Living With and Treating Phantom Limb Pain

Phantom Limb Pain is very real pain felt in a limb of the body after it has been removed. Even though it is no longer there, the brain sometimes has problems sorting out this fact.

Let’s learn more about Phantom Limb Pain and how to find pain relief.

Overview of Phantom Limb Pain:

Affecting about 8 in 10 people who have suffered limb loss, phantom limb pain can be felt where a limb or part of a limb once was. It may be due to the brain and spinal cord misinterpreting nerve messages. The pain itself is real. It can be felt shortly after a limb was removed, or months later, but usually within the first six months. It may range in severity as well.

There are some risk factors that may intensify or bring on the pain such as shingles, constipation, changes in temperature, barometric pressure changes, angina, smoking, stress etc.

Symptoms and Treatment:

Pain can be felt months or even years after a limb was removed. Types of pain include tingling, itching, burning, vice-like, stabbing, throbbing or twisting.

While there is treatment involving prescribed medicine such as anti-depressants and pain relievers, there are also non-invasive treatments available. Treatments like Spinal Cord Stimulation can be achieved right in our office. In other instances, a TENS unit may provide relief.

If you are searching for non-invasive pain treatment for phantom limb pain, please do not hesitate to call us. We would be happy to discuss your options.