There are quite a few ailments that may result in significant abdominal pain for an individual. This can adversely affect an individual’s ability to eat properly, perform activities of daily living, or even work. Common causes of abdominal pain may include irritable bowel disorder, hernia, urinary tract infection, the stomach virus, menstrual cramps, gallstones, kidney stones, endometrial overgrowth or something such as adhesions from prior surgery.
Along with chronic pain in the abdomen, an individual may also have nausea, vomiting or a persistent feeling of bloating in the stomach area. There may also be chronic constipation along with the inability to retain food in the stomach.
When an individual is on chronic narcotics, it can wreak havoc with the bowel motility, leading to persistent constipation and abdominal pain.
Diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain needs to include a comprehensive medical history and exam. Diagnostic testing may include x-rays along with a CAT scan and lab work.
Treatment will vary based on what the work up finds. If the pain is not found out to be due to an emergency type of situation, it can often be treated utilizing conservative measures such as anti-inflammatories, Tylenol, antacids or a heating pad. A gastroenterologist may need to be consulted to consider treating inflammatory bowel disease with appropriate medications, or an additional work up with the scope.
At Gershon Pain Specialists we employ a number of conservative and interventional procedures that can help control chronic abdominal pain. This may include the following: Topical compounded creams uniquely designed to treat your pain, electrical stimulation which can help block the perception of pain, a specific type of Physical Therapy known as Somato-Visceral Release Techniques which helps diminish pain and improve blood flow locally, and Neural-Prolo Therapy to help control your pain.
Additionally, we may prescribe various types of pain medications. If all of the above fails to provide you with reasonable pain relief, you may be referred for Celiac Plexus blocks. This out-patient procedure typically takes 30 minutes and is performed by placing a combination of numbing medication along with steroid near the bundle of nerves that provides sensation to the abdominal organs. It may provide weeks to months of considerable abdominal pain relief, and can then be repeated as necessary. It is been shown to be effective in over 70% of individuals.
