What are the common causes of abdominal pain when sitting down. How can you distinguish between benign and serious abdominal pain. When should you seek medical attention for abdominal discomfort. What are effective treatments for abdominal pain that worsens upon sitting.

Understanding Abdominal Pain: Types and Characteristics

Abdominal pain is a common complaint that can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. It’s essential to understand the different types of abdominal pain to better identify potential causes and seek appropriate treatment.

Acute vs. Chronic Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can be categorized based on its duration and onset:

• Acute pain: Develops rapidly over hours or days, often accompanied by other symptoms
• Chronic pain: Persists for weeks, months, or longer, and may come and go
• Progressive pain: Worsens over time and is frequently associated with additional symptoms

Is acute abdominal pain always a cause for concern? While acute pain can be alarming, it’s not always indicative of a serious condition. However, if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

Common Causes of Abdominal Pain When Sitting

Experiencing abdominal pain specifically when sitting down can be perplexing and uncomfortable. Several factors may contribute to this phenomenon:

Digestive Issues

Many digestive problems can cause or exacerbate abdominal pain when sitting:

• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Food allergies or intolerances

Can sitting worsen digestive issues? Yes, sitting can sometimes aggravate digestive problems by compressing the abdominal organs and slowing digestion, potentially leading to increased discomfort.

Muscular and Skeletal Causes

Sometimes, abdominal pain when sitting may be related to musculoskeletal issues:

• Poor posture
• Strained abdominal muscles
• Hernias
• Lower back problems

How can you differentiate between digestive and musculoskeletal causes of abdominal pain? Pay attention to the nature of the pain and associated symptoms. Digestive issues often cause cramping, bloating, or nausea, while musculoskeletal problems may result in sharp pain that worsens with movement or position changes.

Serious Conditions That May Cause Abdominal Pain

While many causes of abdominal pain are benign, some serious conditions can also manifest as abdominal discomfort:

• Appendicitis
• Kidney stones
• Diverticulitis
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Bowel obstruction
• Pancreatitis
• Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)
• Ectopic pregnancy

Do serious abdominal conditions always cause severe pain? Not necessarily. Some serious conditions may initially present with mild or moderate pain, which is why it’s important to monitor your symptoms and seek medical advice if the pain persists or worsens.

Recognizing Red Flags: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Certain symptoms accompanying abdominal pain warrant immediate medical attention:

• Severe, persistent pain
• Fever
• Bloody stools or vomit
• Inability to keep food down for more than two days
• Signs of dehydration
• Swelling or tenderness in the abdomen
• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
• Unexplained weight loss

Should you always go to the emergency room for abdominal pain? Not every instance of abdominal pain requires an ER visit. However, if you experience severe pain, particularly if accompanied by any of the red flag symptoms mentioned above, seeking immediate medical care is crucial.

Diagnostic Approaches for Abdominal Pain

When you consult a healthcare provider about abdominal pain, they will likely employ various diagnostic methods to determine the underlying cause:

Physical Examination

A thorough physical exam is often the first step in diagnosing abdominal pain. The doctor will:

• Palpate the abdomen to check for tenderness, swelling, or masses
• Listen for abnormal bowel sounds
• Check for signs of dehydration or fever

Medical History

Your doctor will ask detailed questions about your symptoms, including:

• The location and nature of the pain
• When the pain occurs (e.g., after eating, during menstruation)
• How long you’ve been experiencing the pain
• Any associated symptoms
• Your medical history and current medications

Diagnostic Tests

Depending on the suspected cause, your doctor may order various tests:

• Blood tests to check for infections, inflammation, or organ function
• Urine tests to rule out urinary tract infections or kidney problems
• Stool tests to detect parasites or blood in the stool
• Imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans
• Endoscopic procedures for a direct view of the digestive tract

Are all these tests necessary for every case of abdominal pain? No, the specific tests ordered will depend on your symptoms, medical history, and the results of the physical examination. Your doctor will determine which tests are most appropriate for your situation.

