For many years, Christina endured a body that felt as if it were ablaze. Each movement was a risk, and every day was a challenge of resilience. Physicians provided her with diagnoses, medications, and compassionate glances, but no solutions. Loved ones observed in despair as she was overtaken by continuous, unyielding pain. Then, against all expectations, Christina discovered The Spero Clinic. What transpired next is truly remarkable: a tale of determination, research, and an unwavering commitment to not allow her condition to dictate her life.
Living With CRPS: When Pain Becomes a Prison
If you’re reading this, you or someone dear to you is likely familiar with the beast known as CRPS — Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. It’s referred to as the “suicide disease,” a medical condition so intense that it feels like living in a fire that never extinguishes.
Most individuals cannot truly grasp the daily suffering caused by CRPS symptoms: a burning pain that ignites with the slightest touch, limbs that betray you with stiffness or swelling, skin that unexpectedly changes color, temperature, or texture. Doctors frequently misdiagnose it. Friends and family become exhausted from asking, “How are you feeling?” when the response is invariably, “Still in pain.”
CRPS creates isolation while bringing shame and taking the power to experience life away. And for Christina, it nearly triumphed. Read the full article here.
Upon meeting Kyle Maness, the first aspect that captures your attention is his quiet strength. Beneath his calm demeanor lies a narrative filled with fire, suffering, and a struggle that most of us can scarcely comprehend. A native of Huntsville, Kyle endured years grappling with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) following a devastating workplace incident that left him confronting pain so severe it has been likened to that of childbirth or amputation. Today, through innovative treatment, Kyle is transforming his tale of survival into one of recovery and optimism.
CRPS: The “Suicide Disease” with the Highest Pain Ranking
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, abbreviated as CRPS, is a rare neurological disorder that can set in after an injury or trauma. Rather than healing, the nervous system malfunctions, ensnaring patients in relentless cycles of agony. On the McGill Pain Index, CRPS ranks higher than any other condition, which is why it is grimly referred to as “the suicide disease.”
Dr. Katinka van der Merwe, the founder of Spero Clinic in Fayetteville, Arkansas, articulates it succinctly: “CRPS commandeers the autonomic nervous system. Many patients are led to believe there is no hope, but the reality is that the nervous system can be rehabilitated. It is capable of change. And when it changes, so too can their pain.” Read the full article here.
Following years of excruciating CRPS pain and failed treatment attempts, Kyle found hope through a revolutionary treatment program at The Spero Clinic.
What occurs when the pain from an accident persists indefinitely? For Kyle Maness, a native of Huntsville, a workplace catastrophe left him grappling with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), one of the most severe chronic pain conditions recognized in medicine. After enduring years of unyielding suffering and unsuccessful treatments, Kyle discovered renewed hope through an innovative program at The Spero Clinic in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
CRPS: A Rare and Devastating Diagnosis
In 2015, after Kyle Maness experienced a catastrophic workplace accident, his life was irrevocably altered. A malfunctioning machine released 300-degree liquid onto his body, resulting in burns covering 40 percent of his skin. Although his wounds eventually healed, the pain persisted and soon escalated into a condition that is often still misunderstood in the medical community: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
CRPS is a rare and progressive neurological disorder, frequently characterized as the most painful condition known to medicine. According to the McGill Pain Index, it ranks higher than amputation and childbirth. For Kyle, CRPS manifested as an unrelenting fire in his legs, feet, and arm, all a daily torment that conventional medicine could not alleviate. Read the full article here.
Christina Kermezian went from being confined to a wheelchair by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) to living a life free from pain.
Chronic pain can be a debilitating condition that severely impacts a person’s quality of life. For Christina Kermezian, this was the reality of living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or CRPS. Once reliant on a wheelchair, she has now regained her mobility and is thriving following treatment at The Spero Clinic.
Understanding the Challenge of CRPS
CRPS is a chronic pain condition that can leave patients with a range of symptoms, including severe pain, changes in skin temperature and color, and motor dysfunction. The condition is often misunderstood, and many people struggle to find effective, long-term relief. Traditional medical approaches often focus on medication to manage symptoms, which can sometimes fail to address the underlying issues.
This was the experience for Christina until she began a treatment program at The Spero Clinic. The clinic’s approach, led by Dr. Katinka van der Merwe, emphasizes neurological rehabilitation and aims to correct the root dysfunction of the nervous system, rather than just managing the symptoms… Read the full article here.
Visit Spero Clinic’s Patient Stories page to learn more about Christina’s patient journey.
From a Mild Ankle Sprain to Unbearable Long-Term Chronic Pain
A sprained ankle or a twisted wrist – for most people, these may be uncomfortable, but recovery is usually quick and without complications. But in some cases, minor injuries such as these can be the onset of a grueling and unbearable future, filled with pain.
Take Ceciley Maxa, a bright and lively 25-year-old from River Falls, Wisconsin, who sprained her ankle, which set off a chain reaction no one could have ever imagined. As the days went by, hoping for improvement and after numerous medical tests, the pain only worsened until she couldn’t take it any longer. “The sensation can be described as being burned with a blowtorch on the skin,” she said.
After navigating hospitals, clinics, and doctors without remission, Ceciley eventually found The Spero Clinic in Arkansas, which specializes in holistic treatments for neurologic disorders. She learned that she had contracted Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a rare disorder causing symptoms that make the body seem to be on fire… Read the full article here.
