Coping With Pain After Limb Loss: Insights for Combat Veterans
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Losing a limb is a life-changing experience, and for many combat veterans, it comes with additional challenges, such as trauma-related chronic pain. So, it’s crucial to understand and manage this pain to improve quality of life. The following findings from a recent study can help you navigate this journey.
The study
A team of researchers in the UK reviewed previous studies to see how common it is for veterans to have chronic neuropathic pain and post-amputation pain after combat trauma. The findings of this review were published in the journal Pain.
They checked data from 14,738 participants from six national militaries, covering injuries from various conflicts: the two World Wars, the Vietnam War, the Falklands War, the Iran-Iraq War, and conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The data was gathered on November 15, 2022.
Almost all the participants, about 98.2%, were men. Most of the injuries, about 68.5%, were from explosions, while 30.8% were due to penetrating trauma. In three of the studies, they found that about 23.5% of the participants with brain injuries also had other combat injuries at the same time.
Pain in numbers
Generally, the review showed that around 60% of the participants have residual limb pain; 57% have phantom limb pain, where one feels sensations—usually pain—in the limb that’s not there anymore; and 73% experience phantom limb sensation, where one feels like the missing limb is still there even though it doesn’t hurt. Additionally, 26% of the participants reported chronic neuropathic pain, a long-lasting pain resulting from nerve damage.
The study also looked at the connection between the type of pain and the participants’ military background. It found that 50% of those with phantom limb pain were involved in the Iraq/Afghanistan conflict, while 57% were from the Iran-Iraq war. For residual limb pain, 70% were from the Iraq/Afghanistan conflict, and 58% were from the Iran-Iraq war.
The researchers also observed that the prevalence of pain varied depending on the time since the amputation. In studies focusing on people who had an amputation six months to two years following limb loss, 56% experienced phantom limb pain, while 67% felt residual limb pain. In studies involving people who had an amputation more than ten years ago, 64% had phantom limb pain, and 58% had residual limb pain.
Other factors that affect pain
According to the study's authors, if more time has passed since someone lost a limb, they might have less residual limb pain. They also found that more participants involved in the most recent conflicts, such as the Iran-Iraq War and the Iraq/Afghanistan War, reported more pain.
The study also found that phantom limb pain is linked to feeling residual limb pain, phantom limb sensation, having had the upper part of the limb amputated, and having anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
They also found that people who experience phantom limb pain are more likely to have intense pain in their lower back.
Meanwhile, neuropathic pain is linked to having a lower quality of life and scoring higher on questionnaires that measure anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and pain catastrophizing.
Managing your pain
It might take years before post-amputation pain goes away. The best thing to do to manage your pain is to take a holistic approach that doesn’t stop at taking medications and going to physical therapy. Below are some pain management strategies that you might want to discuss with your healthcare providers:
Physical treatments
The first line of defense against post-amputation pain focuses on the source of the physical pain. Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or medications targeting nerve pain. Concurrently, physical therapy can help relieve pain by strengthening muscles and improving mobility. Other techniques, like mirror therapy, have shown promise in reducing phantom limb pain.
Mental health support
Managing your thoughts and overall mental wellness is also crucial to pain management. Consider including counseling in your pain management toolkit. Talking to a therapist can help manage the emotional impact of limb loss and chronic pain.
Joining support groups can also immensely help keep your mind in great shape. Studies have long supported the value of human connection in our overall well-being. Connecting with others who understand your experiences can give you comfort and practical advice.
Lifestyle Adjustments
We all need to pay attention to the basic things, but more so when you’re coping with limb loss and managing pain. Your body needs all the help it can get. Pay special attention to building healthy habits. Make sure that you’re getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep. These habits comprise the foundation of your well-being and can help keep you going even when managing pain.
You also need to be intentional with reducing stress, as it can directly affect pain levels. Add mindfulness and active relaxation to your day with meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises.
The bottom line
Coping with pain after limb loss can be challenging, but arming yourself with data and insights can help you push through. Furthermore, combining physical treatments with mental health support and lifestyle changes can make a difference in helping you manage your pain.
Remember, you’re not alone. Reach out for support through medical professionals, therapists, or fellow veterans. With the right strategies and support, leading a fulfilling life is possible despite the pain.