Treatment Options for Abdominal Pain

The treatment for abdominal pain depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

Medications

Various medications may be prescribed or recommended:

• Antacids or proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux
• Anti-inflammatory drugs for conditions like IBD
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Pain relievers for temporary symptom management

Lifestyle Changes

In many cases, lifestyle modifications can significantly improve abdominal pain:

• Dietary adjustments to avoid trigger foods
• Stress reduction techniques
• Regular exercise
• Improved posture and ergonomics, especially when sitting

Medical Procedures

For some conditions, medical procedures may be necessary:

• Surgery for conditions like appendicitis or gallbladder disease
• Endoscopic procedures to treat certain digestive issues
• Removal of kidney stones

Can most cases of abdominal pain be treated at home? While many mild cases of abdominal pain can be managed with home remedies and over-the-counter medications, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if the pain persists or worsens, especially if it’s accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Preventing Abdominal Pain: Lifestyle Tips and Strategies

While not all causes of abdominal pain are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Dietary Considerations

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid known trigger foods
• Practice portion control

Physical Activity

• Engage in regular exercise to promote digestive health
• Incorporate core-strengthening exercises to support abdominal muscles
• Take breaks from prolonged sitting to reduce pressure on the abdomen

Stress Management

• Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing
• Ensure adequate sleep
• Seek support for mental health concerns

Can lifestyle changes completely eliminate the risk of abdominal pain? While a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the likelihood of certain types of abdominal pain, it’s important to remember that some causes are beyond our control. Regular check-ups and promptly addressing any persistent symptoms are crucial for maintaining overall health.

Living with Chronic Abdominal Pain: Coping Strategies and Support

For individuals dealing with chronic abdominal pain, developing effective coping strategies is essential:

Pain Management Techniques

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to address pain perception
• Mindfulness and relaxation exercises
• Physical therapy or gentle exercises
• Heat or cold therapy

Support Systems

Building a strong support network can make a significant difference:

• Join support groups for individuals with similar conditions
• Communicate openly with family and friends about your challenges
• Consider counseling to address the emotional impact of chronic pain

Working with Healthcare Providers

Maintaining an ongoing relationship with your healthcare team is crucial:

• Keep regular appointments to monitor your condition
• Discuss the effectiveness of current treatments and explore new options
• Be honest about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life

Is it possible to lead a fulfilling life with chronic abdominal pain? While chronic pain can be challenging, many individuals successfully manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life through a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and support systems. It’s important to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized management plan.

Understanding abdominal pain, particularly when it occurs while sitting, involves recognizing various potential causes, from benign digestive issues to more serious medical conditions. By paying attention to the nature and duration of the pain, associated symptoms, and potential triggers, individuals can better communicate with healthcare providers and receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment. While some causes of abdominal pain are preventable through lifestyle modifications, others may require medical intervention. For those dealing with chronic abdominal pain, developing effective coping strategies and building a strong support system are key to maintaining overall well-being. Remember, persistent or severe abdominal pain should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper management and rule out serious underlying conditions.

Why Does My Stomach Hurt? 17 Possible Causes of Stomach Pain

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on May 10, 2023

• What Is Abdominal Pain?
• Types of Abdominal Pain
• Abdominal Pain Causes
• Recurrent Abdominal Pain
• When to Call the Doctor About Abdominal Pain
• Abdominal Pain Diagnosis
• Abdominal Pain Treatment and Home Remedies
• More

Abdominal pain is discomfort or other uncomfortable sensations that you feel in your belly area. Just about everybody at one time or another will get a bellyache.

Most causes of abdominal pain aren’t reasons to worry, and your doctor can easily diagnose and treat the problem. Sometimes, though, it can be a sign of a serious illness that needs medical attention.

Photo credit: Wacharaphorn Phetpradub / EyeEm / Getty Images

There are several types of abdominal pain, based on how quickly your pain starts and how long it lasts: 

• Acute pain starts over a few hours or days and may come with other symptoms.
• Chronic pain lasts longer – from weeks to months or more – and may come and go.
• Progressive pain gets worse over time and often comes with other symptoms.

The abdomen contains digestive organs including the stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. Problems affecting these organs and others can cause abdominal pain. Image: WebMD

Whether you’ve got a mild ache or serious cramps, abdominal pain can have many causes. For instance, you might have indigestion, constipation, a stomach virus, or menstrual cramps.

Other causes include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Food allergies
• Appendicitis
• Kidney stones
• A urinary tract infection
• Diverticulitis
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (swelling in the belly’s main artery)
• Bowel blockage or obstruction
• Cancer of the stomach, pancreas, liver, bile duct, gallbladder, or immune cells
• Ovarian cancer or cysts 
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• Low blood flow to your intestines caused by a blocked blood vessel
• Ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized eggs grows outside the uterus, for example, in a fallopian tube)   

If you have at least three stomachaches over 3 months, and they’re severe enough to keep you from doing everyday activities, you have what doctors call “recurrent abdominal pain. ”

Recurrent abdominal pain symptoms

Recurrent abdominal pain feels different from person to person. The pain may start and stop without warning, or it could be ongoing. Some people describe it as a dull ache in their belly. Others have sharp cramps. Besides pain, there may be symptoms like diarrhea or throwing up.

