Understanding PLP (Phantom Limb Pain)
What is phantom limb pain?
Phantom limb pain is a condition where a person still feels pain in the part of a limb that has been removed after surgery. They may also feel other sensations that are not painful. This usually starts soon after their surgery but can also sometimes start at a later date.
This can be very distressing as the pain feels very real, but it is quite common in amputees to feel pain or sensation especially in the fingers, toes or foot area.
It is commonly believed that 80% of amputees will suffer from PLP, which differs from one individual to another and can last anything from a few minutes to hours, or even days.
For some people these pains and sensations can fade in frequency and duration after about six months. For others it can last years which can be very difficult to cope with on a day-to-day basis.
It is not unusual for amputees to also suffer with feelings of bereavement for the loss of their limb and things they are no longer able to do that were important to them. They can also suffer from anxiety or depression or related trauma.
Causes
It was once believed to be a psychological problem, but it’s now widely believed to be caused by the brain and spinal cord. It is more likely to occur if you had pain in the limb before it was amputated. The brain can remap sensory signals to another part of the body, so that when that area is touched the person will feel pain in the limb that has been amputated.
Physical Symptoms
Although the limb is no longer there, the patient will feel what they perceive to be feelings of pain and sensations in the limb which can range from
- Stabbing
- Shooting
- Burning
- Twisting
- Tingling
- Itching
- Pressure
- Crushing
- Pins and needles
- Pain like an electric shock
- Sensations of movement or vibration
- Feelings of temperature change
Psychological Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Feelings of bereavement for the loss of their limb
- Feeling withdrawn or less sociable because of the pain
Self Help
It can be difficult to deal with severe or constant pain but there are things you can do to try and distract yourself. Try and stay physically active if possible, practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, and check for support online.
Professional Help
Some people are worried about telling their doctor they are suffering from phantom limb pain, as they fear they are “going crazy”, but you should tell your doctor straight away so that they can start to treat you. They can prescribe medications such as painkillers, muscle relaxants, beta-blockers or antidepressants. They will also hopefully be able to recommend mirror box therapy, virtual reality therapy, biofeedback or TENS machines.
Therapy can also help you with pain management, feelings of bereavement, loss, depression, anxiety or PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) that can arise from the trauma of losing a limb. These can include a range of therapies like counselling, psychotherapy, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and clinical hypnotherapy. Written by Jan, Jeana and Wendy at Barnsley Hypnosis and Counselling (UK). For more free information click above link.
