What is Phantom Limb Pain
Phantom limb pain sometimes mimics the pain that afflicted the limb before it was amputated. Researchers don’t know exactly what causes phantom limb pain. One possible explanation: Nerves in parts of your spinal cord and brain “rewire” when they lose signals from the missing arm or leg. As a result, they send pain signals, a typical response when your body senses something is wrong. Consult a doctor for medical advice.
Symptoms
- Onset within the first week after amputation, though it can be delayed by months or longer
- Pain that comes and goes or is continuous
- Pain that may be described as shooting, stabbing, cramping, pins and needles, crushing, throbbing, or burning
- Symptoms affecting the part of the limb farthest from the body, such as the foot of an amputated leg
Treatment
- Acetaminophen
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
- Acupuncture
- Anticonvulsants
- Antidepressants
- Beta-blockers
- Biofeedback
- Imagery
- Massage of the residual limb
- Mirror box therapy
- Muscle relaxants
- Music
- Opioids (narcotic pain medications)
- Repositioning of the residual limb by propping on a pillow or cushion
- TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
- Use of a shrinker
- Virtual reality therapy
