Referred pain meaning

Referred pain is a phenomenon where pain is felt in a different area of the body than the actual source of the pain.


Referred pain definitions

Word backwards derrefer niap
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division re-ferred pain
Plural The plural of referred pain is referred pains.
Total letters 12
Vogais (3) e,a,i
Consonants (5) r,f,d,p,n

Referred pain is a phenomenon where pain is experienced in a part of the body that is different from the actual source of the pain. This can be confusing as the pain is felt in a location that may seem unrelated to the actual cause.

Causes of Referred Pain

Referred pain often occurs when the nerves from different parts of the body converge on the same levels of the spinal cord. When there is an issue or injury in one area, the brain may interpret the signals as pain coming from a different location.

Examples of Referred Pain

One common example of referred pain is when someone experiencing a heart attack feels pain in their left arm or jaw rather than in the chest. This is because the nerves from the heart and arm share the same pathways to the brain.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing referred pain can be challenging as the source of the pain may not be in the same location where it is felt. Doctors may need to conduct a thorough examination and possibly use imaging tests to determine the actual cause of the pain.

Treatment for referred pain often involves addressing the root cause of the issue. This may include physical therapy, medication, or even surgery, depending on the underlying condition.

Key Takeaways

Referred pain is a fascinating and sometimes perplexing experience where pain is felt in a different area than where it originates. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and seeking proper diagnosis and treatment are essential in managing this type of pain.


Referred pain Examples

  1. After a car accident, the patient experienced referred pain in their shoulder even though the impact was on their hip.
  2. A person with a kidney infection may feel referred pain in their lower back or abdomen.
  3. Referred pain from a toothache can sometimes be felt in the ear or jaw.
  4. Individuals with gallbladder issues often experience referred pain in their right shoulder.
  5. A herniated disc in the back can cause referred pain down the leg, known as sciatica.
  6. Referred pain from a heart attack can be felt in the left arm or jaw.
  7. Patients with a lung infection might experience referred pain in their chest or upper back.
  8. Gallstones can lead to referred pain in the upper abdomen or right shoulder.
  9. Stress or tension in the neck can result in referred pain in the head, leading to headaches.
  10. Some individuals with liver problems may feel referred pain in their right shoulder or upper abdomen.


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  • Updated 08/04/2024 - 07:56:07