What Doe Stomach Pain Really Mean?

No matter if it causes you to double over or simply feel uncomfortable, stomach pain is trying to tell you something. Before you dismiss it as nothing major or take medication to resolve the issue, you should figure out what's bringing on the pain. Doing this will allow you to get to the root of the problem and get a real cure instead of a cover-up.

Here are seven things that may cause your stomach to get in knots.

1. Hernias

Hernias occur when the intestines protrude beyond the stomach muscles. Even the description makes you cringe. It's no wonder hernia sufferers are miserable. A little extra precaution today will lead to years of living without this painful condition.

2. Heartburn

Eat the wrong foods or even too much of the right foods, and you could be in for pain that radiates through the chest and enters the abdomen. Know your body and how it reacts to certain foods, and you'll be prepared to sidestep heartburn. That is, as long as you can withstand the temptation of those delicious spicy dishes.

3. Constipation

It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of life and forget to answer the call of nature. Do it long enough and you'll be hurting for a good bowel movement. In the event this occurs to you, call a time-out to relax in the bathroom. You'll be glad you did.

4. Kidney Stones

If you don't eat right or drink right or just have the wrong genes, kidney stones will bring you to your knees. They cause a sharp, sudden pain starting from the back near the ribs and moving toward the groin. Considered by many to be more painful than childbirth, kidney stones require immediate medical treatment.

Pain (any pain-emotional, physical, mental) has a message. The information it has about our life can be remarkably specific, but it usually falls into one of two categories: "We would be more alive if we did more of this," and, "Life would be more lovely if we did less of that." Once we get the pain's message, and follow its advice, the pain goes away.
- Peter McWilliams

5. Anxiety

Butterflies in the stomach are cute. They occur when you're a little nervous about your next date. Excessive anxiety, on the other hand, is nothing but a pain in the gut. When the demands of work and life raise your anxiety level too high, take a step back to reprioritize and relax.

6. Sedentary Lifestyle

Sit around a lot without exercising? You're more likely to have weakened abdominal muscles, putting you at risk for injuries that cause stomach pains. You're also more likely to eat unhealthy foods that cause stomach aches. So get up and get feeling better.

7. Addictions

Believe it or not, an addiction to alcohol, tranquilizers, or other chemical substances put you at a higher risk for chronic pain of all kinds. So while you may be attempting to escape the pain through another drink or shot, you may actually be adding to the pain you're suffering. The good news is that all of the above causes of stomach pain can be resolved with the assistance of an experienced physician. If you're not sure why your stomach is causing you pain, talk with your physician today.

When It's an Emergency

For the most part, stomach pains can be dealt with by your primary care physician, with home remedies, or by using over-the-counter medications. However, some bouts of stomach pain mean something is seriously wrong.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• sudden, sharp onset of abdominal pain
• stomach pain that is accompanied by pains in the chest, neck, or shoulder
• in addition to stomach pain, you vomit blood or have bloody stools
• your abdomen feels stiff and is hard and tender to the touch
• stomach pain that is associated with an inability to have a bowel movement (especially if you're also vomiting)