If your abdominal pain is serious, doesn’t go away, or keeps coming back, talk to your doctor. Call 911 right away if your belly hurts because you had a recent injury there or if you have chest pain.

You should also contact your doctor as soon as you can if you have symptoms along with the pain, such as:

• Can’t keep food down for more than 2 days
• Signs you’re getting dehydrated, including not urinating frequently, dark-colored urine, and being very thirsty
• Can’t have a bowel movement, especially if you’re also vomiting
• Pain when you urinate or you need to urinate often

Also call your doctor if:

• Your belly is tender to the touch
• Pain lasts more than a few hours

You may have other symptoms that could be a sign of a problem inside your body that needs treatment as soon as possible. Get medical care right away if you have abdominal pain and you also:

• Vomit blood
• Notice bloody or black, tarry bowel movements
• Have trouble breathing
• Vomit constantly
• Have swelling in your belly
• Have yellow skin
• Are pregnant
• Have unexplained weight loss

Since there are so many possible causes, your doctor will do a thorough physical exam. They’ll also ask you some questions about your symptoms and want to know what type of pain you have. For instance, is it a severe stabbing pain or a dull ache?

Some other questions your doctor may ask you:

• Does it hurt throughout your abdomen, or is it just in one particular area?
• When does it hurt? Always? More often in the morning or at night?
• If the pain comes and goes, how long does it last each time?
• Does it hurt after you eat certain foods or drink alcohol?
• Are you in pain during menstruation?
• How long have you been hurting?
• Does the pain sometimes move into your lower back, shoulder, groin, or buttocks?
• Do you take any medications or herbal supplements?
• Are you pregnant?
• Does any activity ease the pain, such as eating or lying on one side?
• Does an activity or position make the pain worse?
• Were you injured recently?

After your exam is over and your doctor is done asking you questions, you may need tests to help find the cause of your pain. These tests may include:

• Stool or urine tests
• Blood tests
• Barium swallows or enemas
• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy
• CT scan
• Ultrasound
• Upper endoscopy
• X-rays

The treatment for abdominal pain depends on its cause and may include:

• Medications to lower inflammation, prevent acid reflux, or treat ulcers or infection
• Surgery to treat a problem with an organ

Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate your stomach and worsen your pain. Don’t take them unless a doctor has diagnosed the cause of your belly pain and recommends their use.

Some diet and lifestyle changes may help ease belly pain caused by gas and indigestion. Here are some things you can try:

• Eat smaller portions at more frequent meals.
• Eat slowly.
• Chew your food well.
• Drink beverages at room temperature.
• Avoid foods that give you gas or indigestion.
• Manage your stress.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine.
• Sit up straight after you eat.
• Get regular physical activity and take a short walk after you eat.

Top Picks

Why Does My Stomach Hurt? 17 Possible Causes of Stomach Pain

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on May 10, 2023

• What Is Abdominal Pain?
• Types of Abdominal Pain
• Abdominal Pain Causes
• Recurrent Abdominal Pain
• When to Call the Doctor About Abdominal Pain
• Abdominal Pain Diagnosis
• Abdominal Pain Treatment and Home Remedies
• More

Abdominal pain is discomfort or other uncomfortable sensations that you feel in your belly area. Just about everybody at one time or another will get a bellyache.

Most causes of abdominal pain aren’t reasons to worry, and your doctor can easily diagnose and treat the problem. Sometimes, though, it can be a sign of a serious illness that needs medical attention.

Photo credit: Wacharaphorn Phetpradub / EyeEm / Getty Images

There are several types of abdominal pain, based on how quickly your pain starts and how long it lasts: 

• Acute pain starts over a few hours or days and may come with other symptoms.
• Chronic pain lasts longer – from weeks to months or more – and may come and go.
• Progressive pain gets worse over time and often comes with other symptoms.

The abdomen contains digestive organs including the stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. Problems affecting these organs and others can cause abdominal pain. Image: WebMD

Whether you’ve got a mild ache or serious cramps, abdominal pain can have many causes. For instance, you might have indigestion, constipation, a stomach virus, or menstrual cramps.

Other causes include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Food allergies
• Appendicitis
• Kidney stones
• A urinary tract infection
• Diverticulitis
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (swelling in the belly’s main artery)
• Bowel blockage or obstruction
• Cancer of the stomach, pancreas, liver, bile duct, gallbladder, or immune cells
• Ovarian cancer or cysts 
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• Low blood flow to your intestines caused by a blocked blood vessel
• Ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized eggs grows outside the uterus, for example, in a fallopian tube)   

If you have at least three stomachaches over 3 months, and they’re severe enough to keep you from doing everyday activities, you have what doctors call “recurrent abdominal pain. ”

Recurrent abdominal pain symptoms

Recurrent abdominal pain feels different from person to person. The pain may start and stop without warning, or it could be ongoing. Some people describe it as a dull ache in their belly. Others have sharp cramps. Besides pain, there may be symptoms like diarrhea or throwing up.

