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Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is common, and typically not serious. However, pain that persists or seems unusual may require medical attention.

Types of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain may be described as:

Generalized pain. Abdominal pain felt in more than half of the abdomen; commonly caused by a stomach virus, indigestion, or virus; severe pain may be caused by a blockage in the intestines.
Localized pain. Abdominal pain in one part of the abdomen; commonly caused by an organ, such as the appendix, gallbladder, or stomach.
Cramp-like pain. Commonly caused by gas and bloating and followed by diarrhea.
Colicky pain. Abrupt and severe pain that comes in waves; commonly caused by kidney stones and gallstones.

Causes of Abdominal Pain

Woman with abdominal pain lying on the couch at home

Female patient describing abdominal pain to female physician

Abdominal pain may be caused by a range of conditions, including:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Appendicitis
Cholangitis
Cholecystitis
Cystitis
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diverticulitis
Duodenitis
Ectopic pregnancy
Fecal impaction
Heart attack
Injury
Intestinal obstruction

Intussusception (in children)
Kidney infection
Kidney stones
Liver abscess
Mesenteric ischemia
Mesenteric lymphadenitis
Mesenteric thrombosis
Pancreatitis
Pericarditis
Peritonitis
Pleurisy
Pneumonia
Pulmonary infarction
Ruptured spleen
Salpingitis
Sclerosing mesenteritis
Shingles
Spleen infection
Splenic abscess
Torn colon
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Viral gastroenteritis

Chronic abdominal pain may be caused by:

Angina
Celiac disease
Endometriosis
Functional dyspepsia
Gallstones

Gastritis
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Hiatal hernia
Inguinal hernia

Irritable bowel syndrome
Mittelschmerz
Ovarian cysts
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Peptic ulcer
Sickle cell anemia
Strained or pulled abdominal muscle
Ulcerative colitis

Abdominal pain that becomes worse over time is often accompanied by other symptoms, and may be caused by:

Cancer
Crohn’s disease
Enlarged spleen
Gallbladder cancer

Hepatitis
Kidney cancer
Lead poisoning

Liver cancer
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Pancreatic cancer

Stomach cancer
Tubo-ovarian abscess
Uremia

When to Seek Medical Attention for Abdominal Pain

Patients should call 911 or visit the emergency room if they experience any of the following symptoms:

Inability to pass stool accompanied with vomiting
Vomiting blood
Blood in the stool (bright red, maroon, or dark, tarry black)
Chest, neck, or shoulder pain
Sudden, sharp abdominal pain
Tenderness in the belly
Rigid or hard to the touch belly
Difficulty breathing
Pain in, or between, the shoulder blades and nausea

Patients should also seek medical attention if they’re currently being treated for cancer, pregnant or could be pregnant, or had a recent injury to the abdomen.

Treatment Options

At Premier Urgent Care, patients can experience lasting pain relief after treatment with injections and pain management techniques.

Joint and soft tissue injections, such as nerve blocks, epidural injections, piriformis injections, sacroiliac joint injections, and trigger point injections, could help alleviate certain forms of abdominal pain.

Pain management techniques can also help patients minimize abdominal pain through cold and heat therapy, gentle exercise, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, cognitive behavior therapy, yoga, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, music therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication.

Advanced Treatment

Abdominal pain caused by severe injuries or illness may require advanced treatment. Premier Urgent Care supports patients needing a range of treatments. Staff is available to answer any questions about obtaining advanced treatment.