To me, the most interesting aspect of human health is the relationships between all of the nerves, muscles, and tendons, and how misleading your bodily messages can be. It baffles me how people managed to treat patients and sicknesses before the advent of modern medicine and the multitude of technological innovations. The loose connection and muddled pattern of symptoms to sickness would have made it a very risky business to endeavor in, with unreliable recoveries. Without the information that we currently harbor, I can only imagine that many were given prescriptions for things that they did not have. One area in particular that intrigues me is that of referred pain, or pain that is felt at a site on the body different than the cause site. Some believe that referred pain is caused because the intense pain felt in one place will jump or “overwhelm” other nerves that eventually trail to a different place in the body when the nerves are actually registered. Let’s take a tour around the body to explore some of the commons places for referred pain:
1. Arm Pain
Interestingly enough, some (right) shoulder pain is felt when one is having a gallbladder attack, even though the gallbladder is located within the abdomen. Similarly, as many of us know, when someone is having a heart attack, it is common for the left arm to experience a cramping and sharp pain. This is not as shocking though, considering that these two locations are relatively close together.
2. Back Pain
While I know most of those who are reading my blog may not have experienced that, many adults experience some type of back pain within their life. My mother has been to every chiropractor, nutritionist, masseuse, and bone specialist in a 40 mile radius to try and cure her chronic back pain, so I have heard almost every reason for why someone’s back may hurt. It also makes sense that the back would be a common site for referred pain because the spinal chord runs straight through its middle! One common cause of referred pain is from the pancreas. Also, similar problems found in the body cavity, such as appendicitis, gall bladder infections, ovarian and bladder problems, and disruptions of the kidneys can cause the back to ache and hurt.
3. Headaches
This is something that hits very close to home, as I experience migraines all too often. The brain is such a complex organism and has such an incredible amount of nerve endings that it is no wonder that it experiences referred pain. Many people who have broken a bone, or have had something equally traumatic done to their body, know that that stabbing pain can be accompanied by a splitting headache. Sometimes, the brain cannot handle the excessive amounts of stimulation that the nervous system is sending it and results in a headache. Therefore, even if someone has hurt themselves on another part of their body, that pain can be referred to the head. Also, neck pain has been found to be a referred cause of headaches. If too much stress or pressure is applied to the neck, shoulders, or spine, a throbbing headache may ensue!
These referred pains are a true testament to how interconnected our bodies are. They are living, breathing organisms, and their orderly functioning is nothing short of a miracle. If you are ever having a hectic day when you get a bad exam score, you don’t have the energy to run the extra mile, or you keep crying (and you cannot figure out why!), sit down and take a moment to reflect on how incredible your body is. Even when it seems as though your life is on a downward spiral, know that your body is still breathing, harvesting your food for energy, pumping blood throughout your veins, growing fingernails and hair, and giving your crusty eyes in the morning. It may not be much, but your body works for you all day, every day. Stay tuned for more health news! Xoxo.
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