If your abdominal pain is serious, doesn’t go away, or keeps coming back, talk to your doctor. Call 911 right away if your belly hurts because you had a recent injury there or if you have chest pain.

You should also contact your doctor as soon as you can if you have symptoms along with the pain, such as:

• Can’t keep food down for more than 2 days
• Signs you’re getting dehydrated, including not urinating frequently, dark-colored urine, and being very thirsty
• Can’t have a bowel movement, especially if you’re also vomiting
• Pain when you urinate or you need to urinate often

Also call your doctor if:

• Your belly is tender to the touch
• Pain lasts more than a few hours

You may have other symptoms that could be a sign of a problem inside your body that needs treatment as soon as possible. Get medical care right away if you have abdominal pain and you also:

• Vomit blood
• Notice bloody or black, tarry bowel movements
• Have trouble breathing
• Vomit constantly
• Have swelling in your belly
• Have yellow skin
• Are pregnant
• Have unexplained weight loss

Since there are so many possible causes, your doctor will do a thorough physical exam. They’ll also ask you some questions about your symptoms and want to know what type of pain you have. For instance, is it a severe stabbing pain or a dull ache?

Some other questions your doctor may ask you:

• Does it hurt throughout your abdomen, or is it just in one particular area?
• When does it hurt? Always? More often in the morning or at night?
• If the pain comes and goes, how long does it last each time?
• Does it hurt after you eat certain foods or drink alcohol?
• Are you in pain during menstruation?
• How long have you been hurting?
• Does the pain sometimes move into your lower back, shoulder, groin, or buttocks?
• Do you take any medications or herbal supplements?
• Are you pregnant?
• Does any activity ease the pain, such as eating or lying on one side?
• Does an activity or position make the pain worse?
• Were you injured recently?

After your exam is over and your doctor is done asking you questions, you may need tests to help find the cause of your pain. These tests may include:

• Stool or urine tests
• Blood tests
• Barium swallows or enemas
• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy
• CT scan
• Ultrasound
• Upper endoscopy
• X-rays

The treatment for abdominal pain depends on its cause and may include:

• Medications to lower inflammation, prevent acid reflux, or treat ulcers or infection
• Surgery to treat a problem with an organ

Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate your stomach and worsen your pain. Don’t take them unless a doctor has diagnosed the cause of your belly pain and recommends their use.

Some diet and lifestyle changes may help ease belly pain caused by gas and indigestion. Here are some things you can try:

• Eat smaller portions at more frequent meals.
• Eat slowly.
• Chew your food well.
• Drink beverages at room temperature.
• Avoid foods that give you gas or indigestion.
• Manage your stress.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine.
• Sit up straight after you eat.
• Get regular physical activity and take a short walk after you eat.

Top Picks

What to do if the lower abdomen hurts? / Blog / Clinic EXPERT

What to do if the lower abdomen hurts?

Any pain in the lower abdomen is unpleasant, whether it arose acutely or has been haunting for more than one day. But is pain in the lower abdomen always caused by a disease? Of course, pain cannot be called the norm, but sometimes they are caused by rather harmless reasons. Among them, a feeling of heaviness after overeating, tension in the muscles of the lower press after hard work or sports, in women – premenstrual syndrome or ovulation. These pains go away on their own and do not require treatment. However, if the pain in women is intense and recurs from month to month, this is a reason to visit a gynecologist.

In most cases, pain in the lower abdomen is a symptom of the disease and indicates a malfunction of the internal organs and requires a doctor’s consultation. The fact is that many vital organs are located in this area, and discomfort can indicate a variety of diseases and conditions – including potentially life-threatening ones that require immediate hospitalization.

First, let’s define what “lower abdomen” is. That part of the body, which is simply called the lower abdomen, includes the hypogastrium and the pelvic area. Since these two areas are anatomically poorly delineated from each other, with the development of pathological processes, pain in any case is localized in the lower abdomen.

The only organ in the abdominal cavity that can cause pain in the lower abdomen is the intestines. Pain can occur for various reasons – from banal flatulence and functional diseases – irritable bowel syndrome, to much more serious conditions and diseases, such as acute appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, tumor compression.

