Abdominal Pain and Cramping: Common Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis That You Can Overcome

Some common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, nausea, weight loss and abdominal pain and cramping. One of the most debilitating symptoms of ulcerative colitis is abdominal pain, tenderness and cramps. A lot of patients with ulcerative colitis that suffer from severe abdominal pain are prescribed medications that will relax their muscles, relieve anxiety and ease cramping.

Over-the-counter pain medications can be useful as a temporary solution for easing pain. If you suffer from a serious condition such as ulcerative colitis it is always recommended that you consult your doctor before taking any medications including those found over the counter. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are the most common over-the-counter pain relievers.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) belongs to a group of drugs called analgesics (pain relievers) and works by increasing the body's pain threshold. The advantage of taking Tylenol in place of other drugs is that it does not irritate the stomach. It helps to reduce muscle aches, stomach cramps and backaches. Many people that have severe abdominal pain due to inflammatory bowel disease also complain of lower back pain. Some abdominal pain associated with ulcerative colitis is caused by inflammation. It is important to note that Tylenol is not an anti-inflammatory drug and will not reduce inflammation.

Ibuprofen (Advil) also fits into the class of analgesics but unlike acetaminophen is an NSAID drug (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). NSAID's do have the potential risk of causing stomach bleeding especially in those who already suffer from digestive disorders and stomach problems such as ulcers. In ulcerative colitis Ibuprofen can be helpful in easing muscle cramping and backaches.

There are also ways to ease abdominal pain without having to take medication. Exercise, heat and cold, yoga, meditation and breathing techniques are among the most popular methods used to treat any pain.

Exercise helps to relax the whole body by reducing anxiety and stress. When we exercise our bodies release endorphins. This natural chemical blocks pain signals from reaching our brains. Endorphins are considered to be the natural equivalent to morphine. If you have abdominal pain caused by ulcerative colitis and choose to use exercise to ease your pain it is important to consult your doctor before attempting to use this technique.

The theory behind using wet heat is that heat acts as a vasodilator (dilation of the blood vessels). Dilating the blood vessels increases blood flow and eases pain by supplying more oxygenated blood to the body and relaxes it as a whole. Heat that is wet is thought to penetrate more easily into the body. Examples of wet heat include hot tubs and packs that are filled with a gel that can be heated. Cold packs are effective in reducing inflammation and provide symptomatic relief.

Yoga, mediation and breathing techniques are becoming very popular to alleviate the pain of many disorders. When we focus on our breathing we become more aware of our body's. By establishing this intimacy and changing our negative attitudes to more positive ones we create a general feeling of well-being. The purpose is to distract our minds from the pain and focus on producing total relaxation.

Sources:
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America
Shaz's Ostomy Pages
Web MD