Understanding the Difference Between Referred Pain and Radicular Pain

by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

Referred pain and radicular pain are two distinct types of pain that often confuse patients. Understanding the difference between them can help you better recognize your symptoms and seek the most appropriate treatment.

1. What is Referred Pain?

Referred pain is pain perceived in a location different from its actual source. For example, when someone has heart disease, they may feel pain in the left shoulder or arm—this is not because there is a problem in the arm, but because the brain misinterprets the source of the pain.

▶ Characteristics of Referred Pain:

  • No direct nerve root irritation: It is not caused by compression or injury to spinal nerves.

  • Poorly localized: The pain often feels vague and spread out.

  • Not following a specific nerve pathway: It usually appears in areas that share the same spinal segment (dermatome) as the actual source.

  • Common examples:

    • Heart conditions → pain in the left shoulder or arm

    • Diaphragm irritation → shoulder pain

    • Gallbladder or liver issues → pain in the right shoulder

    • Neck muscle problems → headache or facial pain

2. What is Radicular Pain?

Radicular pain is caused by irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root, often due to conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis. The pain travels along the path of the affected nerve.

▶ Characteristics of Radicular Pain:

  • Caused by nerve root compression: Often from disc herniation, bone spurs, or inflammation.

  • Follows a nerve distribution: Pain radiates along a specific dermatome.

  • Sharp, shooting, or electric shock-like pain: It may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.

  • Common examples:

    • Cervical nerve root compression → radiating pain down the arm

    • Lumbar nerve root compression → sciatica (pain down the leg)

3. Referred Pain vs. Radicular Pain – A Quick Comparison

FeatureReferred PainRadicular Pain
CauseMuscles, joints, or internal organsNerve root compression
Pain patternDoes not follow a specific nerveFollows a clear nerve path (dermatome)
SensationDull, aching, and poorly localizedSharp, electric, with possible numbness
ExampleHeart → left shoulder painHerniated disc → leg pain (sciatica)

4. Why Differentiating These Two Matters

Accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure proper treatment.

  • Referred pain usually responds well to conservative treatments like chiropractic care, manual therapy, and physical rehabilitation.

  • Radicular pain may require nerve decompression treatments, such as spinal injections, chiropractic adjustments, or, in some cases, surgery.

At Dr. Son Rehabilitation & CHiropractic Clinic

We specialize in identifying the true origin of your pain—whether it’s referred or radicular—and provide individualized care tailored to your condition. Our approach combines chiropractic techniques with modern rehabilitation principles to help you recover safely and effectively.

If you're experiencing unexplained or radiating pain, don't hesitate to book a consultation.

👍Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)

chson@daum.net

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