The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) proposed the current diagnostic description of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) for the distinct and complex chronic pain condition in 1994. Since this classification, studies on the syndrome have led to a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, epidemiology and therapeutic approaches. F. Luthi of SUVA Care reviewed CRPS in detail in 2014 and 2019 issues of the Revue médicale suisse. The purpose of this article is to provide an update of results on the neural mechanisms involved in this syndrome and how this helps management of CRPS, in particular bringing awareness to physicians of all specialties of the first symptoms with practical advice for investigations and treatment.