Recommended Citation
Nisler J, Bowe-Fisher V, Gogineni V, Kirk E. Unexpected Phantom Limb Pain Relief With Chiropractic Care: A Case Report. Presented at Scientific Day; May 21, 2025; Park Ridge, IL.
Abstract
Introduction/Background:
According to Molina and Faulk's journal article, "Lower Extremity Amputation," approximately 150,000 individuals in the United States undergo lower extremity amputations each year. Limikatso et al. found in "The Prevalence and Risk Factors for Phantom Limb Pain in People with Amputations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," that 64% of these individuals experience phantom limb pain (PLP). This persistent and often debilitating condition can significantly impact an amputee's quality of life. This case study describes the therapeutic benefit experienced by a patient with PLP while being treated for low back pain with radicular symptoms into the residual limb.
Description:
A 66-year-old male with history of left-sided below-the-knee amputation presented for care of chronic low back pain and radicular symptoms to the left residual limb. He also noted left-sided PLP that began two days after amputation, which was five years prior to the initial visit. Aggravating factors included standing, walking, and sleeping. Alleviating factors included pain medications. The patient reported worsening PLP in relation to the severity of low back and left radicular pain. Lumbar long-axis distraction and soft-tissue therapy were initiated to address the LBP and radicular symptoms. He self-reported two weeks of complete symptomatic relief from PLP at visit 5. A flare up of LBP and PLP was reported at visit 6. However, he chose to discontinue care citing insurance limitations. At discharge from care, scores on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale improved from 8/10 to 4/10 and the DoD/VA Pain Supplemental Questions score improved from 32/40 to 18/40.
Discussion:
This case illustrates an unexpected improvement in phantom limb pain coinciding with chiropractic treatment for low back pain and radicular symptoms. The favorable response warrants further investigation into the effects of lumbar spine long-axis distraction and soft-tissue therapy on phantom limb pain.
Presentation Notes
Presented at Scientific Day; May 21, 2025; Park Ridge, IL.
Full Text of Presentation
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Document Type
Poster
Unexpected Phantom Limb Pain Relief With Chiropractic Care: A Case Report
Introduction/Background:
According to Molina and Faulk's journal article, "Lower Extremity Amputation," approximately 150,000 individuals in the United States undergo lower extremity amputations each year. Limikatso et al. found in "The Prevalence and Risk Factors for Phantom Limb Pain in People with Amputations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," that 64% of these individuals experience phantom limb pain (PLP). This persistent and often debilitating condition can significantly impact an amputee's quality of life. This case study describes the therapeutic benefit experienced by a patient with PLP while being treated for low back pain with radicular symptoms into the residual limb.
Description:
A 66-year-old male with history of left-sided below-the-knee amputation presented for care of chronic low back pain and radicular symptoms to the left residual limb. He also noted left-sided PLP that began two days after amputation, which was five years prior to the initial visit. Aggravating factors included standing, walking, and sleeping. Alleviating factors included pain medications. The patient reported worsening PLP in relation to the severity of low back and left radicular pain. Lumbar long-axis distraction and soft-tissue therapy were initiated to address the LBP and radicular symptoms. He self-reported two weeks of complete symptomatic relief from PLP at visit 5. A flare up of LBP and PLP was reported at visit 6. However, he chose to discontinue care citing insurance limitations. At discharge from care, scores on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale improved from 8/10 to 4/10 and the DoD/VA Pain Supplemental Questions score improved from 32/40 to 18/40.
Discussion:
This case illustrates an unexpected improvement in phantom limb pain coinciding with chiropractic treatment for low back pain and radicular symptoms. The favorable response warrants further investigation into the effects of lumbar spine long-axis distraction and soft-tissue therapy on phantom limb pain.
Affiliations
Aurora Health Center Germantown, Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Aurora Health Center West Bend