Tips for Reducing Pain from Crohn's Disease

The pain from Crohn's disease can be as mild as a cramping belly ache or as severe as exquisitely tender fistulas and disabling arthritic joints. It is possible to reduce, and even prevent, the pain from Crohn's disease with the medicinal, topical, dietary, and mind-body therapies discussed below.

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by ulcerations of the intestinal wall. However, it is important for the newly diagnosed Crohn's patient to understand that while the inflammation of Crohn's disease is most severe in the intestines, it actually affects the entire body. Unfortunately, individual's with Crohn's may develop many different painful problems including:

1. Arthritis- Most often occurs in the knees, ankles and back, but can occur in any joint.

2. Keratitis or scleritis- Inflammation of the eyes

3. Apthous ulcers- Ulcers in the mouth (not herpes or canker sores)

4. Anal fissures- Tears in the skin of the anus

5. Fistulas- Tracts connecting the intestines to other organs including the skin

6. Erythema nodosum- Painful raised bumps on the shins

7. Small bowel obstruction- Caused by stricturing, or significant narrowing, of a section of the intestine.

Of course, the most common type of pain experienced by Crohn's patients is simply abdominal pain. This pain is usually a cramping sensation and/or a general aching discomfort in the belly.

There are several ways to reduce the pain caused by Crohn's disease. However, any method used to reduce pain from Crohn's disease should happen in conjunction with one very important key to Crohn's pain: get the inflammation under control.

This simple concept is absolutely essential to preventing every single one of the painful conditions associated with Crohn's disease. Unfortunately, controlling the inflammation of Crohn's disease is not an easy task. Every Crohn's patient should work with a gastroenterologist to manage their condition. However, there are a number of other approaches that may be used in conjunction with medical therapy.

Prescription medication for Crohn's disease:

There are a large number of prescription medications used in Crohn's disease. Often, it is a matter of trial and error to find the right medication for each individual. The most common medications used to treat Crohn's disease include:

-Pentasa

-Budesonide

-Imuran

-Remicade

-Humira

-Flagyl

-Ciprofloxacin

-Prednisone

Each medication is associated with side effects. The risk of side effects should always be weighed against the benefit of improved quality of life and longevity.

Herbs and supplements for Crohn's disease:

Nonprescription medications that may have some benefit in Crohn's disease according to current research include Curcumin, Fish oil, Probiotics, and long branch chain amino acids. There are many other herbal and nutritional supplements advertised for Crohn's but the research is either too early to say or is simply not being done.

Homeopathy for Crohn's disease:

There is limited research supporting the use of homeopathic medicines in Crohn's disease. This is simply because homeopathic medicines are proposed to work at an energetic level that is very difficult to design studies around. Despite the lack of research, homeopathy is always worth trying because it is inexpensive and, due to its very diluted composition, is completely free of adverse effects or drug interactions. You may work with a homeopath (do not stop your other medications!) or buy otc homeopathic remedies for your symptoms.

Mind-body therapy for Crohn's disease:

Stress has been identified as a significant factor in Crohn's flares. Mind-body approaches may be beneficial in stress management. Some of these techniques include yoga, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback and hypnotherapy.

Other therapies for the pain of Crohn's disease:

There are other ways to deal with the pain of Crohn's disease if you have been unable to prevent a flare up. These can include heating pads, acetaminophen (avoid Ibuprofen and other strong NSAIDs!), prescription narcotics, topical arthritis creams, laying in the fetal position, and simple distraction.

Remember, if you are having a flare of symptoms your doctor needs to know about it. Don't try to wait it out. The symptoms of a flare up are an indication that damage is occurring to tissues of your body and your doctor may need to adjust your medication.