Chronic Neuropathic, 'Phantom' Pain Comes From Affected Nerve And Spinal Cord, Not Brain

... Chronic pain caused by arthritis, sciatica, cancer and diabetes has higher visibility due to sharp increase in soldiers' amputations in the Iraq War. Called "phantom limb pain," neuropathic pain is similar to lingering pain from shingles, open-heart surgery, mastectomy and spinal chord injury. Against one theory, University of Alberta researchers found such pain probably involves peripheral nerves close to the original injury site more than "imprinted" central sensitivity. Increased chances of therapy may result. ...