Nerves are responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. If you pull a muscle in your leg, the leg pain indicates what was injured so you can respond appropriately. Unfortunately, not all pain signals from nerves work correctly. Referred pain is when your brain interprets pain from one area, but the issue is somewhere along the nerve pathway. Finding the source of pain is needed to remedy referred pain and offer relief. Our medical team at Hanowell Spine Clinic in Covington, GA, offers referred pain treatment for patients, finding and eliminating the source of many types of pain.
Sciatica pain is an excellent example of referred pain. The large sciatic nerves in the lower back can be pinched or compressed from a wide variety of spinal and lower back issues. While the physical issue is in the lower back, the sciatic nerves carry signals for the buttocks, hip, legs and feet. Pressure on the sciatic nerve in certain areas can send signals to the brain of pain in the lower extremities. This referred pain can indicate burning or shooting pain through the buttocks and legs, even though the source of irritation is in the lower back.
Diagnosing and Treating Radiating Pain
Spinal issues, muscle spasms and trigger points are all common causes of referred pain. Any time inflammation or damaged tissues put pressure on nerves, there is a chance of referred or radiating pain. Our spine and pain specialists at Hanowell Spine Clinic understand the complex nervous system and how to uncover the source of referred pain. Once the source is identified, the issue can be treated to relieve pressure on the affected nerves. Injection therapy, spinal cord stimulation and other referred pain treatments are available at our clinics, giving patients relief.
If you have radiating or referred pain, finding the source of nerve pressure and receiving effective treatment can reduce the discomfort. Contact us at Hanowell Spine Clinic.