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Phantom pain happens when an individual experiences pain and sensation in a body part or organ that are no longer physically present. It's most common among people who have had an amputation or a breast removal surgery.
However, phantom pain may also occur in people with a spinal cord injury or nerve trauma. In some patients, the pain may subside on its own. However, others can experience an enduring, severely uncomfortable, painful sensation, such as burning, stinging, stabbing, piercing, itching, twisting, or even some pressure on the location of the affected body part.
Phantom pain is one of the many types of pain treated at Valley Medical and Wellness Clinic Pain Management in Burnsville. So, if you are suffering from phantom pain, or any type of pain for that matter, don’t hesitate to reach out.
While previously regarded as just a psychological effect of losing a body part, the Chinese Journal of Traumatology revealed that phantom pain is not all in the mind. Though experts have yet to pinpoint the exact cause, there are indications that the painful sensations are delivered by the neurons in the brain or spinal cord as revealed in MRI results or PET scans.
Experts think that phantom pain is the result of the brain and spinal cord sending mixed signals to the body after an amputation or surgery. As the neurons try to get inputs from the limb or body part that is no longer there, it tells the body a common and basic message that something is wrong by sending pain signals.
According to the Amputee Coalition Organization, 80% of patients around the world who have lost limbs experience phantom pain. The sensation can last for minutes, hours or even days, depending on the patient. The problem may recur during the first 6 months after the surgery, but some individuals may experience phantom pain for years.
Experts in Valley Medical and Wellness Pain Clinic, Burnsville believe that patients who have suffered pain in a particular body part before the amputation are likely to develop phantom pain. Apparently, the brain holds the memory of that pain, thus continues to send the signals even if the body part has already been removed.
Moreover, phantom pain may also develop as a residual pain due to damaged nerve endings, also known as neuroma. This is more common for patients with health issues of the feet.
Doctors in pain clinic, Burnsville won't be able to conduct tests on phantom pain, but it will help them figure out the best treatment by reviewing the patient's medical history. It would also be best if the patient opens up about the physical sensations he experiences so that the doctor can do a proper evaluation.
Although there's no specific medication for treating phantom pain, over-the-counter pain medications, NMDA receptor antagonists, or opioid medications may be prescribed to provide relief.
Other forms of alternative treatments, such as cold/hot compresses, pain therapy, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), or acupuncture may also work. A study of 15 amputees cited successful outcomes after eight acupuncture treatments in a matter of one month. Phantom pain reduction was evident among the patients after completion of the therapy.
Some lifestyle changes might also be in order to avoid the triggers of phantom pain. The patient must be willing to work closely and stick to the pain management plan that his pain management doctor has recommended.
Valley Medical and Wellness is a Clinic with two locations - one in Minneapolis and another in Burnsville - that specializes in pain management and addiction medicine.
Our involvement begins with a comprehensive evaluation to create a treatment plan suited to your specific needs. Then, we select from a variety of therapies and medication to manage your care as you work towards recovery. It is our continued care management, which changes with your needs, allowing you to progress and achieve your treatment goals.
If you have any additional questions, or you would like to find out more about our available pain management options, please contact us by calling at (612) 444-3000.
