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The hidden connection between the spine and pain: How to identify the root cause of skin pain?
The source of skin pain is often more complex than we imagine, and it is all closely related to our spinal nervous system and its corresponding skin area (i.e., dermatome). Dermatomes are areas of skin innervated by spinal nerves, and when our nerves are irritated or damaged, these areas may show different symptoms, such as pain or rashes. Understanding these dermatomes and their relationship to the spine is critical to diagnosing and treating pain.
The concept of dermatomes is derived from ancient Greek words meaning "skin" and "cut," revealing their deep connection to the nervous system.
The human spinal system consists of eight groups of cervical nerves, twelve groups of thoracic nerves, five groups of lumbar nerves, and five groups of sacral nerves. Each nerve is responsible for transmitting sensation, including pain, to a specific area of skin. It is worth noting that although the distribution of these dermatomes is common among all people, the specific areas of dominance are as unique as fingerprints.
In clinical practice, doctors often use the distribution pattern of pain to determine the source of the problem. Depending on the dermatome in which pain occurs, it may indicate pathology in the associated nerve root. For example, certain spinal dysfunctions or viral infections (eg, varicella-zoster virus) can manifest in specific patterns of pain or rash within the dermatomes.
For example, the pain of herpes zoster virus is closely related to the distribution of dermatomes. This "cutting" pain makes patients feel obvious regional discomfort.
Important dermatomes and anatomical landmarks
The following is the specific distribution of dermatomes for each group of spinal nerves:
C2– At the base of the skull, about 3 cm behind the ear.C4– above the acromioclavicular joint.T4– at the intersection of the midclavicular line and the fourth intercostal space, at the level of the nipple.L5– On the dorsum of the foot, on the extended joint of the third toe.S1– Outside of the heel.
The specific distribution of these spinal nerves helps clinicians quickly diagnose patients with abnormal symptoms. If we feel pain in a specific dermatome, this is definitely an important way to check the health of our nerves.
"Every inch of our skin is a reflection of our health. Through the notification of pain, we can understand our body more deeply."
Withdrawal and referral are painful
Skin pain can also come from problems with other organs, which is called referral pain. When an internal organ, such as the heart, is stimulated, the resulting pain may be mistakenly thought to be coming from a certain area of the skin. For example, a heart attack patient may feel pain in the left arm or jaw, which is closely related to the dermatomes.
This is not a simple pain, but because the visceral sensory nerves and the cutaneous sensory nerves converge in the spinal cord, causing the brain to be unable to accurately identify the real source of the pain.
Conclusion
Based on the above explanation, we can realize how important the interconnection between the spine and the skin is. A proper understanding of the distribution of dermatomes and their significance for various pain symptoms can help patients better seek treatment and relief. So, in the face of these hidden pains, can we be more sensitive and look for the root causes?
