Why Phantom Pain Happens & How To Navigate It

Roughly 30,000-40,000 amputations are performed each year in the United States, and surprisingly, as many as 85% of those having amputations will go on to experience a common side effect called phantom limb pain. Taking steps to manage phantom limb symptoms can go a long way toward helping you feel more comfortable following amputation surgery.

At Advanced Spine and Pain Center, our team offers therapies focused on relieving phantom limb pain reducing the physical and emotional impacts caused by post-amputation symptoms. Learn why phantom limb pain happens and what we can do to help.

Phantom limb pain: The basics

Phantom limb pain refers to pain, numbness, and other symptoms that feel like they're coming from a limb that's no longer present. Symptoms can range from mild tingling sensations to stabbing pain that can interfere with daily activities and even sleep.

While researchers don't know the precise cause of phantom limb pain, they believe it happens because the brain and central nervous system have not "recognized" that a limb has been amputated. As a result, the brain and nerves continue to attempt to process neural signals from the limb, resulting in "confusion" in nerve signal transmission that, in turn, causes you to feel abnormal sensations. Irritation of nerves at the site of amputation may also contribute to pain.

In addition to the potential physiological causes, researchers believe psychological factors, like anxiety and depression, may also contribute to phantom limb pain. The trauma associated with losing a limb can take a toll on your emotional health, in turn influencing your nervous system and "creating" the sensation of discomfort.

Phantom pain symptoms

Phantom limb symptoms affect different people differently, sometimes making treatment more challenging. Some women and men may feel a severe stabbing pain on an occasional or intermittent basis, while others may feel a persistent ache. 

Other potential symptoms include:

• Burning
• Itching
• Cramping
• Sensations of pressure or compression

Some people may feel the limb is oddly positioned or bent at an odd angle. These symptoms can persist for months or even years following an amputation, while for others, symptoms eventually vanish.

Navigating phantom limb pain

Our team offers several options for managing phantom pain, including medications like antidepressants, anticonvulsant medications, and pain relievers. These medications help relieve underlying anxiety and muscle spasms that can contribute to symptoms, relieving symptoms over time.

While these conservative treatments are often the first step toward managing phantom pain, they're not always effective. In those instances, our team focuses on therapies designed to alter the nerve signals that transmit pain signals to the limb. 

Nerve blocks can be especially effective, interfering with nerve signals associated with pain, numbness, and other sensations. These blocks use special medications designed to prevent nerve transmission, so your brain no longer processes "abnormal" signals that seem to emanate from the limb area. Best of all, nerve blocks can be repeated to keep symptoms at bay while your body adjusts.

We may also suggest psychotherapy to help manage stress and depression issues that may follow amputation and contribute to pain. Relaxation techniques and even support groups can help relieve stress and anxiety associated with amputation and phantom limb symptoms.

Pain relief that works

Phantom limb pain can significantly affect your physical and emotional health. To learn how we can help you manage your symptoms safely and effectively, book an appointment online or over the phone with the team at our two locations in San Antonio, Texas, today.