What is Referred Pain?
Understanding Referred Pain: Causes and Solutions
At The Box Doc, we often encounter patients who are surprised to learn that their site of injury can refer pain to various parts of the body. Referred pain occurs when discomfort is perceived in an area different from its actual source. Understanding the mechanisms behind this phenomenon can help you recognize and address the underlying issues effectively.
What is Referred Pain?
Referred pain happens due to the complex network of nerves that relay signals from different parts of the body to the brain. When a problem exists in the shoulder,back, knee, hip, or anywhere in the body, the brain may misinterpret these signals as originating from another area, leading to pain or discomfort in places like the neck, upper arm, foot, ankle, or even the back.
Some Specific Examples we see in the clinic:
Pain between the shoulder blades: often times this is coming from dysfunction either from the neck or the actual should joint not the location of the pain
Pain in the glutes: this can sometimes be specific to the lumbar spine or even some of the deeper hip structures
Pain at the back of the arm: most often this is a referral pain from some specific levels in the cervical spine (the neck) but could be from the shoulder or even the bundle of nerves called the brachial plexus
Managing and Treating Referred Pain
Understanding the source of referred pain is crucial for effective treatment. A tailored physical therapy program can address the root cause of the pain. Strengthening and mobility exercises, combined with manual therapy, can alleviate discomfort and restore normal function.
At The Box Doc, we are dedicated to helping you understand and manage referred shoulder pain. Our experienced team of physical therapists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and promotes long-term health. If you're experiencing shoulder pain or discomfort in related areas, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
