Referred pain

Referred pain occurs when a problem in one place in the body causes pain that travels down a nerve and is felt in another place. For example, a person with a pinched nerve in the neck may feel pain in the arm or hand, or a problem with the upper back teeth may cause pain in the ear.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.