: James Brown

“What I’ve already experienced has surpassed what I ever expected. I am deeply appreciative for this moment after nearly eight years of profound dizziness, brain fog, fatigue, mobility challenges, and persistent pain that I was once told might never end.”

Imagine being a renowned author, speaker, and advocate, living life at full speed, and then, suddenly and seemingly without a cause, everything changes. This shift is the experience of many who face sudden, unexpected health challenges, including those diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

Eight years ago, after a hip injury, one individual was diagnosed with CRPS, a rare condition that, on the McGill pain scale, is believed to cause pain comparable to childbirth or the amputation of a finger or toe.

As the symptoms of CRPS intensified in 2021, this individual was forced to relocate with their family from a home that was no longer accessible, to a more accommodating living space by the water in Victoria, Canada. The worsening of their condition is attributed to a specific medical procedure in 2021.

What is CRPS?

CRPS is an elusive condition and appears to have no single identifiable cause, which makes it challenging for the medical community to diagnose and treat. The disease may remain localized, spread slowly over years, or progress rapidly in some cases.

Over time, many different names have been associated with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or CRPS. Some of these include reflex sympathetic dystrophy, causalgia, peripheral trophoneurosis, minor traumatic dystrophy, and algodystrophy, among others.

Other than pain medication, there appears to be limited traditional treatment protocols. As a result, many CRPS patients may experience delays in diagnosis or misdiagnosis for extended periods, often before they are fortunate enough to find the Arkansas-based Spero Clinic, which is considered one of the few specialized clinics of its kind in the United States.

CRPS and Neurological Dysfunction

Among the many neurological dysfunction disorders, CRPS can be particularly challenging. At The Spero Clinic, it has been recognized that CRPS is not just about physical pain, but can also be emotionally isolating and overwhelming.

“I was stuck in a biological mindset, believing that my illness and pain were irreversible,” said one patient in an interview. “Many doctors across different countries and continents told me I would never recover. I felt as if half of my body was on fire, and I was powerless to stop it.”

At their lowest point, some patients become housebound, struggling with the use of limbs. However, some individuals find the courage to push forward into the unknown, leading to transformations on multiple levels of their being.

The Road to Recovery

Facing a future reliant on medication, many patients make the decision to explore alternative options. Seeking treatment at The Spero Clinic, patients often experience significant improvements in mobility.

Spero’s founder and CEO, Dr. Katinka van der Merwe, has conducted extensive research into CRPS, which is discussed in her book, Putting Out the Fire: New Hope for RSD/CRPS. “While learning how to treat the neurologic symptoms of CRPS, my holistic training has taught me that, unlike the mechanistic approach, the body is not like an engine. What I mean by that is that you cannot just treat different parts, forgetting that every part is connected to every other part.”

As a result, Spero’s treatment protocols focus on treating the cause of CRPS and other neurological disorders, which is often related to the central nervous system. CRPS is associated with imbalance and malfunction of this system, which can lead to disability, impairment, chronic pain, and functional loss.

A New Approach to Healing

 For many individuals, Spero’s holistic method has shown to have a profound impact. After just a few weeks, patients report remarkable progress, finding improvements in daily functioning and tolerating activities that were once intolerable.
The approach at The Spero Clinic is not without its challenges, but patients often find the effort to be worthwhile, with many describing the treatment as a critical step toward regaining independence.

Reclaiming a Life

One year after treatment, patients reflect on their journey, often expressing gratitude for their progress and recognizing the transformative effect of the clinic’s program. Although CRPS is still a challenging condition, the story of those who have sought help at The Spero Clinic is a reminder of the potential for recovery with the right approach.

Hope and Healing: A Path for Others

While CRPS remains a difficult and sometimes misunderstood condition, stories from those who have sought treatment at specialized centers like The Spero Clinic offer a message of hope. Their stories showcase that, with the right treatment—such as the holistic approaches used at The Spero Clinic—individuals can make significant strides toward healing and recovery.
For more information about The Spero Clinic and their treatment protocols, visit www.thesperoclinic.com or call (479) 304-8202.

Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person. The information provided in this article is based on individual experiences and should not be considered as a guarantee of similar outcomes. The Spero Clinic’s treatments may help some individuals manage their condition, but there are no guarantees of recovery or specific results. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Published by Joseph T.