Organ referred pain is a type of pain that originates from an internal organ but is felt in a different area of the body. This phenomenon occurs because the organ shares nerves with other parts of the body, and when the organ is injured or inflamed, the nerves may transmit pain signals to other areas that are connected to those same nerves. The location of the pain may not correspond to the location of the affected organ, making it difficult to diagnose. However, doctors can use various diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies or blood tests, to help determine the cause of the pain.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common organs that can cause referred pain, as well as their associated symptoms and management options. We will also highlight the importance of seeking help from your general practitioner and the benefits of physiotherapy and dietary support, specifically with R3 Physiotherapy’s Revitalised package.

Common Organs and Their Symptoms

1. Heart: Pain or discomfort in the chest, left arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or upper back. Heart attacks may cause referred pain in these areas because the nerves that supply these areas also supply the heart.
2. Gallbladder: Pain in the right shoulder or upper back. This pain is usually caused by gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder.
3. Liver: Pain in the upper right abdomen or shoulder. This pain is often associated with liver disease or hepatitis.
4. Pancreas: Pain in the upper abdomen, back, or chest. This pain is usually caused by pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.
5. Stomach: Pain in the upper abdomen, possibly extending to the back or chest. This pain can be caused by various conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, or stomach cancer.
6. Small intestine: Pain in the middle or lower abdomen. This pain is usually associated with inflammation of the small intestine or small intestine obstruction.
7. Colon: Pain or cramping in the lower abdomen or rectal area. This pain is often associated with irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or colon cancer.
8. Kidneys: Pain in the lower back, side, or groin. Kidney stones or kidney infections can cause referred pain in these areas.
9. Bladder: Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area. This pain is usually caused by urinary tract infections or bladder cancer.
10. Uterus or ovaries: Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area, often associated with menstrual cycles or sexual activity. This pain is usually caused by various conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
11. Lungs: Pain in the chest, back, or shoulder. This pain is usually associated with respiratory conditions such as pneumonia or lung cancer.
12. Oesophagus: Pain or discomfort in the chest, often mistaken for heartburn. This pain is usually caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease or oesophageal cancer.
13. Appendix: Pain in the lower right abdomen. This pain is usually associated with appendicitis.
14. Spleen: Pain in the left upper abdomen, left shoulder, or left side of the neck. This pain is usually caused by splenomegaly or rupture of the spleen.
15. Prostate: Pain in the lower back, pelvis, or genital area. This pain is usually associated with prostate infection or prostate cancer.
16. Testicles: Pain in the groin or lower abdomen. This pain is usually associated with testicular torsion or testicular cancer.
17. Rectum: Pain or discomfort in the rectal area, often associated with bowel movements. This pain is usually caused by various conditions such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, infections, or tumours. Treatment options for rectal pain depend on the underlying cause.

Physiotherapy can help manage organ referred pain, in addition to medical treatments. It can alleviate pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing through exercises, manual therapy, and other modalities. The Revitalised package offered by R3 Physiotherapy is an excellent option for individuals experiencing hormonal shifts and seeking support in areas such as weight, nutrition, and emotional well-being.

For instance, physiotherapy can relieve lower back pain caused by kidney problems by strengthening and stretching the surrounding muscles. Similarly, for pain associated with gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease, physiotherapy can improve bowel function through exercises and manual therapy.

A dietitian can also play a critical role in managing organ referred pain by recommending specific dietary changes that can alleviate symptoms and improve overall health. For example, a low-FODMAP diet may be recommended for gastrointestinal issues to reduce bloating and abdominal pain.

Diagnosing and treating organ referred pain can be challenging, but seeking help from healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists and dietitians can greatly improve symptoms and quality of life. Therefore, it is important to consult with a general practitioner or healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options.

Don’t suffer in silence if you are experiencing organ referred pain. Seek help from your general practitioner or healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options. With the right treatment plan, you can find relief from organ referred pain and improve your quality of life. Take control of your health and seek the help you need today.

Giamberardino, M. A., Affaitati, G., & Costantini, R. (2010). Visceral Referred Pain. Pages 403-410. Published online: 25 Oct 2010.

Molus, L. and Kansal, A. (2022) ‘Visceral pain’, Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine, 23(9), pp. 535-539.