Referred Pain: An Overview
Referred pain is a phenomenon in which pain is felt at a location away from the primary source of the pain, and is a common clinical presentation in the medical field. It is often associated with musculoskeletal disorders and visceral pathology. This review article aims to provide an overview of referred pain, its underlying mechanisms and clinical implications.
Definition
Referred pain is a type of pain that is felt at a site that is not the primary source of the pain. It is usually described as a deep, aching, and diffuse pain that is poorly localized. However, it is important to note that referred pain is not the same as radiated pain, which is felt along the same dermatome or myotome as the primary source of the pain.
Mechanisms
The exact mechanism of referred pain is still not completely understood, although various theories have been proposed. One theory is that referred pain is due to an increased sensitivity to pain stimuli in the central nervous system, which can lead to a misattribution of pain from one body part to another. Another theory suggests that referred pain can arise from a “convergence-projection” of afferent signals from different sources, leading to an erroneous perception of pain at a distant site.
Clinical Implications
Referred pain can be a challenging clinical presentation due to its lack of specificity and poor localization. It can be difficult to differentiate from other types of pain, and requires a thorough history and physical exam to rule out other potential sources of the pain. Additionally, it is important to consider the potential for referred pain in the evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders and visceral pathology.
Conclusion
Referred pain is a common clinical presentation, and is often associated with musculoskeletal disorders and visceral pathology. The exact mechanism of referred pain is still not completely understood, although various theories have been proposed. It can be a challenging clinical presentation due to its lack of specificity and poor localization. It is important to consider the potential for referred pain in the evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders and visceral pathology.
References
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