Do you have Phantom Limb Pain?

Phantom limb pain is a condition in which pain is felt in a limb that is no longer there. Phantom limb pain affects 50-80% of all amputees. Phantom limb pain is described as neuropathic pain (caused by nerve damage), and for some it may be difficult to distinguish between pain felt at the stump after amputation and pain due to damaged nerves. At Advanced Pain Management Center, we offer a variety of treatments to help alleviate the symptoms of this condition.

In the past, scientists used to believe that phantom limb pain was psychological, but recent studies have shown that it is most likely due to misfiring pain signals to the brain. Contact your doctor to discuss potential treatment if you have any of the following symptoms:

Symptoms:

• Burning or stabbing pain at the area of the amputated limb.
• Pain developed days after the amputation.
• Pain that affects limbs farthest from the body (feeling pain in the hand of an amputated arm).

Treatments:

At Advanced Pain Management Center we offer a few treatments that may help you deal with symptoms associated with Phantom limb pain.

• Nerve stimulation such as Dorsal Root Ganglion stimulation, Spinal Cord Stimulation or Peripheral Nerve stimulation have been very successful treatments for Phantom Limb Pain. They work by intercepting pain signals from the spinal cord and replacing them with a more pleasant sensation before reaching the brain.
• Sympathetic Nerve blocks are also useful techniques in blocking pain signals from occurring.
• Pain medication can be helpful, but does not treat the underlying cause.
• Cognitive therapy can be extremely helpful for individuals suffering from this condition. Phantom Limb pain can take a huge toll on the mental health of an individual. It is important to take your emotional wellbeing into account as well.

If you are suffering from Phantom Limb Pain, do not hesitate to call your doctor and schedule a consultation. To learn more, book an appointment over the phone with Advanced Pain Management Center today.

Author

Vladimir Fiks, MD Medical Director Advanced Pain Management Center and Cedar Hills Surgery Center