What’s Causing Your Abdominal Pain? Common Conditions and When to Seek Help

By Premier Pain & Spine in Chicago, IL: Abdominal Pain Specialist.

Abdominal pain is one of the primary reasons people visit a healthcare provider, and with good cause. It can range from sharp, dull, cramping or burning sensations that occur suddenly or gradually; its source could range from something as minor as gas to serious medical conditions requiring immediate medical intervention.

Premier Pain & Spine’s team of board-certified pain management specialists in Chicago understand the disruptive and distressful nature that abdominal pain can be. That’s why we specialize in diagnosing symptoms quickly and offering tailored relief plans tailored for each patient.

 

Common Sources of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain isn’t a diagnosis; it’s simply a symptom. The source can stem from organs within your abdomen like your stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines or gallbladder, even muscles and nerves! Here are some of the more frequently seen causes at our Chicago pain management clinics:

#1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A functional gastrointestinal disorder, IBS can lead to chronic abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits. Triggers for IBS include stress, certain foods or hormonal fluctuations.

#2. Pancreatitis:  Pancreatitis can cause intense abdominal and back pain that radiates to the back. It can occur suddenly or become chronic over time and is frequently linked with heavy alcohol consumption or gallstones.

#3. Hernias:  A hernia occurs when an organ protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall and presses on a weak point, often resulting in sharp or throbbing pain when lifting or straining.

#4. Nerve Entrapment or Neuropathic Pain: In some instances, abdominal discomfort stems from nerve damage or entrapment, typically felt as burning or stabbing sensations and unrelated to digestive problems. Interventional treatments have proven highly successful when it comes to treating such abdominal nerve-related pain.

#5. Post-Surgical or Trauma Pain: Chronic abdominal pain can arise after surgery or trauma, often stemming from scar tissue, nerve damage or muscle tension – specialized pain management techniques may offer relief in such instances.

 

When Should You Seek Pain Management Assistance

If abdominal pain persists or worsens and interferes with daily activities, medical intervention should be considered, particularly if standard treatments or medications haven’t provided relief.

Premier Pain & Spine in Chicago specialize in diagnosing and treating chronic abdominal pain with our comprehensive approach that includes:

  • Diagnostic nerve blocks utilizing ultrasound guidance. Injections using this method
  • Medication Management/Nerve Stimulation Therapies
  • Physical therapy referrals
  • Coordination of care between gastroenterologists or surgeons.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: When should I seek medical help for abdominal pain?

A: If your discomfort is severe or sudden in onset or associated with other symptoms such as vomiting, fever, blood in stool or weight loss it should be evaluated by a doctor immediately. Any persistent or reoccurring discomfort should also be evaluated.

Q: Can pain management assist with abdominal discomfort that is unrelated to digestion?

A: Absolutely! In many instances of abdominal discomfort may be nerve dysfunction, muscle strain or post-surgery complications which cause discomfort. These cases require medical expertise in order to identify and address these non-digestive causes using advanced therapies.

Q: Do you offer treatments for chronic abdominal pain?

A: Treatment options available depend on the diagnosis; we may suggest nerve blocks, trigger point injections, neuromodulation therapies or regenerative therapies as means to control pain and improve function.

Q: Will I need a referral in order to visit a pain management doctor?

A: Though some insurance plans require referrals, our Chicago clinics can verify your coverage and requirements to make direct appointments possible.

 

Start Your Journey Toward Relief

No one should live with chronic abdominal pain. At Premier Pain & Spine in Chicago, IL, our expert pain specialists are ready to help identify the source of your discomfort and formulate a personalized treatment plan to provide long-term relief.

Reach out now and set up an initial consultation at any of our convenient Chicagoland locations – it could be the first step toward living an easier, less painful lifestyle!

Schaumburg: 1365 Wiley Rd. #153, Schaumburg, IL. Phone: 847-519-4701
Downers Grove: 3800 Highland Ave. # 101, Downers Grove, IL. Phone: 847-519-4701
Berwyn: 6920 Ogden Ave. Suite C, Berwyn, IL. Phone: 708-637-3534