Updated June 09, 2015.

Definition: Pain that is caused in one area of the body but felt in another. Referred pain is characteristic of trigger points and myofascial pain syndrome, where tight bands of muscle send pain to nearby and remote areas of the body.

Referred pain can be reproduced by a skilled doctor or other practitioner with expertise in myofascial pain syndrome and trigger points. Although the pain is felt away from its site of origin (the trigger point), there's a relationship between the two.