What Has Helped You With Phantom Pain — Real Strategies From the Community
When I Asked “What Has Helped You With Phantom Pain?”
Phantom pain is one of those things that’s hard to explain unless you’ve lived it. Recently, I asked our community:
“What has helped you with phantom pain?”
The post received more than 350 comments, and the responses were raw, honest, and eye-opening. What stood out most was that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What brings relief for one amputee might do nothing for another.
Still, some strong themes emerged — and I wanted to share them here so others can see what’s actually working (and not working) for real people living with limb loss.
1. Cutting Back on Sugar
A surprising number of people said that reducing or eliminating sugar helped lessen their phantom pain.
Some described feeling “less nerve agitation” and fewer flare-ups when they paid closer attention to their diet.
It’s not a magic fix, but it’s worth noting how inflammation and nerve sensitivity can be influenced by what we eat.
2. Marijuana and CBD
This was the most common answer by far. Many amputees said marijuana or CBD products brought significant relief — whether through smoking, edibles, or topical applications.
People described being able to finally sleep, relax, or simply “get a break” from the pain. While results vary and legality depends on where you live, it’s clear that cannabis has become a go-to option for many in the limb loss community.
3. “Nothing Has Helped”
These were some of the hardest comments to read — but also some of the most honest.
A large number of people shared that nothing they’ve tried has made a real difference.
That kind of vulnerability matters. It reminds others who feel the same way that they aren’t alone or doing something wrong. Phantom pain is complex and deeply personal — and sometimes, finding relief is an ongoing process of trial and error.
4. Mirror Therapy
A few people mentioned mirror therapy, a method where the brain is “tricked” into seeing the missing limb as present through reflection.
While only a handful said they’ve tried it, those who did reported mixed but sometimes powerful results — especially when combined with relaxation techniques.
5. Medications: Gabapentin and Lyrica
Several community members mentioned prescription medications like gabapentin and Lyrica as part of their pain management routine.
For some, these help take the edge off or reduce nerve pain intensity, though side effects and varying effectiveness were commonly mentioned. It’s a reminder that medical management is often one piece of a larger puzzle.
6. Massage and Touch
A number of people said massage therapy — whether on the residual limb or surrounding areas — brought relief.
Gentle touch, desensitization, and circulation-boosting techniques can help calm nerve endings and make prosthetic wear more comfortable.
What This Conversation Showed Me
The biggest takeaway from this thread?
No one’s experience with phantom pain is the same.
Some find relief through movement or mindfulness, others through medication or marijuana, and some are still searching. But sharing what helps — and admitting when nothing does — makes the entire community stronger.
If you’ve struggled with phantom pain, you’re not alone. And if you’ve found something that helps, drop it in the comments below — you never know who it might help next.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional1 for diagnosis and treatment.
