Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-04-07
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is not considered a terminal condition, and it does not inherently shorten a person’s life expectancy, though it presents profound challenges to daily living. Understanding the Prognosis As a physician, I want to emphasize that while CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a chronic and often debilitating condition, it is not a disease that typically leads to organ failure or shortened lifespan. The prognosis for CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is highly variable; some individuals experience a period of intense symptoms that eventually stabilize or go into remission, while others manage the condition as a lifelong chronic pain syndrome.
43 people with CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
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What is the life expectancy of someone with CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
Life expectancy with CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: what research and real patients say, recent advances, and a medically reviewed summary with sources.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is not considered a terminal condition, and it does not inherently shorten a person’s life expectancy, though it presents profound challenges to daily living.
Understanding the Prognosis
As a physician, I want to emphasize that while CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a chronic and often debilitating condition, it is not a disease that typically leads to organ failure or shortened lifespan. The prognosis for CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is highly variable; some individuals experience a period of intense symptoms that eventually stabilize or go into remission, while others manage the condition as a lifelong chronic pain syndrome. Because the condition affects the nervous system and microcirculation, long-term outcomes depend heavily on early intervention and a multidisciplinary approach to care.
Factors Influencing Long-Term Outcomes
While life expectancy remains normal, the impact on daily function can be significant. Factors that influence how someone lives with the disease include:
- Early Diagnosis: Initiating treatment during the early inflammatory stages of CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome can lead to better functional outcomes and may prevent the condition from becoming entrenched.
- Multimodal Treatment: Adherence to a treatment plan—which may include physical therapy, nerve blocks, or neuromodulation like spinal cord stimulation—is vital for maintaining mobility and reducing the severity of pain.
- Psychological Well-being: Living with chronic pain is exhausting. Addressing the mental health burden of CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is not just "support"; it is a clinical necessity that can improve pain perception and physical resilience.
Quality of Life Over Longevity
In the rare disease community, we often focus on "living well" rather than just the number of years lived. Advances in medical technology, such as Dorsal Root Ganglion stimulation and targeted infusions, have significantly improved the ability of patients to manage symptoms compared to previous decades. Regular follow-ups with specialists—including neurologists, pain management experts, and mental health professionals—are essential to adjust therapies as the disease evolves. By staying connected to a community like DiseaseMaps, you are better equipped to navigate these clinical advancements and find the support necessary to maintain your quality of life.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- Orphanet: The portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs
- RSDSA (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association)
Author: DiseaseMaps Editorial Team
Reviewed against authoritative medical sources (NIH GARD, Orphanet, OMIM)
Last updated: 2026-04-07
Sources cited: NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) · Orphanet: The portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs · RSDSA (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association)
Medical disclaimer:
This information does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making health decisions.
Source:
DiseaseMaps.org
Well there really isn't a expectancy, unless you kill yourself. This disease is harsh it's like cancer but it kills you in the inside and makes you suffer but doesn't kill you. It can affect the organs like the heart and lungs so it's unknown their really isn't an expectancy. I haven't heard of anyone who had had problems with heart or lung or anything that would kill them. Even people who had it for 10 years.
Posted Apr 20, 2017 by Chloe 1000
I don't know the answer to this question. Life expectancy I can imagine would be lower being that our nerves are always on edge and we have significant bone loss. However CRPS does not mean death. You can have a very fulfilling life with this disease.
Posted May 9, 2017 by Jon 1100
We have the ability to live long, successful lives even if it doesn't feel like it. Yes, it's called the suicide disease, but if we keep our minds strong, we can handle anything!
Posted May 28, 2017 by Amy 500
CRPS does not shorten anybody's life at all
Posted Aug 17, 2017 by Chelsea 2335
You can't die from CRPS and managed correctly, you can have a normal life expectancy
Posted Sep 6, 2017 by [email protected] 5060
I have no idea. It hasn't been looked at long enough.
Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Craig 1600
Shoukd.be no different to a person without but does depend on where and severity. Just make the most of every day
Posted Sep 13, 2017 by Andy 3550
There are primarily three ways CRPS can shorten your life:
1. BMI - People with CRPS in lower limbs are often immobilized and sometimes housebound. Lack of activity and eating 'comfort food' leads to weight gain that can shorten your life as it takes a toll on your cardio-vascular system. Exercise is hard enough without chronic pain but it is essential to keep as active as possible. A physical or occupational therapist familiar with CRPS can help you develop a workout routine that will improve your chances of staying as fit as possible.
