Why Does Referred Pain Occur?

Referred pain is a phenomenon in which the location of the pain is not necessarily the same as the source of the problem. This often leads to confusion and difficulty in diagnosing the underlying cause of the pain.

Our experienced Clearwater chiropractor explains why referred pain occurs, what it is, and how it can be effectively treated with chiropractic care here.

What Is Referred Pain?

Referred pain is when a sensation in one part of the body is felt as pain in another region. This happens because the nerves that carry pain signals from different areas often merge and follow the same pathways to the brain. As a result, the brain can mistakenly interpret the pain as coming from a separate place.

Why Does Referred Pain Occur?

The exact reasons for referred pain are unknown, but a few theories try to explain it. One theory suggests that referred pain happens because sensory neurons in the spinal cord merge, leading to the brain misinterpreting signals from different body areas.

Another theory proposes that referred pain occurs due to “central sensitization,” where the central nervous system becomes overly sensitive to pain signals, making pain perception stronger. This means that even a minor stimulus in one body area can cause widespread pain sensations.

Examples of Referred Pain

Referred pain can appear differently and vary depending on the underlying cause. Here are some common examples:

• Musculoskeletal Referred Pain: Issues in muscles and joints can cause pain in other parts of the body. For example, problems in hip ligaments may lead to knee pain, or neck joint issues can result in shoulder or upper back pain.
• Visceral Referred Pain: Internal organ problems can also cause referred pain. A well-known example is feeling left shoulder or arm pain during a heart attack, even though the pain originates from the heart.
• Nerve Referred Pain: Compression of a nerve root, known as radiculopathy, can cause shooting or lightning-like pain along the affected nerve’s path. This pain can be felt locally as well as in distant areas.

How Is Referred Pain Diagnosed?

Diagnosing the cause of referred pain can be difficult because the location of the pain doesn’t always reveal the source of the issue. It requires a thorough assessment and examination by a healthcare professional skilled in identifying and treating referred pain.

During the evaluation, the healthcare provider will consider the patient’s medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may request additional tests like imaging studies or nerve conduction tests to assist in the diagnosis.

Treating Referred Pain With Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a natural and medication-free way to treat referred pain. Chiropractors concentrate on the connection between the spine and the nervous system, with the goal of restoring alignment and function to reduce pain and enhance well-being.

Treatment for referred pain by chiropractors includes gentle adjustments of the spine, manual therapies, exercises for rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes. By addressing misalignments or issues in the spine, chiropractors can alleviate nerve pressure and decrease pain.

Chiropractic Treatment in Clearwater, FL

Find relief for your referred pain at Family Life Chiropractic! Call 727-447-4647 or contact us online to learn more about our chiropractic services and start your journey to a pain-free life today!

About the Author: With four decades of combined experience, Dr. Jere Jarrett and Dr. Philip Toft are highly educated and experienced chiropractors who serve Clearwater, FL, and the surrounding areas. They take a “whole-body” approach to chiropractic care, looking for the underlying cause of pain and discomfort instead of treating symptoms. Call 727-447-4647 to schedule an appointment.