Phantom Limb Pain—or something else? | After amputation, the brain and nerves can misfire, creating real pain in the missing part (phantom limb pain), often burning, stabbing, cramping, or “pins & needles.” It’s distinct from residual limb pain (skin, neuroma, prosthesis fit) and from CRPS or radiculopathy. Drivers include neuroma hyper‑excitability, spinal “central sensitization,” and cortical remapping; stress, poor sleep, and stump pressure can flare it. Red flags for “something else”: infect