Good evening.
I have been wondering over the last few days if phantom limb pain only occurs after amputations or are there other triggers? I haven't found that much about it, but am very interested in it.
I would be very happy to get an answer!
Response 1:
What is generally known as phantom limb pain only occurs with amputation. It is the pain that occurs in a part of the body that is no longer present.
It is much more difficult with all other types of pain. A headache cannot be measured and a migraine cannot always be measured either. The same goes for whiplash or back pain. The famous quote from my surgeon: "I just don't see why you have this pain. Statements like this, or even worse being called a fake, are the reality I have to live with.
Response 2:
Phantom limb pain can also be caused by nerve damage or blockages and it takes a long time for these symptoms to return to a bearable level. I have been struggling with the pain for years and it is almost impossible to manage with normal medication. A neurologist can diagnose the extent of the damage by measuring nerve conduction velocity and will then refer you to a suitable clinic. Physical therapy in combination with pain therapy can achieve good results. But as already mentioned, it takes a long time.
I wish you a speedy recovery.
Response 3:
I have permanent phantom pain, which burns badly all the time and can then become even worse in episodes. My nerves were sclerosed during the operation. Mirror therapy made it really bad. Medication is a great distraction, but basically it doesn't do much good, so I haven't taken any medication for a long time because of phantom problems. An aspirin for a headache or inhalation for a cold, yes, but nothing else. There is only one thing to do, ignore it.
But keep it up, everyone else might find this kind of information useful. Unless, of course, the stuff doesn't help that much in the end ; ) I say it's game of chance, either you're lucky or you're not. So, good luck ; )