Referred pain

Referred pain is a phenomenon in which pain is perceived at a location other than the site of the painful stimulus. This type of pain is a common symptom in some medical conditions.

Definition

Referred pain is pain perceived in a part of the body other than its actual source. It is a common symptom in conditions such as gallstones, kidney stones, and appendicitis.

Mechanism

The exact mechanism of referred pain is unknown, but it is believed to involve mixed nerve signals in the spinal cord. When an organ is damaged or inflamed, it sends pain signals to the spinal cord, which then sends these signals to the brain. However, the brain may interpret these signals as coming from the skin or other surface areas of the body, resulting in the perception of pain in a different location.

Clinical significance

Referred pain can be a useful diagnostic tool for healthcare professionals. For example, pain in the right shoulder can indicate a problem with the gallbladder, while pain in the left shoulder can suggest a problem with the heart. However, referred pain can also make diagnosis more difficult, as the true source of the pain may not be immediately apparent.

See also

• Pain
• Nociception
• Neuropathic pain
• Chronic pain

References

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