Referred pain is a type of pain that occurs in a part of the body that isn’t injured or damaged; the pain actually originates from another part of the body.
Why Does Pain Get “Referred”?
The human body is like a switchboard – with hundreds of nerves wired to each other. Each organ is connected to another via nerves.
Usually, when a part of the body is injured, the brain sends pain signals directly to that area through these nerves. But sometimes, because of neural cross-connections, pain signals are “referred” or felt in another part of the body instead of the actual injured site.
Referred pain can also result from reflex pain. When you get hurt, your body initiates a withdrawal reflex, stopping certain muscle contractions to protect the injured area. For example, if you sprain your calf, the body responds by tightening the flexor muscles to limit movement. Normally, this reflex stops after a short time, but if it persists, it may cause secondary pain and even referred pain.
Using Chiropractic Treatments to Address Referred Pain
The good news is that referred pain can often be managed without medication or invasive procedures. Chiropractic care offers effective, natural solutions. Here’s how Dr. Ashley Dixon at Dixon Chiropractic can help:
- Identify the trigger points causing referred pain
Trigger points are sensitive areas in the muscles caused by tiny tears in muscles, ligaments, or tendons due to trauma or injury. These trigger points often cause referred pain, and the first step is identifying them. - Relieve stress and muscle contractions in the trigger points
Once identified, trigger points can be treated with a combination of finger pressure massage and acupuncture. These sessions are customized to your needs, ensuring comfort while reducing pain. - Align the spine and reduce muscle spasms
Many cases of referred pain have origins in the spine. Since neurons that carry pain signals pass through the spinal cord, spinal misalignments can contribute to reflex pain. Chiropractic spinal adjustments help restore alignment and reduce the risk of reinjury. - Provide core stabilization exercises
Strengthening muscles, tendons, and ligaments helps prevent future injury. At Dixon Chiropractic, core stabilization exercises using methods such as the McKenzie Method may be recommended to promote healing and restore muscular function.
Get Relief Today
Contact Dixon Chiropractic in Oakland Park to schedule an appointment and discover how chiropractic care can address referred pain and support your long-term health.