Referred Pain versus Radicular Pain

In this blog we’ll dive into the terms we use to describe two common types of pain our team helps with at Highlands Wellness & Sports Injury Clinic.

Referred Pain

Referred pain occurs when discomfort is felt in a location distant from the actual source of the injury or dysfunction. This phenomenon arises because nerves from various body regions converge on the same pathways in the spinal cord, leading the brain to interpret the pain signals as originating from a different area. For example, when someone pushes really hard on your upper trapezius muscle, you may get pain in the side of your head or behind your eyeball - this is referred pain.

For physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy, it's common to witness improvements in areas other than the primary site of discomfort with treatment. This phenomenon occurs because the body functions as an interconnected system, where dysfunction in one region can lead to compensatory patterns and stress in another area. For instance, tension in the hips can affect the lower back and even the shoulders, resulting in widespread discomfort.

Consequently, our treatment approaches are designed to be comprehensive, addressing multiple joints that may be contributing to the pain. By targeting interconnected muscle groups and joint mechanics, we can help alleviate pain more effectively and contribute to long-term recovery and wellness.

Radicular Pain

Radicular pain is a type of pain that occurs when a nerve root is compressed or inflamed, causing irritation and resulting in pain that radiates along the path of the nerve. This condition can arise from various issues such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. The pain may not be isolated to the back or neck but can travel down into the limbs, following the nerve's distribution. Patients often describe radicular pain as sharp, burning, or tingling, and it can be accompanied by other symptoms like muscle weakness or numbness.

An example of radicular pain is sciatica, which specifically refers to pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. This condition typically manifests as pain that begins in the lower back or buttock and radiates down the leg, often affecting one side of the body. Sciatica can also present with symptoms such as tingling sensations in the leg, muscle weakness, or difficulty moving the affected leg. In some cases, patients may experience intensified pain when sitting, coughing, or sneezing, making daily activities challenging.

Our physiotherapist, chiropractor, and registered massage therapist are all experts at treating both referred pain and radicular pain. Knowing the difference can impact treatment and help you heal faster.

Pain sucks. We can help!