Phantom Limb Pain: Definition, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What is Phantom Limb Pain?

Phantom limb pain is pain in a limb that is no longer attached to the body.  This pain is coming from the brain and spinal cord.  The brain recognizes the body’s nerves and adjusts to the changes of the amputation.  Pain and symptoms may get weaker and weaker, but may not fully subside.  Some individuals may even develop neuromas on the amputated nerves, blood clots, pnemoina, psychological problems, and slow wound healing.  Determination of phantoms limb treatment depends on patients pain level and symptoms.   

Causes of Phantom Limb Pain 

The amputated limb has nerve endings in the are of the amputation which continue to send pain and sensation signals to the brain and spinal cord even though the limb is gone.  This causes for that pain and sensation to be felt as if the limb were still there.  The brain’s memory of the sensation of that limb is retained.  

Phantom Limb Pain Symptoms 

1. A sensation in the limb that was amputated such as tingling, cramping, hot or cold, and pain in general 
2. Sensation as if the limb is moving in a weird position or getting shorter. 

Phantom Limb Pain Treatment 

ASTR-traktaties phantom limb pain op een zachte, effectieve en natuurlijke manier door spieronevenwichtigheden, littekenweefsel, triggerpoints,  fascia-beperkingen, ontsteking, houding, lichaamsmechanica die vaak de bron van de pijn zijn. ASTR hanteert een holistische benadering om de grondoorzaken van pijn aan te pakken, niet alleen de symptomen. ASTR-behandeling kan thuis gedaan worden voor phantom limb pain.