Referred Pain

Although pain is an uncomfortable sensation, it is the body’s way of signaling an injury or malfunction, prompting appropriate action to avoid further damage. It is also the most common reason people visit doctors for healthcare. Typically, a patient will see a specific specialist based on the location of the pain. For example, a person will visit a dentist for tooth pain or an orthopedic doctor for back pain.

However, what if the pain appears to be in a healthy area with no apparent injury or issue? For instance, tooth and jaw pain can be early symptoms of a heart attack, and upper back pain can indicate stomach problems. This phenomenon is known as referred pain!

What is referred pain?

Referred pain is the sensation of pain in an area of the body that is not injured, while the source of the pain is located elsewhere. It occurs when there is a problem or injury in one part of the body, but the pain is felt in another.

Mechanism of Referred Pain

The human body has a wide network of interconnected nerve cells, which contain sensory receptors that transmit signals in the form of electrical impulses when exposed to external stimuli. These signals travel through the nerves to the spinal cord and then to the brain, which processes and interprets them to produce an appropriate response, such as automatically withdrawing a hand from a hot object.

These sensory receptors and their nerve pathways vary across different parts of the body. For example, pain receptors in the skin are numerous and capable of transmitting precise signals even for mild stimuli. In contrast, sensory receptors in internal organs are fewer and less precise, often making it difficult for the brain to pinpoint the exact source of the pain, leading to a broader sensation of discomfort.

Additionally, some nerves in the body transmit signals from the injured area to the brain via other organs, causing the brain to be confused about the exact source of the pain.

Distinguishing Referred Pain

Referred pain is diagnosed and differentiated from direct pain by a doctor, who may use local anesthesia in the area where the patient feels pain. If the pain persists despite the anesthesia, it indicates that the pain originates from another area and is referred pain. Conversely, if the pain subsides with anesthesia, it suggests that the pain is due to a local injury and is not referred.

In some cases, referred pain can be identified by its persistence during rest and its occurrence at different times, indicating that the pain is not linked to movement or direct injury. For example, shoulder pain that worsens with movement is not referred pain, but if it remains unchanged regardless of movement, it might be referred pain.

Difference Between Referred Pain, Radiating Pain, and Shifting Pain

• Radiating Pain:

This is pain that originates in an affected area and radiates along the path of a nerve to another area. An example is sciatica, where pain starts in the lower back and radiates down the leg.

• Shifting Pain:

This pain begins in one area and then moves to another part of the body while disappearing from the initial location. An example is appendicitis, where pain starts around the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen.

• Referred Pain:

This is pain that is felt at a distance from its source without the affected area being painful itself, as explained.

Common Cases of Referred Pain

• Heart Attack: Pain in the left shoulder, teeth, jaw, and left hand.
• Lung or Liver Issues: Pain in the shoulders.
• Spleen Rupture: Pain between the shoulder blades.
• Kidney or Colon Problems: Pain in the lower back and sides.
• Pancreatitis: Pain in the upper back.
• Gallbladder Issues: Pain in the right shoulder.
• Ureteral Stones: Pain in the testicles.

Diagnosing Referred Pain

In addition to a simple examination where the painful area is anesthetized to identify the source, doctors may use other tests such as ultrasound, X-rays, MRI, and blood tests.

When to Consult a Doctor

• If you experience sudden and severe pain without an obvious cause.
• If the pain persists for several days without improvement, even during rest.
• If the pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or shortness of breath.

To book a visit with a specialist and conduct necessary tests, contact us on WhatsApp at 19569 to avoid potential significant damage to vital organs.