Sometimes we get hurt somewhere else and feel the pain in another place. In such a situation, we automatically take painkillers and eat them, but we should not do this. Let us tell you why this is so.

It often happens that the injury occurs in one place but the pain is felt in some other part. For example, if the shoulder is injured and the pain reaches the elbow or arm. This type of problem is called referred pain in medical language. This may not be a normal injury or stiffness, but a serious problem related to the nerves.

What is referred pain?

When a nerve is affected due to injury, swelling or pressure in any part of the body, the pain is not felt directly at that place. Nerves send signals to our brain, but sometimes the brain considers that signal to be related to the wrong place. The result is that pain starts being felt in some other part. For example, if the nerve of the shoulder is compressed, then the pain can reach the arm, elbow or even the fingers of the hand. This is referred pain.

Why does referred pain occur?

• Nerve Compression: Nerves can get compressed due to injury or bone dislocation.
• Cervical Spondylitis- Problems with the neck bones can also cause pain in the shoulders and arms.
• Heart and lung problems: Sometimes the pain of heart disease or lung problems is also felt in the shoulders and arms.
• Inflammation: Inflammation in muscles or tissues can also cause pain from nerves to spread to other places.

How dangerous is it?

• Referred pain should not be taken lightly. If the pain is frequent or continuously increasing, then it can also be a sign of some serious disease in the body.
• During a heart attack, the patient often experiences pain from the left shoulder to the arm.
• If there is a problem in the lungs, you may feel pain in the back and shoulders.
• Cervical or nerve compression problems can lead to hand numbness and weakness if ignored for a long time.

What to do?

• Do not ignore recurring pain.
• Instead of taking painkillers on your own, get yourself checked by a doctor.
• Proper physiotherapy and exercise can provide relief in many cases.
• If there is a suspicion of any heart or lung related problem, immediate medical checkup is necessary.

Doctor's say

Dr. Nabil Ebraheim explains in his video that the pain felt in the elbow is often not actually a disease of the elbow, but it can be referred pain coming from the shoulder. He says that this pattern of pain can confuse both the patient and the doctor, because the root of the problem is in the nerves, muscles or tendons of the shoulder, while the pain is felt up to the elbow. Therefore, if any patient has persistent pain in the elbow, it is very important to examine not only the elbow but also the shoulder and neck, so that the correct cause can be found and proper treatment can be given.