Understanding referred pain vs the actual source of pain
If you’ve ever had shoulder pain that came from your neck or hip pain that was really a back problem, you’ve already experienced referred pain. This happens more often than most people realize. Many patients ice, stretch, or massage the painful area but never address the real cause. The truth is that pain doesn’t always start where you feel it—it’s often a signal coming from somewhere else.
At Central Ohio Spine and Joint, we help patients find the actual source of pain, not just chase the symptoms. Because once you know where the pain is coming from, you can finally treat it effectively.
Pain is a messenger. It isn’t always the message itself.
What Is Referred Pain?
Referred pain happens when discomfort shows up in a different area than where the real problem exists. It often occurs because:
- Nerves share pathways that overlap in the body
- Muscles with trigger points radiate pain into nearby regions
- Irritated or compressed nerves send pain along their pathways
- The brain misinterprets where the pain signal started
This is why someone can feel knee pain that actually originates in the hip, or neck pain that leads to headaches.
Trigger Point Referral Pain
Trigger points are tight, irritated spots in muscle tissue that can cause pain patterns far from the actual muscle.
Common examples include:
- Tight upper trap muscles that create headaches around the temple or eye
- Glute medius trigger points that mimic hip or low back pain
- A tight quadratus lumborum muscle that causes discomfort in the front of the hip
When someone says “It hurts right here,” the real problem is often a few joints away. Massage may help briefly, but unless the source is treated, the pain comes back.
Nerve Referral (Radiculopathy)
When a spinal nerve is irritated, pain or tingling can appear farther along the nerve’s path.
Common patterns include:
- Cervical radiculopathy: neck issues leading to pain or numbness in the arm or hand
- Lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica): low back irritation sending pain into the hip or leg
- Thoracic referral: mid-back problems wrapping pain around the ribs or chest wall
The location of pain doesn’t always tell the full story. The pattern does.
How We Identify the Real Source of Pain
Finding the true cause takes a detailed evaluation—not guesswork. At Central Ohio Spine and Joint, we use three objective tools to pinpoint the source:
1. Kinetisense 3D Movement Analysis
This technology identifies asymmetries, compensations, and mobility limitations that contribute to pain. Instead of guessing, we measure exactly how your body moves.
2. Focused Shockwave Diagnostic & Tissue Tolerance Testing
We apply focused shockwave to specific areas to see which tissues are sensitive or weak. This helps determine which structure is truly generating pain.
3. Functional Strength and Load Testing
We evaluate single-leg stability, hip strength, and core endurance to reveal hidden imbalances. This step shows how your body performs under load—something simple exams often miss.
Pain is emotional and often misleading. Data gives clarity and direction.
Why Guessing Delays Healing
When people are told they have “tendonitis,” “bursitis,” or “IT band tightness,” they often focus on the wrong spot. Treating only where it hurts leads to temporary relief and recurring pain. Accurate diagnosis changes everything—it’s the difference between chasing pain and fixing it.
The COSJ Approach: Repair, Retrain, Reinforce
Once we identify the true pain generator, we guide patients through a clear process:
Repair: Reduce pain and calm irritated tissue using treatments like shockwave, dry needling, or manual therapy.
Retrain: Correct faulty movement patterns through 3D motion training and corrective exercises.
Reinforce: Build long-term strength and resilience with progressive loading and strength training.
Pain relief is just the beginning. The goal is lasting performance and confidence.
Stop Chasing Pain. Start Fixing the Problem.
If your pain keeps coming back or you’ve seen several providers without answers, it’s time for a deeper look. Our team at Central Ohio Spine and Joint specializes in identifying the actual source of pain and helping you move forward with confidence.
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