How can you feel a limb that ’s no longer there ? For decades , doctors can phantom pain as a psychological phenomenon . Now , they get it on there ’s more to the matter than the psyche .

What is phantom pain ? Do all amputee experience it ? Here are seven thing you should know about the experience .

1. It’s a Physiological Phenomenon

nigh 2 million people in the U.S. have an amputated limb . Therefore , you ’re not alone if you fall into this category . war , machine chance event , and industrial mistakes often arrogate victim .

In the past times , doctors give notice phantom pain as psychological , think it to be part of the grief physical process . However , they now recognise it as physiological .

Your brain connects to every other field of your eubstance through the face , which unfold off your spinal column in pairs . When you have an amputation , your Einstein continues to send signals down your spine , even though the limb those impulses are meant to control no longer process their routine .

In little , it carry your genius and consistency a while to aline . To put it another direction , the “ railroad ” is still there , but the “ gearing ” no longer goes all the way to the “ station . ”

2. It’s Common Among Amputees

If you experience this phenomenon , you ’re far from alone . Anywhere from 50 % to 80 % of amputee know phantom limb hurting . What does the sense impression feel like ?

The timbre of the pain may motley . Some patient describe it as a shot or stabbing pain that comes and goes . Others go through a uninterrupted sensation of cramping , pins and needles , crushing , throb , or burn .

Phantom pain in the neck may strike as early as a week after amputation , although it ’s delayed by several months in some . It most often affects the part of the body farthest from the amputation level . For example , someone who had their leg amputate at the articulatio genus may experience sensory faculty in the miss toes or feet .

3. You May Need a Prescription

Like many affliction , phantom pain occurs on a severity spectrum . If yours is spoiled enough to interfere with your daily activeness or keep you up at dark , please speak with your Dr. . They may attempt one of the following approaches :

Please keep in mind that intimately all prescriptions involve side effect . Please pass on openly with your MD about your experience to ensure the adverse result do n’t overbalance the relief you get .

4. You Might Also Treat It With OTCs

However , not everyone has phantom pain dangerous enough to warrant cough up a copay . You may retrieve respite with over - the - counter ( OTC ) analgesics .

What ’s your good wager ? In this case , acetaminophen – or paracetamol , for folks across the pond – is probably your good bet . Although doctors are n’t certain how this medicinal drug works , they trust it blocks enzyme that create prostaglandin and pain - sign mote . By cut off these impulse , you find oneself relief .

What about aspirin , naproxen , and ibuprofen ? These drugs likely wo n’t help much . They ’re class as NSAIDs – non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs . They could aid cut hump if you hit your toe with a hammer , but they wo n’t do much to alleviate pain in the neck from a limb that ’s no longer there to become heat .

5. You Might Be Able to Prevent It

Some investigator hypothesise that phantom pain termination from poor pain management before surgery . It makes sense . If you have ever spite an area that later aches when it rain down , you recognise that it does n’t take much to turn your body ’s suffering pathways back on once they become deep-rooted .

pre-emptive analgesia uses a mettle block to dampen the barrage of pain in the ass input before surgery . While this noesis wo n’t help you much if you ’ve already had your amputation , it ’s something to discuss with your doctor if you have a procedure schedule .

6. Acupuncture May Help

The ancient exercise of acupuncture may ease phantom pain . Eastern practitioners attribute the benefits to the stream of chi , although westerly researchers hypothesise that the needles manipulate nerve signaling .

If you prove this route , ensure your practitioner is licensed in your land . It cost anywhere from $ 75 to $ 150 per treatment , although some insurers now offer coverage .

7. Experimental Treatments Are Available

Certain experimental treatment may also ease phantom botheration . Ask your Dr. about the following :

What Is Phantom Pain?

If your miss limb aches , the sensation is n’t all in your head . It ’s a matter of how your nervous organization responds .

However , that does n’t end the pain in the ass from compromising your character of life . Fortunately , you may relieve phantom pain by talking to your doctor and finding the right treatment coming .