IBS Pain

The pain associated with IBS can be quite changeable and it can change from day to day, hour to hour and sometimes even moment to moment! Usually, IBS pain is relieved by a bowel movement. Though it is common that tenderness, cramping and aching that is unrelated to the onset of a bowel movement is still experienced.

IBS pain can occur throughout the abdomen especially in the upper abdomen where pain is often associated with bloating and may worsen after meals; cramping also occur around the belly button and through the lower abdomen although lower abdomen pain is most likely to be eased by a bowel movement.

IBS pain can range from mild to unbearable and can be constant and it is commonly described as twingy, crampy, stitch-like, sharp and stabbing, constant abdominal aching, tenderness when abdomen is touched, as well as bloating discomfort.

It is important to differentiate IBS from other common digestive disorders mostly IBS pain is differentiated by the location of the pain. As more often, the pain experienced behind the sternum, after meals, and worsened by bending and lying down is likely to be heartburn and the pain experienced after meals below the sternum, at the top of the abdomen, is likely to be indigestion.

To help ease IBS pain, the use of relaxation exercises can be very beneficial as it has a calming effect on many of the body's systems. More importantly, regular practice of relaxation skills allows one to use the tools effectively in times of emergency, such as when an acute abdominal pain is experienced.

Another thing that can be done to ease IBS pain is to use a heating pad, as not only can this be so soothing, there's also a reassurance that research supports the use of low-level continuous heat as a way to speed up pain relief.

Some nice cup of tea also has a soothing effect that can ease IBS. Peppermint tea, chamomile tea as well as ginger teas all has a reputation for soothing digestive distress. So you might want to keep your pantry well-stocked so you'll have some handy when IBS acts up.