Abdominal Spasms

Not only adults but children also may complain about occasional abdominal muscle spasms. A number of diseases and disorders can cause abdominal spasms. The sudden involuntary (that you cannot control) contraction of the abdominal muscles, which leads to mild or severe pain in the abdomen is referred to as 'spasm'. Abdominal pain can be experienced for a short period or sometimes, it may continue over an extended period. It is necessary to find out the reason behind occasional abdominal muscle cramps. Correct diagnosis helps design proper treatment.

The simple reason behind involuntary muscle contraction is strained or stretched muscle. But many times, there can be an underlying disease or disorder of the organs located in the abdominal cavity. Sudden constriction of a hollow organ like stomach, liver, gallbladder, small or large intestine, pancreas and appendix may cause abdominal pain or spasms. Spasms in the upper abdomen will be related to the disorder in any of the organs located in the upper abdominal cavity, while lower abdominal pain and cramps will be generally due to the digestive system disorders affecting the function of the organs situated in the lower abdominal cavity. Here is an overview of main and common causes of abdominal cramps.

Abdominal Muscle Spasms: Causes

• Digestive System Diseases: Multiple digestive system diseases like flatulence, acid reflux disease, indigestion, heartburn, cancer, hiatal hernia, tumors, gastritis, alcoholic liver diseases, celiac disease, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, spleen problems, lactose intolerance and cholecystitis can lead to abdominal muscle spasms.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, changing shape of the uterus, hormonal changes, stress and overexercise can lead to lower abdominal pain and cramps. In early pregnancy, implantation of embryo or miscarriage can cause abdominal cramps. Ectopic pregnancy can also lead to abdominal spasms. Labor pain due to severe repeated contractions of the uterus, is another obvious and very common cause of severe abdominal cramps during the process of childbirth.
• Overexercise and Bad Posture: Overexercise, performing weightlifting exercises in a wrong way or performing any kind of exercise that is not suitable for your body can lead to abdominal cramps. Adoption of an awry posture while sitting for prolonged periods can also give rise to painful spasms.
• Abdominal Migraine: The abdominal migraine symptoms though very rare, are observed mostly in children belonging to the age group of 5-9. Some chemical changes related to histamine and serotonin, trigger an abdominal migraine attack and can thus, cause abdominal pain and cramps.
• Food Allergy: Any type of food which is not suitable for your body (condition known as food intolerance) can cause indigestion, bloating and abdominal pain. As a result of a severe reaction, spasms are experienced by the person after consumption of wrong food, excess food or an allergen.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Urinary tract infections are sometimes responsible for abdominal pain followed by shooting abdominal cramps. Formation of kidney stones may obstruct the path of urine and may lead to infection (UTI), pain and cramps in the lower abdominal area.
• Gallstones: Formation of gallstones in the gallbladder can obstruct the path of bile and accumulation of bile can lead to infection. It can cause pain in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen. The pain may spread towards the shoulder, lower back and lower abdomen.
• Obstruction in the Digestive Tract: Any type of hernia, internal bleeding, ulcers, a growing tumor in the abdominal cavity can cause abdominal pain and occasional cramps. The tumor can be benign or malignant.
• Bacterial Diseases of Digestive System: Bacterial or viral infection leading to typhoid, jaundice, cholera, leptospirosis and food poisoning may lead to severe abdominal pain and spasms.
• Constipation: Hardening of stools and difficulty in passing stools is called 'constipation' which can lead to excessive pressure on abdominal muscles, resulting in pain and cramps.
• Diarrhea: Diarrhea is the most common cause of spasms in the abdominal area. It is common in infants, children and adults.
• Ovarian Cysts and Fibroids : In women, an ovarian cyst or uterine fibroids can lead to severe lower abdominal cramps.
• Menstruation: Women frequently suffer from severe menstrual cramps before or during menstruation.
• Appendicitis: Appendicitis is a common cause of sudden spasms in the abdominal area.

Treatment for occasional abdominal pain and cramps may vary from person to person, depending upon the cause and overall health of the person. For simple reasons like excessive gas, home remedies like consumption of lemon and ginger or asafetida might help relieve the pain. Following a high fiber diet, elimination of fast food from diet, avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol/drugs can help avoid most digestive system problems. Drinking plenty of water and healthy liquids, consuming foods rich in probiotic bacteria that help maintain the health of the intestinal flora can help relieve symptoms of constipation. Ginger root tea works wonders for abdominal spasms. However, continual onslaughts of such spasms should not be overlooked and medical intervention should be sought as early as practicable.

You should consult your physician if you often suffer from abdominal pain and cramps. After knowing your medical history and severity/type of the symptoms experienced by you, the physician would recommend correct therapy. Prescribed pain killers and other medications can help relieve the pain and other symptoms. Regular and proper abdominal exercises can keep you fit forever. You can avoid frequent abdominal pain and cramps by following a balanced diet and by leading a healthy lifestyle.