Amputee Life — Pain Management

How would you like a future where instead of interacting with computers through your fingertips, you can communicate through your brain? And this chip can also alleviate symptoms of brain-related chronic medical conditions? This is the future envisioned by Elon Musk, the man behind Tesla and SpaceX, through Neuralink Corp. He said that the prototype could be implanted in a person by the end of 2020.

For those who had ample time to prepare for their amputation surgery, one of the frequently asked questions is about residual limb and phantom limb pain—what to expect and how to manage it. Today, those who are considering an elective amputation have more pain control options, including peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS).

Around 80% of 1,321 medical cannabis users use it as a substitute for prescription pain medications. So, why are more people turning to cannabis or CBD for pain relief? Can it relieve chronic pain—including residual limb pain—better than prescription painkillers? 

Treating lower back pain in prosthetic users is often approached as a separate issue; most focus only on the anatomical problems of the lower back. However, there are various options for relieving lower back pain, which means examining other areas of the body that have a connection with the muscles of the lower back. 

So, you’ve just been referred to physical therapy, and you’re not sure what to expect. We understand the apprehension that comes with experiencing therapy for the first time, so this article was created to discuss what to expect during your first few sessions.