Abdominal Pain
The abdomen, also known as the belly, houses many of your vital organs, including the stomach, intestines, appendix, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Pain coming from any of these organs, or the surrounding tissues, can be considered abdominal pain.
Abdominal pain is a common issue affecting people of all ages. When you have a “stomachache,” you’re experiencing abdominal pain. It can range from a mild discomfort to a debilitating cramp, and pinpointing the cause can sometimes be a challenge.
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What causes abdominal pain?
There are many potential causes of abdominal pain. They can range from minor digestive issues to serious medical conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
Digestive Issues
Indigestion, constipation, gas, heartburn (acid reflux), and food poisoning can cause abdominal pain. These issues are usually triggered by eating certain foods, experiencing stress, or taking certain medications.
Inflammatory Conditions
Inflammation of the intestines (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease), appendix (appendicitis), pancreas (pancreatitis), or gallbladder (cholecystitis) can cause significant abdominal pain.
Musculoskeletal Pain
Strains or spasms in the abdominal muscles can lead to abdominal pain.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when uterine lining tissue develops outside a woman’s uterus, leading to pelvic and abdominal pain. This is especially prevalent during menstruation.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals that form in the urine and can become stuck in the urinary tract. Sharp, cramping pain in the lower back or abdomen can indicate the presence of kidney stones.
Other Medical Conditions
Pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, urinary tract infections, and even heart attacks can cause abdominal pain.
What are the symptoms of abdominal pain?
There are several possible symptoms of abdominal pain, which vary based on the underlying cause. Sometimes abdominal pain is very localized while other times it can be widespread. Some common symptoms to watch for include:
- Aching or cramping pain
- Sharp or stabbing pain
- Burning pain
- Bloating or burping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Rash
Most cases of abdominal pain are mild and will go away on their own. But sometimes the pain may signal a more serious problem. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden and severe pain
- Pain accompanied by fever, chills, or persistent vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Blood in your stool
- Severe abdominal swelling
- Pain that worsens with movement
- Pain that persists for more than a few days
How is abdominal pain treated?
Many cases of abdominal pain will resolve on their own with some basic home remedies. Eating a nutritious diet, managing stress, and getting regular exercise can all improve digestive health and prevent abdominal pain. Over-the-counter pain medications or antacids can help manage many instances of abdominal pain. A doctor may also prescribe pain relievers, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory medications if necessary.
If at-home therapies don’t provide adequate relief, Twin Cities Pain Clinic offers a variety of effective treatment options to relieve chronic abdominal pain.
Featured treatment
Spinal Cord Stimulation
An implanted device that uses mild electric pulses to block pain signals, providing long-term pain relief.
Additional treatments
Schedule an appointment with Twin Cities Pain Clinic to learn how we can help relieve your abdominal pain.
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RELIEVE YOUR PAIN, RENEW YOUR LIFE!