2. Spread - While CRPS usually starts in a limb, it can spread to the internal organs. Vital organs and the immune system impacted by CRPS can shorten a life. There is research indicating that taking 500 mg. of Vitamin C per day can help prevent the spread (and even the onset after a fracture or sprain) of CRPS.
3. Suicide - CRPS is sometimes called The Suicide Disease because of the high number of people who end their lives when faced with unrelenting, excruciating pain. Individuals with CRPS must be vigilant about maintaining a healthy mental, emotional and spiritual life. (See my answer on the question about happiness for suggestions on doing this.)
1. BMI - People with CRPS in lower limbs are often immobilized and sometimes housebound. Lack of activity and eating 'comfort food' leads to weight gain that can shorten your life as it takes a toll on your cardio-vascular system. Exercise is hard enough without chronic pain but it is essential to keep as active as possible. A physical or occupational therapist familiar with CRPS can help you develop a workout routine that will improve your chances of staying as fit as possible.
2. Spread - While CRPS usually starts in a limb, it can spread to the internal organs. Vital organs and the immune system impacted by CRPS can shorten a life. There is research indicating that taking 500 mg. of Vitamin C per day can help prevent the spread (and even the onset after a fracture or sprain) of CRPS.
3. Suicide - CRPS is sometimes called The Suicide Disease because of the high number of people who end their lives when faced with unrelenting, excruciating pain. Individuals with CRPS must be vigilant about maintaining a healthy mental, emotional and spiritual life. (See my answer on the question about happiness for suggestions on doing this.)
Posted Sep 15, 2017 by DrLisa 3750
A full and normal life if you can remain positive
Posted Sep 19, 2017 by Alex 2550
Life expectancy depends on the individual. Most people with this disease are on many medications and the medications cause complications. The intense pain has been too much for some with this and they have committed suicide.
There is a new trial in the US for a new medication that is suppose to help put people with this disease into remission.
There is a new trial in the US for a new medication that is suppose to help put people with this disease into remission.
Posted Oct 8, 2017 by Valerie 1500
Life expectancy should not change with this condition
Posted Nov 11, 2017 by Katie Banks 1015
They call this the suicide disease for a reason! If you’re depressed and in pain, get help! Call someone or call 911
Posted Nov 11, 2017 by Robbie 2000
Complex Regional Pain Sydrome doesn’t necessarily cause death by illness of the body. The risk of death with CRPS is suicide. More than 70% of people with CRPS was tried or thought of suicide while suffering from the highly painful disease.
Life expectancy could be shortened not by the disease but by medications you may take. Take precaution when you take any medicine and be your own advocate. If the medicine causes bad side effects or isn’t suppose to be taken with other meds express yourself tell your doctor your concerns. This is your life educate yourself!
Life expectancy could be shortened not by the disease but by medications you may take. Take precaution when you take any medicine and be your own advocate. If the medicine causes bad side effects or isn’t suppose to be taken with other meds express yourself tell your doctor your concerns. This is your life educate yourself!
Posted Nov 11, 2017 by Joey7807 1000
The same as anyone else..high suicide rate
Posted Nov 11, 2017 by Robin 600
There is no guarantee or a guess in the life expectancies of a CRPS patient. Everyone is different and their symptoms are as well. Living a healthy life style as best as you can will help you. Taking care of you the best way you can! Pain management, therapies, exercise when and if able will aid in a life style . Depression is huge in someone with CRPS so that needs to be focused on!
Posted Nov 11, 2017 by Aj 2000
The syndrome is not life threatening, except that the pain and depression does drive some people to suicide.
Posted Nov 11, 2017 by Colleen85201 1700
life expectancy for a person with CRPS is the same as some one not suffering CRPS
"Q"What complications can endanger the life of a person suffering from CRPS ?
"A" drug overdose , I know of 4 or 5 people that had CRPS all of them here found dead from pain med overdose
"Q"What complications can endanger the life of a person suffering from CRPS ?
"A" drug overdose , I know of 4 or 5 people that had CRPS all of them here found dead from pain med overdose
Posted Nov 12, 2017 by Jim 600
CRPS is an incurable condition but it is not life threatening
Posted Nov 12, 2017 by Kate 100
People with CRPS have a normal life expectancy although many things can change that. CRPS is often called the suicide disease due to the inability to manage the pain. Some people deal with amputation and drug addictions from the pain which can lower the life expectancy. Medications and constant adrenal gland use, due to body response to pain and overwork organs causing complications.
Posted Nov 12, 2017 by Shanna 5000
Anyone with CRPS should live as long as anyone else.
