Use of Medical Infrared Imaging to Differentiate Pain Patterns in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome with Coincident Radiculopathy

 

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and lumbar radiculopathy are both debilitating conditions. Medical infrared imaging, or thermology, is a non-invasive, non-contact imaging technique that measures skin surface temperature variations, providing valuable insights into underlying pathological conditions. This case report introduces the use of point-of-care thermology in diagnosing coincident CRPS and lumbar radiculopathy in a single patient, highlighting its clinical utility. Thermology, which can visualize underlying physiology, as opposed to more traditional imaging of anatomical abnormalities, may serve as an adjunctive test for CRPS, inflammatory musculoskeletal injuries, and neuropathies [1-4].