Phantom Limb Pain

Patients who have undergone an amputation sometimes feel a pain sensation in their missing limb. This neurological condition typically decreases over time. However, should the pain continue for more than six months, pain management treatment is recommended. At The Spine & Pain Center, our pain management doctors work with patients who experience phantom limb pain to help relieve their symptoms.

Damaged nerve endings at the site of an amputation sometimes misfire pain signals to the brain. Confusion ensues as a result with the patient perceiving the pain to be associated with a limb that no longer exists. Memories of the pain associated with the incident causing the amputation can be difficult for the patient to overcome leading to physical pain being attributed to the missing limb.

In addition to the physical pain caused by this neurological disorder, other symptoms such as tingling and numbness are sometimes present. Muscle cramping and sensitivity to heat and cold can also be present. This pain is typically attributed to damaged nerve endings which cause the patients to feel discomfort from the amputated limb.

Conservative therapies such as heat packs, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, and massage can all help alleviate pain symptoms. When these treatments are not enough, The Spine & Pain Center physicians can administer interventional therapies such as injections, nerve blocks, TENS units, spinal cord stimulation, and pain medications to help provide additional relief.