Abdominal Pain: What Is It and How Can It be Treated?

Is abdominal pain interfering with your daily life? Don't ignore this debilitating symptom—seeking treatment is essential to alleviate discomfort and address any underlying issues. At Pain Zero in Central Ohio, our expert team of board-certified providers and pain management specialists understand the frustration, discomfort, and disruption that chronic abdominal pain can cause, and we are committed to helping patients identify the cause of their abdominal pain and administer treatments that can provide fast, reliable relief. Keep reading to learn more about the potential causes of abdominal pain and what treatment options you may have.

What could be causing my abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain is typically characterized by discomfort in the area between your ribs and pelvic region and can be described as upper, lower, sharp, radiating, dull, or otherwise. It can be a result of various digestive problems, including indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea. Additionally, inflammation, or infection in the organs — including the stomach flu and peptic ulcer disease — may be responsible for some instances of abdominal pain. In other cases, more serious conditions like bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, or Crohn's disease may be the root cause. It's important to note that abdominal pain can also originate from elsewhere, including other organs not related to the stomach or colon. The nature and location of the pain can differ from person to person, depending on the underlying problem.

How is the cause of abdominal pain diagnosed?

To identify the source of your discomfort, our doctors will conduct a thorough physical evaluation, checking for areas of swelling or tenderness. They will also ask you about the type and location of your pain and any accompanying symptoms. Additionally, they may order diagnostic tests or imaging studies such as MRI scans, x-rays, or ultrasounds to detect any signs of inflammation or other abnormalities. A review of your health and medical history will also be undertaken, and labs may be ordered if necessary and appropriate.

How can abdominal pain be treated?

Understanding the cause of your abdominal pain is the first step in identifying the proper course of treatment. Depending on the findings of your evaluation, your abdominal pain relief treatment plan may begin with some combination of the following:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Nutritional counseling
• Dietary modifications
• Hydration
• Fiber-rich diet
• Antacids

Are there other treatment options for abdominal pain?

At Pain Zero, our specialists go beyond conventional methods to provide comprehensive pain management when needed. In addition to medication and dietary modifications, we may suggest other interventional pain therapies to reduce abdominal pain. Biofeedback therapy, a technique that helps you gain better control over bodily functions, may be recommended to help manage abdominal pain. Nerve blocks, which involve the injection of medication near the nerves to block pain signals, are another effective option in some cases.

Get lasting relief from your abdominal pain in New Albany, OH

Don't let abdominal pain continue to hold you back from enjoying all that life has to offer. If you're experiencing persistent or disruptive abdominal pain, don't hesitate to contact our office and schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified providers at Pain Zero in New Albany, OH to learn more about what may be causing your abdominal pain and how our innovative suite of pain management solutions can help you feel like yourself once again.