The only complications that I know of might be the side effects of the medications that someone might take to relieve pain or complications from the insertion of medical devices like a pain pump or spinal cord stimulator.
The only complications that I know of might be the side effects of the medications that someone might take to relieve pain or complications from the insertion of medical devices like a pain pump or spinal cord stimulator.
Posted Nov 12, 2017 by ladyff1481 2050
Same as everyone else - except...
CRPS in a stage 4 can severely limit the length of life by attacking the organs making them eventually fail. CRPS also restricts the body’s ability to absorb nutrients also causing serious health issues which can lead to death
CRPS in a stage 4 can severely limit the length of life by attacking the organs making them eventually fail. CRPS also restricts the body’s ability to absorb nutrients also causing serious health issues which can lead to death
Posted Nov 12, 2017 by Margaret 400
There are people from all walks of life that have this disease you can still live a full life with disease
Posted Nov 13, 2017 by James 800
It's called the suicide disease but don't take that to heart. This disease only takes what we give it. Movement is key. Although, I have experienced spread, I contribute it's slow progression to daily physio, anti-inflammatory diet and sleep. Sleep is the hardest thing to get but use sleeping pills and give yourself a routine. It's very important!
Posted Nov 13, 2017 by Thea 3150
75, but it can vary depending on a lot of contributing factors
Posted Nov 17, 2017 by Kayleigh 200
Burns Trauma. 2017; 5: 2.
Published online 2017 Jan 19. doi: 10.1186/s41038-016-0066-4
PMCID: PMC5244710
Complex regional pain syndrome: a recent update
An article found on the NIH.gov site. CRPS is life threatening, maybe not for all, but many have lost their lives to CRPS (other than by suicide). Also watch Trial by Fire.
Published online 2017 Jan 19. doi: 10.1186/s41038-016-0066-4
PMCID: PMC5244710
Complex regional pain syndrome: a recent update
An article found on the NIH.gov site. CRPS is life threatening, maybe not for all, but many have lost their lives to CRPS (other than by suicide). Also watch Trial by Fire.
Posted Feb 23, 2018 by Brenda 100
I have just been diagnosed with CRPS, and have been very depressed since the diagnosis. It is a monster of an illness. I’m at the beginning of treatment for it; sympathetic nerve blocks, then if those don’t work, a spinal cord stimulator. Three years ago, I could do jumping jacks , went to intense workout classes, etc Then came the knee injury, followed by two knee scopes, then a lumbar laminectomy and spinal fusion at L4- L5. I began developing symptoms of CRPS after the first knee injury. My prayers
Posted Apr 16, 2018 by Pamster 100
I've heard of people who have survived with this for decades. Usually by then, the ones I've heard of, it has spread from the original injury / surgery limb. Probably the biggest danger to us with CRPS is suicide, just wanting to be done with it all. It's an exhausting, lonely pain.
Posted May 15, 2018 by Tammy 800
A normal life span , you cannot die from CRPS unless you knocked by a car .
Posted Oct 25, 2018 by Misty 2100
I will answer this as many others have as it's so true....the life expectancy is not lessened by CRPS itself that I am aware of other than the strong pull sometimes to end your life due to the unrelenting pain. It is also called the suicide disease for a reason.
Posted Nov 1, 2018 by Judy 3000
Life expectancy depends on the health of the person besides having the CRPS. Like kidney function, heart function. Most end up with secondary diseases that end up killing the patient or and accidental overdoses. Some recent information with the use of Dopamine in the treatment of the pain is proving to be successful. Meds with Dopamine are beginning to be used for the treatment with positive results as well.
Posted Jan 5, 2019 by Cynthia 4000
Now that our doctors are afraid to prescribe painkillers due to the change in politics, we have nothing left but illegal drug pushers or ineffective snake oil. Even the Mayo Clinic only offers behavior therapy according to their web page. The greatest doctors in the world only offer diet change and meditation. A heart attack would be more merciful.
Posted Feb 19, 2019 by Happy 100
After living with body wide CRPS/RSD for over 27 years my greatest concern is an unbelievably high B/P during server flare ups even with meds for it. At age 61 I find it hard to believe ,in a good way, I have not suffered a fatal heart attack or stroke. Please pay attention to your own P/B and talk to your doctor if you have concerns. All of you hang in there. I personally would like to be around for at least another 40 years.
Posted Oct 9, 2019 by Greg Haynes 100
Hi. If you found this site, there’s a good chance you have CRPS, like I do. I have CRPS 2 that’s widespread & systemic. There’s a lot of misinformation about our condition, as crps is not well understood.
