The specific abdominal pain treatment available will vary according to what is causing the pain. Some types of abdominal pains are muscular, while others may be caused by stomach maladies. Still others may be caused by issues completely unrelated to the abdomen. The first step in determining the best abdominal pain treatment is to visit a doctor to determine the exact cause of the pain. If you already know the cause of the pain, you should begin treatment by researching different options to address the issue. It is important not to assume you know what is causing the pain; you should get a correct diagnosis whenever possible.
Muscle strains in the stomach, lower back, and even the groin can lead to abdominal pain. The abdominal pain treatment in these instances usually includes the RICE treatment — rest, ice, compression, and elevation — to allow the muscle injury to heal on its own. If a muscle has ruptured, the pain will be extreme and medical attention will be necessary. In some cases, a muscle rupture will require a surgery that will repair the torn muscle fibers and reattach it to the tendons. Minor strains can be iced for comfort and to reduce swelling, and rest is sufficient to allow the injury to heal. Painkilling medication may be taken as well.
Stomach maladies such as the stomach flu, an upset stomach, or various other stomach bugs can be treated with over the counter medications. If the pain persists, a bigger issue may be the cause. A trip to the doctor may reveal food poisoning or even tumors in the stomach. The abdominal pain treatment can therefore vary significantly; treatment for food poisoning will not be as involved of a process as treatment for tumors or cancer in the stomach will be. Some of these conditions are life-threatening, so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the pain becomes moderate to intense.
Abdominal pain treatment may involve treating another part of the body entirely. Sometimes back problems can lead to abdominal problems as the pain radiates throughout the body. This is known as referred pain, and the treatment involves addressing the specific problem. A herniated disc in the spine, for example, may press on the nerves that service the abdomen, causing pain in that area. The herniated disc may be treated with the RICE treatment, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications, or it may be addressed surgically.
