What Is Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain refers to any dull, sharp, cramping, or burning pain occurring between the lower chest and the groin. Most commonly, abdominal pain is felt around or below the navel. It is important to distinguish abdominal pain from pelvic pain, which occurs lower in the body, closer to the genitals — though the two conditions can coexist and sometimes overlap in their presentation.

Acute abdominal pain that comes on suddenly may signal a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Chronic abdominal pain, on the other hand, persists for weeks, months, or even years and typically has an identifiable underlying cause that requires targeted medical management. At Olympus Spine and Pain, Dr. Warner specializes in chronic abdominal pain that has not responded adequately to standard care.

What Causes Chronic Abdominal Pain?

Temporary abdominal pain can result from gas, viral illness, food sensitivity, or anxiety. Chronic abdominal pain, however, almost always reflects a persistent underlying condition. Common causes evaluated and managed at Olympus Spine and Pain include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — a functional bowel disorder causing cramping, bloating, and alternating diarrhea and constipation
• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis — inflammatory bowel diseases causing chronic intestinal inflammation and pain
• Diverticulitis — inflammation or infection of pouches that form in the walls of the colon
• Peptic ulcers — sores in the lining of the stomach or upper small intestine
• Cholecystitis — gallbladder inflammation, often related to gallstones
• Hepatitis — liver inflammation that can cause right upper quadrant abdominal pain
• Food allergies and intolerances — such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease
• Kidney stones — which cause severe, colicky flank and abdominal pain
• Intestinal obstruction — partial or complete blockage of the intestines
• Endometriosis in women — a gynecological condition causing cyclic or chronic abdominal and pelvic pain
• Colon or stomach cancer — pain may be an early symptom of gastrointestinal malignancy
• Fibromyalgia — a widespread pain syndrome that often includes visceral hypersensitivity and abdominal pain
• Abdominal wall pain — caused by nerve entrapment or muscle injury in the abdominal wall itself

Because the causes of chronic abdominal pain are so varied, a thorough diagnostic workup is essential before any treatment is initiated. Dr. Warner coordinates with your gastroenterologist, gynecologist, or other specialists as needed to ensure a complete picture of your condition.

When Should I Seek Pain Management for Abdominal Pain?

You should seek specialized pain management evaluation if your abdominal pain has persisted beyond what you expected, is worsening over time, or is significantly affecting your quality of life. Specific warning signs that warrant prompt evaluation include:

• Abdominal pain that causes sleepless nights or forces you to miss work
• Pain that has not improved with standard treatments from your primary care doctor or gastroenterologist
• Pain accompanied by unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool, or fever
• Pain that is becoming more frequent or more intense over time
• Significant emotional distress associated with chronic abdominal pain

Chronic pain — including chronic abdominal pain — can also lead to central sensitization, a process by which the nervous system becomes hypersensitized and amplifies pain signals over time. This is why early, comprehensive intervention is always preferable to a “wait and see” approach.

How Is Chronic Abdominal Pain Treated at Olympus Spine and Pain?

At Olympus Spine and Pain, Dr. Warner designs a fully individualized treatment plan based on a comprehensive diagnostic review of your condition, your medical history, and the impact of pain on your daily life. Treatment for chronic abdominal pain may include:

• Medications tailored to the specific diagnosis (anti-inflammatories, antispasmodics, neuromodulators)
• Epidural steroid injections for abdominal wall and visceral pain
• Celiac plexus block — a nerve block targeting the celiac plexus, which relays pain signals from the upper abdominal organs to the brain
• Superior hypogastric plexus block for lower abdominal and pelvic pain
• Peripheral nerve stimulation — an implantable device that interrupts abdominal pain signals
• Spinal cord stimulation for chronic, refractory abdominal pain
• Intrathecal drug pump for continuous, targeted pain medication delivery
• Ketamine infusions* for patients with centrally mediated or refractory abdominal pain
• Scrambler Therapy — a non-invasive neuromodulation approach suitable for neuropathic abdominal pain
• Physical therapy to strengthen the abdominal wall and supporting structures
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address the psychological dimensions of chronic pain

If your abdominal pain overlaps with pelvic pain or back and leg pain, Dr. Warner addresses all contributing regions simultaneously for the most comprehensive relief possible. At Olympus Spine and Pain, we are dedicated to helping you reclaim your comfort and your life.

*Ketamine infusions are FDA-approved as a sole anesthetic agent for diagnostic and surgical purposes, but are not yet approved for chronic pain treatment. Spravato®, an esketamine nasal spray, has FDA approval for addressing treatment-resistant depression.

Abdominal Pain — Frequently Asked Questions