Yes, you can die from CRPS. Many of us have dysautonomia - autonomic nervous system involvement - this causes heart rate variabilities. Left untreated, mine was 130>140/80 ish and below. This causes sudden death. If you develop dizziness upon standing, can feel your heart racing, and it doesn’t subside, please do not ignore it. I hope this helps.
https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/pain/complex-regional-pain-syndrome-systemic-complications
Yes, you can die from CRPS. Many of us have dysautonomia - autonomic nervous system involvement - this causes heart rate variabilities. Left untreated, mine was 130>140/80 ish and below. This causes sudden death. If you develop dizziness upon standing, can feel your heart racing, and it doesn’t subside, please do not ignore it. I hope this helps.
https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/pain/complex-regional-pain-syndrome-systemic-complications
Posted Dec 2, 2019 by Lynn 100
CRPS affets everything in my body. I can hardly eat sometimes. I cannot control my body temperature. Everyday is excruciating pain, it's spread to almost every limb now. I can hardly walk at times and I can see the end is near. Doctors caused my CRPS and misdiagnosed it until for five years. I can hardly sit, stand, or walk. I will soon be bed ridden and that will be it for me. Looking very forward to no more severe 24/7 pain with no relef...ever. All I think about is how great it will be to not have a spinal cord injuy and CRPS, and the day I day will be my best day ever.
Posted Oct 31, 2020 by michele 100
Sadly CRPS/RSD is called suicide desease.
But normally I would expect it doesn't cut off years of life such life while we are alive.
But normally I would expect it doesn't cut off years of life such life while we are alive.
Posted Jan 16, 2021 by Patricia 3050
I was recently Diagnosed with CRPS Type 2 after I was bit in the left foot by my daughters dog. I am 45 years old I still have a lot left in me. I have found that having my dog next to me daily helps me and I have put my mind to other things to help not concentrate on the pain that I have. I am on pain meds and since I am just starting out with this I have had one day that I did want to end my life but I reach out to a friend of mine and he talked to me for hours. And since then I have started counseling. My onset was immediate. I was bit in Mid August and by end of September after a bone biopsy was taken and they went to remove the stitches from my foot and I had Hypersensitivity to my foot as they were taking the stitches out the doctor told me to start researching CRPS. I did and during an exam my foot turned blue. I am so frustrated because I cannot wear tennis shoes because of the pain that it causes. Once the swelling from the bite went down is when I noticed that I was having issues with my nerves.
Sorry I told you my story but what I am getting at yes i wanted to end my life but the best thing to do when you are diagnosed with CRPS is have a good support system. Don't let anyone tell you that it is in your head. Because the pain is real. My truest friend that I have right now has been here for me no matter what since day one. He keeps me motivated and doesn't let me get down. If it wasn't for him to talk to when needed I really don't know where I would be right now. I have found an outlet to try and get through this and i have a support system here with me when I need it. That is the thing that I can say to add to anything else is find an outlet and a support person so you can talk it over because I have had those thoughts so I know all about wanting to be out of this pain.
Sorry I told you my story but what I am getting at yes i wanted to end my life but the best thing to do when you are diagnosed with CRPS is have a good support system. Don't let anyone tell you that it is in your head. Because the pain is real. My truest friend that I have right now has been here for me no matter what since day one. He keeps me motivated and doesn't let me get down. If it wasn't for him to talk to when needed I really don't know where I would be right now. I have found an outlet to try and get through this and i have a support system here with me when I need it. That is the thing that I can say to add to anything else is find an outlet and a support person so you can talk it over because I have had those thoughts so I know all about wanting to be out of this pain.
Posted Feb 18, 2021 by Shanette Bales 100
The life expectancy of someone with CRPS does not change.
Posted Mar 29, 2021 by Sage0920 2000
I have CRPS2 from partially severed perennial nerve in left leg and "shattered " sciatic nerve same leg. I was surviving reasonably until the VA assigned me a new primary care doctor (original one retired). The new Dr. decided to cut my pain meds by near 70% which led to my CRPS2 spreading throughout my body. This led to severe spasms in my thorasic spine region that put so much pressure on my diaphragm that I could barely breath. If this had not happened on my way to a pain Dr that gave my epidural injections to control the spasms the likelihood of death (fromCRPS2) was very high.
I have been reduced from ambulatory to bedridden in constant pain dependent on in home care for most of my needs.
I was a strong healthy man capable of caring for myself and my family. Now, CRPS2 is going to kill me because they deny me the meds I need.
