Jose G. Veliz, M.D. M.S.A.
Medical Director
Palomar Pain Management Center
Pomerado Pain Management Center

Posted December 2, 2008

BIOFEEDBACK IN THE TREATMENT OF PHANTOM LIMB PAIN

Phantom limb pain is described as pain felt in the area where a limb has been amputated. The pain may range from mild to severe. Phantom limb pain usually improves with time and, unfortunately, if present for greater than six months, the likelihood of improvement or complete resolution is low. Aside from pain, other sensations include heat, cold, cramping and tingling. The original sensation which occurred when the limb was present may remain after it is amputated. Treatment includes the following:

• ….use of a TENS unit
• ….spinal cord stimulation
• ….deep brain stimulation
• ….physical therapy
• ….massage
• ….heat
• ….relaxation techniques
• ….acupuncture
• ….sympathetic nerve blocks
• ….surgery if nerve compression is present

• ….anticonvulsants
• ….antidepressants
• ….analgesics
• ….neuroleptics
• ….low dose opioids
• ….pregabalin (Lyrica)

Researchers at the Center for Pain Studies, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago/Northwestern University Medical School studied the effectiveness of biofeedback in the treatment of nine individuals with phantom pain who received biofeedback sessions for 4 to 6 weeks. Of the seven patients who received treatment for 6 weeks, six of them had a 30% pain reduction in the weeks following week 6. Based on these results, the researchers recommended further study for the use of biofeedback in the treatment of phantom limb pain.