The Benefits of Cannabis and Phantom Limb Pain

Phantom Limb

Phantom Limb is the sensation of a limb that has been amputated. Nerve endings from the area of the amputation send signals to the brain. This can result in pain that is sharp or throbbing. Cannabis is unique in treating the perception of pain. (Source)

Phantom Limb Syndrome is a result of neuropathic pain. Cannabis has been shown to be a neuroprotectant and reduce nerve pain.(Source) Most phantom limb pain subsides six months after the amputation. Pain that prolongs can be more difficult to treat. Brain perception of pain has been shown to be improved with the use of cannabis.(Source)

Their is lack of substantial research to support treatment of phantom limb pain with marijuana. Research shows a variety of patient responses to different therapies. Veterans that self medicate with cannabis have been the leading advocates of the benefits of cannabis for phantom limb.

Source:

http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/phantom-limb-pain

http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2011/Relieving-Pain-in-America-A-Blueprint-for-Transforming-Prevention-Care-Education-Research.aspx

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23237736

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2430692/

http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Catherine_Mercier/publication/23951085_Training_with_virtual_visual_feedback_to_alleviate_phantom_limb_pain/links/0912f50f7fc6372406000000.pdf