Dealing with Chronic Pain

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Phantom pain refers to pain that feels like it is coming from a body part that is no longer present.

Studies suggest that up to 80 percent of people who have lost a limb experience phantom pain at some point.

A multidisciplinary approach combining medical and non-medical treatments is often most effective.

What is phantom pain?

Xavier, a young man of 20 years old, lost a leg in a motorcycle accident but still feels sharp pain in the foot that is no longer there. Beatriz, 42 years old, a breast cancer survivor, continues to feel discomfort in the area where the breast was removed. Both suffer from the same condition called phantom pain. Phantom pain is a puzzling and often distressing condition that affects many people, especially those who have experienced limb loss. In the 16th century, French surgeon Ambroise Paré became the first to document "phantom pain," noticing that amputees often felt pain and sensation in limbs that had already been removed. He observed that soldiers continued to feel pain in limbs after amputation, famously describing it as "a thing worthy of admiration and almost incredible"[1].

How to explain phantom pain?

Recent research from NIH [2]reveals that the brain's "map" of a limb remains largely intact in the somatosensory cortex even after amputation, contrary to the previous belief that it reorganizes. Phantom pain occurs because the brain continues to receive signals from nerves that originally carried impulses from the missing limb, causing the perception that the limb is still there and experiencing discomfort. The pain is now thought to involve many peripheral and central nervous system factors[3]. Phantom pain usually develops soon after the removal of a limb or body part, but it can also appear months or years later. Factors such as surgical trauma, nerve damage, and emotional stress may contribute to its onset. For many amputees, the loss of a limb is a traumatic experience, and this psychological strain can heighten the perception of pain.

Who is affected by phantom pain?

This condition is quite common among amputees. Studies suggest that up to 80% of people who have lost a limb experience phantom pain at some point[4]. It can also occur after other body parts, such as breasts or teeth, are removed.

Phantom pain can affect people of any age, gender, or background. However, factors such as age at the time of amputation, the cause of limb loss, and overall health may influence the likelihood and severity of phantom pain. Both children and adults can experience it, although it is often reported more frequently in adults.

What are the symptoms of phantom pain?

People with phantom pain often describe sensations such as aching, burning, stabbing, or throbbing in the missing limb or body part. The pain can be intermittent or constant, and its intensity may vary from mild discomfort to severe distress. Some individuals also report sensations like itching or pressure.

How to manage phantom pain?

Management of phantom pain involves both medical and non-medical treatments to help alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help patients cope with the emotional impact of phantom pain and reduce stress, which may worsen symptoms.During CBT sessions, patients learn to identify triggers for their phantom pain, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and use relaxation or mindfulness exercises to ease discomfort. This approach can improve quality of life by decreasing pain intensity and emotional suffering, making it a valuable tool for those experiencing phantom pain.

Phantom pain significantly affects the quality of life for those who experience it, often leading to physical discomfort, emotional distress, and challenges in daily functioning. The persistent nature of phantom pain can hinder recovery and adaptation, making it difficult for individuals to envision a positive future or pursue personal goals. Addressing phantom pain through comprehensive medical, psychological, and social support is crucial to improving long-term outcomes and helping individuals regain hope and confidence in their future perspectives.

Dealing with Chronic Pain

Take our Depression Test

Find a therapist to help with chronic pain

Keil, G. (1990). Sogenannte Erstbeschreibung des Phantomschmerzes von Ambroise Paré. "Chose digne d'admiration et quasi incredible": die "douleur ès parties mortes et amputées" [So-called initial description of phantom pain by Ambroise Paré. "Chose digne d'admiration et quasi incredible": the "douleur ès parties mortes et amputées"]. Fortschritte der Medizin, 108(4), 62–66.

'Stable cortical body maps before and after arm amputation.' Nature Neuroscience. 2025. DOI: 10.1038/s41593-025-02037-7

Luza, LP, Ferreira, EG, Minsky, RC, Pires, GKW, da Silva, R. (2020) Psychosocial and physical adjustments and prosthesis satisfaction in amputees: a systematic review of observational studies. Disability and Rehabilitation Assistive Technology,15(5):582-589.

Hanyu-Deutmeyer, AA, Cascella, M, Varacallo, MA. Phantom Limb Pain. [Updated 2023 Aug 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448188/

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