🩺 Why Does Pain Sometimes Appear in a Different Location Than the Actual Problem?
Pain in our body isn't always caused by an issue at the exact spot where we feel it. In fact, it’s possible to feel pain in one area while the real problem lies somewhere completely different. This fascinating phenomenon is known as “Referred Pain.”
🧠 Why Does Referred Pain Happen?
Our brain interprets pain by processing nerve signals coming from different parts of the body. Normally, each sensory nerve fiber is mapped to a specific region. But the nervous system isn't always that straightforward. Sometimes, nerve fibers from different organs and body areas share the same pathway to the spinal cord or brainstem.
This means that a pain signal from the liver and a signal from the right shoulder can both be carried by nerve fibers that connect to the same neuron in the spinal cord.
In such cases, the brain might misinterpret the origin of the signal — so when the liver is in trouble, you may feel pain in your right shoulder instead.
📍 Real-Life Example: Liver and Right Shoulder Pain
When the liver is under stress — due to toxins, inflammation, or increased pressure — pain receptors in the liver are activated. The pain signal travels through the phrenic nerve, which also happens to carry signals from the right shoulder area.
As both signals pass through the same pathway, the brain may mistakenly perceive the pain as coming from the shoulder — even though the problem lies in the liver. This is how a healthy shoulder can hurt for no apparent reason.
❤️ Heart, Left Arm, and Jaw Pain
Another well-known example of referred pain occurs during a heart attack. People often report pain in the left arm or jaw, rather than in the chest itself. This happens because the nerves from the heart and those body parts share the same spinal segments, confusing the brain about where the pain is actually coming from.
✅ Referred Pain Is a Warning Signal from Within
Referred pain isn’t just a trick of the mind — it’s a critical message from the body. Feeling pain in a certain area doesn't always mean the problem is there. Sometimes it’s a sign that an internal organ needs attention.
If you have persistent or unexplained pain, it's important to seek a professional medical evaluation rather than assuming it's only a muscle or joint issue.
📌 Common Patterns of Referred Pain by Organ
| Organ | Possible Referred Pain Area |
|---|---|
| Heart | Left chest, inner left arm, jaw, upper back |
| Liver | Right shoulder, right upper abdomen, lower right back |
| Pancreas | Mid back, upper central abdomen |
| Stomach | Upper abdomen, mid-chest, left side of back |
| Gallbladder | Right shoulder, between shoulder blades |
| Kidneys | Flank, lower back, lower abdomen, outer thigh |
| Spleen | Tip of the left shoulder (Kehr’s sign), upper left abdomen |
| Small Intestine | Around the navel |
| Colon | Lower abdomen, lower back, pelvic area |
| Bladder | Lower abdomen, groin area, lower back |
| Uterus/Ovaries | Lower abdomen, lower back, inner thighs |
| Lungs | Neck, top of shoulders, side of chest |
| Diaphragm | Shoulders, especially between the neck and shoulder area |
⚠️ Referred pain can be a key sign of internal organ issues.
Don’t ignore persistent or unexplained pain — consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and care.
👍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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