Abdominal pain – Easing stomach cramps
Stomach pain is one of the most frustrating parts of living with IBS. It can range from a dull ache to sharp cramps that leave you doubled over or afraid to eat. Many of my clients tell me their pain comes and goes unpredictably, or it could be present every day.
What causes abdominal pain?
The most common digestive causes of pain I see with my clients are constipation, trapped gas or nerve pain.
You can also get significant pain from physical obstructions, adhesions, reflux and other non-digestive issues. If you get sudden abdominal pain that doesn’t go away after a few hours or gets increasingly worse then please contact your doctor.
Not all pains are related to digestion so it’s also worth getting checks on your bladder, and pelvic region, such as ovaries and womb. Ask for a scan of your abdomen to check. Endometriosis is a condition where cells like those in the womb can grow on other organs in the pelvis, causing inflammation and significant pain.
Here are some of the most common gut health issues which can increase pain:
Hypersensitivity
The gut-brain axis can turn on the nerves in the gut, meaning you feel sensitive to a normal amount of gas and movement.
Fast transit time
Diarrhoea or loose stools can cause cramps as the body is trying to move food quickly through the gut.
Gas
Food intolerance or an excess of gas producing gut microbes can lead to trapped gas and bloating. SIBO can also be linked to high episodes of pain.
Constipation
If you’re not having a daily poo then the muscles of the gut can be stretched and become sore. Slower transit can also increase trapped gas.
What abdominal pain feels like
Is this you?
Clients often describe their pain in very different ways, and those descriptions can help me understand what’s going on.
Does this sound familiar?
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A heavy, bloated feeling that builds through the day
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Sharp cramps before needing the toilet
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A twisting or gripping pain that eases after passing wind or stool
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A constant ache after eating certain foods
One client told me she felt like her gut was “in knots” after even small meals. Another said the pain came in waves that left her breathless. These experiences are incredibly common in IBS, but you don’t have to accept them as normal.
How food and digestion are linked
Foods you eat might be driving excessive gas that then triggers painful episodes. This is why the low FODMAP diet can be helpful to identify foods to keep an eye on.
However, food isn’t the only focus you need if you want to get rid of stomach pains.
The overall digestive process is important to consider. This means HOW you’re eating, when you eat, and what microbes are in the gut metabolising your food. Cutting more food out of the diet is rarely the answer.
The gut-brain connection
Your digestive system is directly connected to your brain via the vagus nerve. Anxiety, tension, or lack of sleep can increase gut sensitivity.
If your pain flares during stressful times, it could be your gut’s way of signalling that your nervous system needs support as much as your diet does.
What you can do next
