Ulcerative Colitis: Dealing with Upper Stomach Pain

Ulcerative colitis is usually associated with lower abdominal pain. In truth, ulcerative colitis causes upper stomach pain too. This is because of the intense cramping and straining during a flare up. Sometimes, heartburn and indigestion can cause upper stomach pain in people that have ulcerative colitis.

Upper stomach pain is more of challenge to deal with than lower stomach pain. I have figured out a few ways to lessen the pain in my upper stomach during a flare up.

I make sure that I stretch my stomach muscles a lot when I am having a flare up. I usually lay on my back on an exercise ball. Doing this arches my back and lets my stomach muscles stretch as much as possible. Stretching seems to make the pain more bearable for me.

When I am in the bathroom during a flare up, I stretch. Most people automatically bend forward when they have stomach cramps. I have discovered that this is not a good idea. It seems to make the pain a little worse. Try lifting your hands above your head and arching your back just a little.

Relaxing will also help upper stomach pain. Your muscles will be less tense and your digestive system can function better when you are relaxed. I use meditation and deep breathing to help me to relax. I imagine my entire body as a wet noodle. That helps me to stay limber and keep my muscles loose.

I also use Icy Hot patches to help control my upper stomach pain. These patches seem to help the muscle pain and sometimes they seem to help lessen the heartburn. I am not completely sure why but, hey if it works, why question it?

If for some reason, none of these suggestions work, my next step is massage or acupuncture. Direct massage of my upper stomach is what I try at home. I use a tennis ball to massage my muscles. To do this, just rub the tennis ball over your upper stomach in small circular motions.

Acupuncture and professional massage are my last resorts before I contact my health care professional. I am usually able to lessen the upper stomach pain to a manageable level without having to seek professional help.