The most common cause of pain in the lower abdomen are pathological processes in the pelvis, especially in young women. In most cases, the pain is due to the pathology of the genitourinary system. In women, pain in the lower abdomen can be associated with the following situations: menstrual irregularities, ovulation, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cyst rupture.

In men, the lower abdomen may hurt due to acute or chronic pathology of the prostate gland (prostatitis). The fact is that the prostate is permeated with a large number of nerve fibers, which makes it extremely sensitive to any external influences.

Acute urinary retention is another cause of pain in the lower abdomen, which also occurs predominantly in men. With this pathology, the patient cannot empty the bladder on his own and it is overstretched due to the accumulated urine in it.

When pain occurs in the lower abdomen, patients do not always know which doctor to contact. Start with a therapist. He will conduct an initial examination and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist.

In men, pain in the lower abdomen can be provoked by an inguinal hernia, which is dangerous by its infringement.

In some cases, pain in the lower abdomen may be due to pathology of the lumbosacral spine, mimicking the conditions described above.

Pain in the lower abdomen is a vague concept, it is quite difficult for a doctor to make a diagnosis based on this complaint alone, so additional diagnostics are required. If necessary, laboratory blood and urine tests, instrumental diagnostics are prescribed. Ultrasound examination is necessary to determine the size of organs, the presence of inflammatory exudate, neoplasms, in order to diagnose pregnancy. X-ray, computed tomography, endoscopy, laparoscopy and other research methods can also be used for diagnosis.

Treatment of pain in the lower abdomen can only be prescribed after an accurate diagnosis has been made. It will be aimed not only at eliminating pain symptoms, but also at eliminating the cause that caused it and, with the right approach, will give the desired result. An important role is played by the timely visit to the doctor. Early treatment is the key to achieving the desired results.

Gastroenterologists, internists, urologists and gynecologists, surgeons, neurologists work in our clinic; all those specialists who can clearly differentiate this, sometimes difficult, and sometimes dangerous symptom.

Pain in the lower abdomen after defecation: causes, diagnosis, treatment

Contents

1. Introduction
2. The nature and causes of pain

Many patients experience discomfort in the lower abdomen after going to the toilet. Pain in this area cannot be called a specific symptom, which will become the basis for an immediate diagnosis. The fact is that discomfort after defecation can appear under different conditions. In addition, often the pain radiates, that is, it spreads from the zone of occurrence to neighboring areas, which does not make it possible to determine exactly what exactly hurts.

Normally, the process of bowel movement is easy and fast, neither before, nor during or after a person should feel discomfort. If everything is in order with the gastrointestinal tract, then defecation occurs daily, and sometimes several times a day. But when something is wrong with the body, it is reflected in the frequency of the stool, its consistency and the very process of excretion of feces.

Pain after a bowel movement is different. Patients may describe their sensations as sharp, aching, throbbing. For pain, such characteristics as dull, sharp, pulling are also used. There can be many reasons for the occurrence of such an unpleasant symptom, but most often it turns out to be proctological problems: hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

Hemorrhoids can rightly be called a disease of modern man. A sedentary lifestyle, stagnant processes in the pelvis, inadequate physical activity, pregnancy and childbirth – these and other factors inhibit the normal blood circulation in the venous plexuses near the anus and in the rectum. Enlarged hemorrhoids are often injured during the passage of feces, for example, if they are very constipated. Prolapse of the internal node and its infringement by the sphincter may also occur – this condition is accompanied by acute pain. Both constipation and mechanical trauma to the rectum can cause a fissure to form in the anus. Due to the violation of the integrity of the tissues during defecation, a patient with such a problem will experience pain. The crack sometimes becomes a “gateway” for the penetration of infection, then there are serious complications.

Both hemorrhoids and anal fissures require treatment. That is why with pain in the lower abdomen after defecation and other alarming symptoms of proctological diseases, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. In our multidisciplinary medical center, you can get advice from a qualified specialist in the field of coloproctology.

Questions and Answers

Provided that there are no complaints and your immediate family has not had rectal cancer, it is recommended to visit a proctologist every 5 years.

If you feel discomfort, you should immediately contact a specialist!

A proctologist always cares about your convenience, which means that all diagnostic manipulations will be carried out as accurately and comfortably as possible!

The procedure is necessary for most patients when diagnosing pathologies of the rectum. Many diseases can proceed secretly, for a long time without manifesting themselves. Thanks to rectoscopy, it became possible to diagnose them at an early stage.

Rectoscopy is painless. Severe pain during the procedure speaks of inflammatory processes, which is the basis for transferring the procedure.

Yes, there are a number of drugs that can affect the muscle contractions of the intestinal wall.