Chronic Abdominal Pain

At Vertex Pain Physicians, we understand how debilitating chronic abdominal pain can be, and how it can significantly impact your ability to enjoy daily activities and maintain your quality of life. Our mission is to provide compassionate, cutting-edge care to help you manage and overcome this complex condition. With personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, we aim to alleviate your symptoms, restore function, and improve your overall well-being.

1. What Is Chronic Abdominal Pain?

Chronic abdominal pain is defined as continuous discomfort or pain in the abdominal region lasting three months or longer. Unlike acute abdominal pain, which often results from temporary issues like infections or injuries, chronic pain may be linked to underlying medical conditions or dysfunction in the body’s pain signaling pathways.

2. What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Abdominal Pain?

Chronic abdominal pain can manifest in various ways, depending on its cause. Common symptoms include:

• Constant or intermittent pain in the abdomen.
• Cramping, sharp, or dull sensations.
• Nausea or bloating that accompanies pain.
• Difficulty eating or digestive irregularities.

The pain can significantly affect your day-to-day activities, making accurate diagnosis and effective treatment essential.

3. What Are the Common Causes of Chronic Abdominal Pain?

Chronic abdominal pain can arise from a range of conditions, many of which affect the gastrointestinal system, nervous system, or abdominal organs. Some common causes include:

3.1 How Do Gastrointestinal Disorders Cause Abdominal Pain?

Conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), and gastritis can cause chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and digestive issues.

• Treatment: Medications to manage inflammation, dietary adjustments, and physical therapy to improve abdominal strength and flexibility.

3.2 How Does Neuropathic Pain Affect the Abdomen?

Neuropathic pain, caused by damage or irritation to abdominal nerves, can result in sharp, burning, or tingling sensations in the abdomen.

• Treatment: Nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, and physical therapy can help reduce nerve-related discomfort.

3.3 What Role Do Post-Surgical Adhesions Play in Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain can also result from post-surgical adhesions—scar tissue that forms after abdominal surgery and can cause discomfort or blockages in the digestive tract.

• Treatment: In some cases, laparoscopic surgery may be needed to remove adhesions or pain management injections may be used for relief.

3.4 How Does Functional Abdominal Pain Syndrome Contribute to Discomfort?

Conditions such as functional dyspepsia or abdominal wall pain due to nerve entrapment are examples of functional disorders that lead to persistent abdominal discomfort, often with no clear underlying disease.

• Treatment: Physical therapy, stress management, and medications to manage pain and improve gastrointestinal function.

3.5 What Are Other Causes of Chronic Abdominal Pain?

Conditions like pancreatitis, endometriosis, mesenteric ischemia, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can also cause chronic pain in the abdomen, affecting digestive or reproductive systems.

• Treatment: Interventional procedures, medications, and lifestyle changes are often recommended to address the underlying causes.

4. How Is Chronic Abdominal Pain Diagnosed?

A thorough and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. At  Vertex Pain Physicians, we use a detailed approach to diagnose the underlying cause of your abdominal pain:

4.1 What Does the Comprehensive Evaluation Involve?

• Medical History Review: We take a detailed look at your symptoms, lifestyle, past surgeries, and overall health.
• Physical Examination: We check for any tenderness, abdominal mass, or signs of systemic illness that might indicate the cause.
• Advanced Imaging Studies:
  • Ultrasound: To visualize abdominal organs and identify issues like gallstones or liver problems.
  • MRI or CT Scans: To detect inflammation, bowel issues, or organ abnormalities.
• Laboratory Tests: Blood work or joint fluid analysis can help rule out infections or autoimmune conditions that might be contributing to your symptoms.

5. What Are the Treatment Options for Chronic Abdominal Pain?

We offer a range of personalized treatment options to manage and alleviate chronic abdominal pain, focusing on both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition.

5.1 What Non-Surgical Treatments Are Available?

• Medications:
  • Analgesics: For pain relief.
  • Antispasmodics: To relieve abdominal cramping.
  • Neuromodulators: For nerve-related pain.
  • Gastrointestinal agents: For managing specific conditions like IBS or acid reflux.
• Physical Therapy: Customized exercises aimed at improving abdominal strength and mobility, which can help manage pain and improve digestion.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Recommendations for dietary changes, stress management techniques, and ergonomic advice to reduce strain on the abdominal muscles.

5.2 What Interventional Pain Management Techniques Do We Offer?

• Nerve Blocks: Local anesthetics to interrupt pain signals from affected nerves.
• Epidural Injections: For managing neuropathic abdominal pain.
• Neurostimulation: Devices like spinal cord stimulators can alter pain perception and provide significant relief.

5.3 What Minimally Invasive Procedures Are Available?

• Trigger Point Injections: For muscle-related pain, these injections can target specific areas to relieve tension and reduce discomfort.
• Laparoscopic Treatments: Minimally invasive procedures for conditions like endometriosis or adhesions, which may require surgical intervention.

6. Why Choose  Vertex Pain Physicians?

At Vertex Pain Physicians, we provide a multidisciplinary approach to treating chronic abdominal pain. Here’s why patients choose us:

1. Expertise in Pain Management: Our board-certified specialists have extensive experience in treating chronic abdominal pain using evidence-based practices.
2. Personalized Treatment Plans: We develop customized treatment plans based on your unique condition and symptoms.
3. Advanced Technology: We use advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to identify the root cause of your pain and ensure the most effective treatments.
4. Holistic and Compassionate Care: We address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of pain, ensuring comprehensive support throughout your recovery process.

Comprehensive Services: From medications to advanced interventions, we offer a full spectrum of services to manage and alleviate your symptoms.

Don’t let chronic abdominal pain control your life. Contact  Vertex Pain Physicians today to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you regain comfort, improve your health, and enhance your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns.