It is known that at least 80% of the amputees feel pain from the part of the body that no longer exists. This pain is termed phantom pain. Initially  phantom pain was thought as  just a psychological problem but the research has shown that the phantom pain actually originates from the spinal chord and brain. Phantom pain is predominantly common in people who have suffered an amputation and can last a lifetime or may go away after sometime.  In order to properly treat the pain, amputees may have to get help from the doctors through therapies and medications.

The difference between phantom pain and phantom sensation

Phantom Pain is when you feel pain in the part of the body that is no longer there. Phantom sensation is when you feel no pain but you still feel the presence of amputated part of the body that  no longer exists. For example, I have been an upper arm amputee for a very long time and I still have a sensation of making fist, touching my finger tips, and moving my fingers.

Different individuals feel different range of phantom pain. It ranges from mild to severe and short term to long term. When one is faced with the phantom pain condition it is advisable to consult with a specialist in order to get a proper treatment. Some simple and common ways to treat phantom pain are message, and acupuncture.

Phantom pain can be very draining and unbearable at times. It could be very frustrating to the individual and others that are working with he/she.  Because phantom pain is experienced in a part of the body that no longer exists, some amputees fear that they might be treated dismissively and that people might call them crazy so they tend to keep it to themselves and continue suffering. This is not advices. You should certainly seek help because phantom pain can be treated.