Richard Stanley Maness
I have been reduced from ambulatory to bedridden in constant pain dependent on in home care for most of my needs.
I was a strong healthy man capable of caring for myself and my family. Now, CRPS2 is going to kill me because they deny me the meds I need.
Richard Stanley Maness
Posted Dec 31, 2021 by azheiziam 100
I have has CRPS/RSD for over 15 years and it has spread from my right leg to my entire body. My joints hurt, my skin burns at times its as if someone is beating my bone with a hammer. Nothing stops the pain but knocking me out. Vicodine and Oxy don't work fast enough. The Vicodine with the anti inflammatory is better. Steroids work at times but they are dangerous. I feel like this will kill me one day as it travels around my body. At times my limb and or foot swell so big I feel like it's broken. So often I go get an xray to see. The pain is so bad I swear the limb is broken or fractured. I've been experimented on at the best hospitals in the world. Put on display in operating theaters, being poked and have needles run through me the size of hat pins to see the reactions with no anesthesia. Yes, this thing from the Devil himself will kill me
Posted Jun 8, 2022 by Tony 100
Really don't know. CRPS is known as the ' suicide disease as the levels of pain are the most painful known to man ( so far) and can drive people to that state if mind. I have had CRPS for five years but though it is bad at times it is nowhere as painful as others who go through amputation and have to rely on a concoction of psinkilkers to make it through the day. Please look at Burning Nights CRPS website. The folks who run this are exceptional and brave and you will find all the information and advice you will need on there.
Posted Nov 3, 2022 by Heather 5020
After car accident I suffered C3 and L5 spinal injury then developed Neuropathy disorder with severe CRPS. Sharp..stabbing..dull..and burning pain was a daily occurrence. Nurika 75 plus Tramazac ..Painamol and Vitamin B12 tables assisted me....I used to take two tramazac tables dose three times a day...my condition improved dramatically ALL pains mentioned reduced to Nil. Currently I have less pain . Sometimes I go on for two weeks without taking medication. Also I drink plenty of water and add Moringa as tea or on food. My healthy is back to normal.
For advice get me at [email protected]
God bless us.
For advice get me at [email protected]
God bless us.
Posted Aug 5, 2023 by Geegy 100
I developed CRPS at 56. I am 61. I had got through some complicated leg/ankle/ foot fractures, needing ORIF surgery. A walk in the park, in retrospect. I then had increasing numbness/tingling in my lower legs. I was advised to have tarsal tunnel nerve release surgery, entrapments caused by insufficient fracture repair, and missing a serious foot fracture. This surgery went very wrong. An agonising complete failure of a nerve block, and post-op severe bleed stitched up without pain relief by the surgeon in his casual clothes as he left for home. Only 4 years later did doctors finally agree to repeat the nerve conduction tests that had originally suggested the need for further surgery. It showed I had nerve damage that wasn't there just prior to the surgery, so I probably have type 2 CRPS. Nobody has bothered to tell me this. Type 2 would be in keeping with the alarming speed with which it spread up all of my left side - face, eye and head included. My doctors have been largely clueless (at best), to downright disbelieving, and worse. I had worked out what I believed was the cause of my extreme pain about 8 weeks post-surgery. Try convincing a doctor! How they must hate Google, and patients who actually research things. It took 18 months for a CRPS diagnosis - and even then, nobody told me for a further 6 months. By which time it had spread and become a full autoimmune, neuroinflammatory and incurable disease. In truth, I doubt if many people like me have not contemplated suicide. A cocktail of meds for pain, disease complications and severe anxiety has given me periods of hope, as have self funded ketamine infusions - but overall , the response of professional medical people has been, well, not very helpful. Life expectancy? I have done 60-90 minutes of hard physio every single day since I'd worked out what I had. I can still walk, and even do hobbies on good days - great distraction. But it's a vile disease, every day is a battle and my autonomic body functions are seriously compromised, so I can't think long-term. The levels of stress and inflammation it causes aren't compatible with a long life, that's my guess. With appropriate timely treatment, possibly better for some, particularly if younger.
Posted Aug 7, 2023 by Tim 110
It doesn't officially change your life span from what the doctors claim, thus far. But it does change the quality of life. It is known as a/the suicide disease and there is known correlation to those who have CRPS having cardiovascular issues, be it preexisting issues that cause difficulties later in life or caused by the stress, that has yet to be really defined that I've seen, but it's still VERY odd that most deaths of the community are one or the other.
Posted May 6, 2026 by Flora Langel "Naanad" DeKock 1745
