Managing IBS Pain - By: Heath Medcalf

Pain associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is usually relieved with bowel movement. However, a person may continue to feel unexplained tenderness, contractions and aching, unconnected with bowel movements. Abdominal uneasiness or pain of this nature is usually a key indication of IBS. This uneasiness/pain may be present anywhere in the region between hips and chest which can change over a period of time. IBS pain is described as a cramp-like, sharp stabbing pain, also known as a stomach migraine.

In general IBS pain is directly associated with our bowel movements. This explains why we feel a reduced amount of pain after moving bowels. Also, when there is a change in the regular cycle of bowel movements the uneasiness manifests. Similarly when there is a change in the composition of stools, soft or harder, the pain and uneasiness is usually felt.

During a recent study on 1,966 people suffering from IBS, done by IFFGD in association with the UNC Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, it was discovered that this pain is one of the basic factors which adds to the harshness of their IBS. Eighty percent of the study patients confirmed that it is the sharpness of pain which makes their condition severe.

Among other factors, 74% referred to bowel movements, 69% to bloating and another 69% to the diet or eating restrictions which are noted as the reasons for the severity of IBS pain. It is common for people with IBS to experience frequent abdominal pain, while some feel it in a continuous manner. The people who participated in this survey have described this pain in various ways calling it as unbearable, intense, excruciating or merely awful.

The most important aspect of IBS pain is that it changes from time to time, day to day, hour to hour, and even minute to minute. As noted above, IBS pain may be felt along the entire region of the abdomen, and essentially it can be classified as upper abdominal pain, which is felt as a result of bloating, with a tendency to worsen after every meal or a cramping pain which is usually felt around the belly button and lower parts of abdomen, and lastly the lower abdominal pain which generally reduces with bowel movement.

IBS pain can change instantaneously, the range of pain can fluctuate from mild to constant to unbearable. IBS has been described as a wrenching ache which feels a “stitch-like”, stabbing pain. It is also described as frequent aches, tenderness when you feel the area, and the discomfiture associated with bloating.

The parts of abdominal area, where the IBS pain manifests distinguishes it from other digestive malfunctions: After-meal pain felt from behind the sternum, which worsens when you lie down is likely to be heartburn, after-meal pain below the sternum, on top of abdomen may be due to indigestion. It is important note these characteristics of IBS pain.

About the Author

Heath Medcalf helps you understand the dynamics of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Pain, Detailed information on the different aspects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be found at http://ibs-solutions.info

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Heath-Medcalf/56707

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