WHEREAS, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, is a debilitating and progressively chronic syndrome, which is characterized by severe burning pain, pathological changes in bone and skin, excessive sweating, tissue swelling, and extreme sensitivity to touch; and

WHEREAS, CRPS occurs in 5 percent of all nerve injuries and there is no cure; and

WHEREAS, CRPS is thought to be a neuropathic pain syndrome that generally occurs at the site of a minor or major injury trauma, but may also occur without an apparent injury to the affected person; and

WHEREAS, CRPS was first identified during the Civil War, and while the cause of CRPS remains unknown, the syndrome is thought to be the result of damaged nerves of the sympathetic nervous system; and

WHEREAS, CRPS is unique in that it simultaneously affects the nerves, skin, muscles, blood vessels, and bones, and, if untreated, can result in permanent disability and chronic pain; and

WHEREAS, CRPS is often misdiagnosed because the syndrome is either unknown or poorly understood. The prognosis for patients suffering from CRPS is generally much better when identified and treated as early as possible; and

WHEREAS, If treatment is delayed, CRPS can quickly spread to the entire limb, and changes in bone and muscle may become irreversible, resulting in limited mobility, atrophy of the muscles, and eventual permanent disability of the patient; and

WHEREAS, Because a delay in diagnosis or treatment for CRPS can result in severe physical and physiological problems, and early recognition and prompt treatment of CRPS provides the greatest opportunity for recovery, it is in the best interest of the public to educate individuals and medical professionals regarding this debilitative condition and to promote research to accurately identify, diagnose, and treat CRPS; and

WHEREAS, The National Institutes of Health supports research relating to CRPS, including the causes, progression, and treatment of the syndrome; and

WHEREAS, The Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Awareness Month occurs in November, and provides an opportunity for those living with CRPS and others in the community to join together to educate the public and health care professionals about CRPS, and to work to further research regarding treatment and a cure for the disorder; and

WHEREAS, November 5, 2018, is the fifth annual Color the World Orange Day, which is a global event, that spreads awareness of CRPS, and encourages people to wear orange. Last year, in 2017, more than 100 buildings, bridges, and landmarks across the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, including billboards in the Times Square in New York City and Niagra Falls, were lit in orange in support of bring global awareness to CRPS; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby recognizes and declares the month of November 2018 as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Awareness Month, and calls upon all Californians to observe the month by participating in appropriate activities, and by learning how to improve the quality of life for people in California suffering from the Complex Regional Pain Syndrome; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes November 5, 2018, as Color the Town Orange Day to draw public attention to the important need to raise awareness concerning the assessment and treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in the United States; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

SCR 132: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Awareness Month.

Senate Floor

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