Following Years of Anguish, Ceciley Maxa is Now Living Pain-Free After Groundbreaking CRPS Treatment from the Spero Clinic in Arkansas
For years, chronic condition CRPS caused Ceciley Maxa extreme pain, also leaving her disabled. After receiving innovative CRPS treatment from the Spero Clinic, Ceciley achieved long-awaited healing and relief.
Spraining your ankle may not sound like a big deal – it’s uncomfortable and painful, but recovery is usually quick and without complications. Yet, in some cases, a minor injury can spark off a condition that results in excruciating chronic pain and loss of mobility. This condition is called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or CRPS.
For Ceciley Maxa, a lively 25-year-old from River Falls, Wisconsin, her sprained ankle developed into years of living a nightmare, until she couldn’t take it any longer. “The sensation can be described as being burned with a blowtorch on the skin,” she said.
After navigating hospitals, clinics, and doctors without remission, Ceciley eventually found The Spero Clinic in Arkansas, which specializes in holistic treatments for neurologic disorders, including CRPS… Read the full article here.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., July 7, 2025 – With around 30 million children participating in organized sports in the U.S., almost all of them will experience some kind of injury while playing or practicing. In fact, approximately 3.5 million sports-related injuries occur each year. Most of them are thankfully minor, like cuts and bruises.
But not in the case of Ohio teen Kole Jackson. At age 10, Kole suffered two concussions – two minutes apart – while playing football. Little did he know at that time that those two minutes would change his life forever.
When Nothing Seemed to Help
After an endless journey to numerous doctors, clinics, and specialists, Kole and his parents found The Spero Clinic in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This one-of-a-kind facility specializes in treating neurologic-based conditions, including Fibromyalgia and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
Extensive tests found that Kole’s neck injuries placed his nervous system under extreme stress, overloading the brain with pain signals, inflammation, and alarm responses. When prolonged, as occurred with Kole, this can disrupt how the brain processes movement, sensation, and even consciousness.
As a result, the nervous system can begin to “misfire” – not because of actual brain damage but because it has been pushed into a hyper-protective, dysfunctional state.
Read the full article here.
Suffering From a Myriad of Debilitating Illnesses including Fibromyalgia and CRPS, Kole Jackson Finds Healing at The Spero Clinic in Arkansas
What’s the life of a typical kid? Running, playing with friends, Xboxing, sports… Every child should enjoy their early years and create memories that last a lifetime.
But not Ohio teen Kole Jackson. At age 10, Kole suffered two concussions – two minutes apart, while playing football. Little did he know at that time that those two minutes would change his life forever.
Kole developed various health issues that quickly spiraled out of control, including traumatic brain injury, head injury-induced encephalitis, pediatric autoimmune neurological disorder, post-traumatic vision disorder, an injured neck vertebra, and fibromyalgia – all accompanied by severe chronic pain.
A fighter, Kole did not give in. Despite over-the-top pain levels and severely restricted mobility, Kole kept trying to stay in motion with exercises and an unbeatable optimism that “things would get better.” However, they didn’t. For seven years, Kole battled with his condition until the agony just became too much… Read the full article here.
A sprained ankle or a twisted wrist – for most people, these may be uncomfortable, but recovery is usually quick and without complications. But in some cases, minor injuries such as these can be the onset of a grueling and unbearable future, filled with pain.
Take Ceciley Maxa, a bright and lively 25-year-old from River Falls, Wisconsin, who sprained her ankle, which set off a chain reaction no one could have ever imagined. As the days went by, hoping for improvement and after numerous medical tests, the pain only worsened until she couldn’t take it any longer. “The sensation can be described as being burned with a blowtorch on the skin,” she said.
After navigating hospitals, clinics, and doctors without remission, Ceciley eventually found The Spero Clinic in Arkansas, which specializes in holistic treatments for neurologic disorders. She learned that she had contracted Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a rare disorder causing symptoms that make the body seem to be on fire.
Read the full article here.
Wolverhampton-born Talia Sinnott, 27, is currently receiving pioneering neurological treatment at the world-renowned Spero Clinic in Fayetteville, Arkansas, as she continues her courageous battle with a rare and debilitating condition known as Gastroparesis.
EXPRESS & STAR — Gastroparesis is a chronic illness that affects the stomach muscles and prevents proper digestion. In Talia’s case, her stomach no longer functions, meaning she must be fed through a tube that delivers a specially formulated nutritional mix directly into her small intestine. This condition has led to other health issues which Talia currently suffers from including CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).
Her journey began in January 2022, when she contracted a virus that triggered the onset of her condition. With limited awareness and resources for Gastroparesis within the NHS, Talia struggled to obtain a diagnosis. Eventually, she was referred to Dr. Shidrawi, one of the UK’s leading specialists in the field. Based in London, he runs the country’s only dedicated Gastroparesis clinic and has been managing Talia’s care for the past three years.
Despite intensive efforts, there is currently no known cure for Gastroparesis. In June 2024, Talia underwent surgery to implant a gastric pacemaker — a device similar to a heart pacemaker that delivers electrical pulses to stimulate stomach muscles. Unfortunately, the device had little effect, and Talia remains unable to digest food in the normal way.
In search of hope, Talia turned to the Spero Clinic, which offers cutting-edge neurological rehabilitation not available anywhere else in the world. The clinic specialises in treating complex conditions such as CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome), Long COVID, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), and Gastroparesis through a non-invasive, drug-free approach focused on restoring optimal nervous system function.
Read the full article here.
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