Is There a Treatment for Phantom Limb Pain?

Severe trauma, vascular disease, and infection are just a few of the reasons that some 30,000-40,000 people have limbs amputated each year in the United States. A common symptom following amputation is the feeling of pain in the limb that is no longer there. 

At all locations of Pain Consultants of Atlanta, our expert providers help people manage pain due to a wide variety of conditions. One of the most unusual types of pain is pain in a limb that doesn’t exist. Here, we describe two treatments, a stellate ganglion block and peripheral nerve stimulation, that are effective in helping patients with phantom limb pain. 

Phantom limb pain 

Phantom limb pain is the perception of pain or discomfort in a limb that no longer exists. Scientists and doctors don’t fully understand the mechanisms that cause phantom limb pain, which can vary in severity from person to person. 

The majority of patients who have an amputation, nearly 80%, report having phantom limb pain. Since it can have a significant negative impact on your quality of life, getting treatment is crucial as you adjust to life following amputation. 

Stellate ganglion block

Your autonomic nervous system is divided into two divisions: the sympathetic nervous system (SANS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PANS). The two work in almost opposite ways, with the SANS being described as the fight-or-flight response and the PANS as the rest-and-digest response. 

Your stellate ganglion is a nerve in your neck that is part of your sympathetic nervous system. Blocking them from carrying signals can help ease pain in your upper body. 

A stellate ganglion block can relieve phantom nerve pain immediately or within a few days. However, not everyone responds to this type of nerve block the same way. 

Peripheral nerve stimulation

Peripheral nerves are the nerves in your body that aren’t part of your spine cord or brain. One potential cause of phantom limb pain is that when a limb is amputated, the peripheral nerves are cut, but they continue to send pain signals to the brain. 

It’s possible that stimulating those peripheral nerves can ease phantom limb pain by changing the signals to what the brain perceives as normal input rather than pain. This treatment involves implanting a pulse generator and delivering mild electrical impulses to selected nerves. 

Get personalized guidance

Getting used to your body and your life after an amputation can be difficult. Dealing with phantom limb pain makes that transition even harder. If you’ve had an amputation and you’re experiencing pain, schedule an appointment at the most convenient location of Pain Consultants of Atlanta and get advice based on your unique circumstances.