Chiropractic Care for Abdominal Pain - FAQ

Common questions about chiropractic care for abdominal pain and how a chiropractor can help treat the causes and symptoms.

Chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for many types of abdominal pain. By performing spinal manipulations and other therapies that promote the proper functioning of your nervous system, chiropractors can help reduce these symptoms.

Chiropractors focus on the proper functioning of the nervous system. It’s an effective treatment for many types of abdominal pain, including cramping, constipation, and diarrhea, which can all be caused by poor functioning of the nervous system.

FAQ

What causes abdominal pain?

A variety of physical and psychological factors can cause abdominal pain and digestive problems, including:

• Constipation
• Indigestion
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
• Anxiety or stress
• Infection
• Inflammation of the digestive tract

What are the four types of abdominal pain?

You should be aware of four main types of abdominal pain - each describing a different cause or condition. These include:

• Acute pain is sudden and severe and comes on quickly. Issues like appendicitis, diverticulitis, or stomach infection can sometimes cause it.

• Chronic pain is prolonged or ongoing abdominal pain without an obvious cause. This type of pain can also be severe and may require medical treatment.

• Referred pain is usually felt in a different part of the body from where it originates.

• Functional pain is a type of abdominal pain with no apparent physical cause and may be caused by anxiety or stress instead of a disease or condition.

When should I be concerned about abdominal pain?

Ultimately, if you experience abdominal pain, it is essential to seek medical attention to determine the cause and get the proper treatment. Whether your pain is acute or chronic, it can be uncomfortable and even debilitating in some cases. It’s crucial to seek medical attention if your pain doesn't ease after using the bathroom or if it recurs several times.

What causes abdominal pain in females?

Abdominal pain can be a very unpleasant experience, particularly for women. There are many potential causes of abdominal pain in females, including infections, injuries, or other health conditions. Two common reasons that affect women more than men include urinary tract infections and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Does stress cause abdominal pain?

Stress and abdominal pain are often linked together. While the underlying mechanisms of how stress causes pain aren't fully understood, it's thought that stress may release certain hormones and neurotransmitters in the body that act on the nervous system and contribute to pain. Stress can also cause other physical symptoms that may be mistaken for an abdominal issue, including nausea or loss of appetite.

Can lower back pain radiate to the front abdomen?

Yes, lower back pain can sometimes radiate to the front abdomen. This is typically called referred pain and occurs when nerve signals from a different location in the body are sent to the brain, causing you to feel sensations of pain elsewhere.

What can ease abdominal pain?

• Over-the-counter and prescription drugs can ease abdominal pain
• Dietary changes
• Movement
• Increasing water and fiber intake
• Chiropractic treatment

Can a chiropractor help with trapped gas?

Yes. Chiropractic care can help relieve many types of pain, including trapped gas. Many people experience an uncomfortable buildup of gas in their digestive system from time to time. This is often due to stress or changes in diet, and it usually resolves on its own over a few days.

Can a chiropractor help with abdominal pain?

Some of the most common causes of abdominal pain are mild muscle strain, gas, indigestion, urinary tract infections, and food poisoning. You can usually treat these digestive problems with chiropractic care that focuses on easing tension in the muscles of the abdomen, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation in the digestive tract.

Can chiropractic adjustment cause abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain is a common side effect of chiropractic adjustment. While this abdominal cramping and stomach issues can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, it’s usually nothing to worry about and should clear up within a few days. If you experience abdominal pain after being adjusted, speak to your chiropractor for steps you can take to ease your discomfort.

Dr. Eric Neumann D.C.

Dr. Eric Neumann grew up in Alberta, Canada where he majored in Chemistry at the University of Calgary. During his time at University, he obtained licensure as a Massage Therapist. It was clear that hands-on healing would be his calling. After suffering multiple sport-related injuries he became interested in Chiropractic. Dr. Neumann graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has since specialized in the treatment and management of acute spinal injuries.