Reffered pain

Referred pain is pain perceived in an area distant from its actual source, due to overlapping nerve pathways in the spinal cord.

For example, pain from a heart attack may be felt in the left arm or jaw and spinal disc pain may radiate into the leg. Referred pain complicates diagnosis because the site of pain does not always reveal its true origin.

Understanding referred pain is essential in clinical practice, as mistaking it for a local injury can lead to misdirected treatments. Careful examination and diagnostic tools, including nerve blocks and imaging, help clarify the source. Recognizing referred pain patterns also informs interventional strategies, ensuring therapies target the underlying cause rather than only the perceived pain location.