It is common for pain signals to be sent to different parts of your body because nerves are wired in such a way that the brain can’t determine what is the actual source of the pain. These mixed signals are called “cross-talk” between nerves and can happen for a number of reasons. Sometimes the pain is related to a medical issue such as a heart attack and can be felt in your jaw, teeth, or shoulders, and other times the signal is due to synapses that have been damaged by a problem elsewhere.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible for an examination and diagnosis. A specialist can look at your history and physical exam to determine whether or not you are suffering from referred pain.
Back pain with referred pain can vary in severity and quality, but tends to be achy and dull. It is usually caused by issues at the spinal column; nerve root compression (radiculopathy), vertebral disc damage (discogenic) or facet joint irritation (arthrogenic).
There are many different causes for referred pain and it can be quite confusing as to what is actually causing this type of pain. It is important to seek treatment from a spine specialist who understands this condition and can work with you to help alleviate the symptoms.
A common example of referred pain is in the neck and shoulder where pain can be felt in the arm, buttocks, or legs. In some cases, referred pain can also be felt in the upper back.
Some other examples of referred pain include:
Ovarian cancer – when there is a tumor in the ovaries, some of the initial pain symptoms may appear in the legs and lower back. This is because the organs of the ovaries can be irritated by the growth and blockage of blood circulation and may trigger a response in your lower back and legs.
If you have had an arm or leg amputated, you can also experience referred pain in the body part that was removed. This is a common condition known as Kehr’s sign.
The chest and belly area can also be a cause of referred pain. The chest and the abdomen are very close together, so if you have pain in one area, it is likely to be referring pain from another region.
Heart attacks and strokes – the main causes of referred pain in the chest and arms can be a result of a heart attack or a stroke. It is a serious condition, so it is best to seek emergency medical attention right away!
Kidney infection – if you have kidney problems or other issues with your kidneys, you can experience referred pain in the chest and upper arm. It can also be a symptom of an infection in your bladder or kidneys.
Having an infection in your kidneys can also lead to pain in the groin, buttocks or upper thigh, and can even radiate down into the leg below the knee.
