Yes, it is typical for pain associated with IBS to be quite changeable. Pain can change from day to day, hour to hour and sometimes moment to moment! By definition, IBS pain is usually relieved by a bowel movement. It is common, though, for people to continue to experience tenderness, cramping and aching that is unrelated to the onset of a bowel movement.
IBS pain can occur throughout the abdomen:
- Upper abdomen pain is often associated with bloating and may worsen after meals.
- Cramping can occur around the belly button and through the lower abdomen.
- Lower abdomen pain is most likely to be eased by a bowel movement.
The severity of IBS pain can also be very changeable. Pain can range from mild to unbearable and be constant or intermittent. Common descriptions of IBS pain are:
- Twingy, crampy
- Stitch-like
- Sharp and stabbing
- Constant abdominal aching
- Tenderness when abdomen is touched
- Bloating discomfort
IBS pain can be differentiated from other common digestive disorders by the location of the pain:
- Pain experienced behind the sternum, after meals, and worsened by bending and lying down is likely to be heartburn.
- Pain experienced after meals below the sternum, at the top of the abdomen, is likely to be indigestion.
Discuss any concerns about your pain with your doctor. If your symptoms are consistent with the Rome III criteria and you have no red-flag symptoms, you can be assured that your changing pain symptoms are most likely due to IBS.
Essential Reading from Dr. Bolen, Your IBS Guide:
- How To Soothe Abdominal Pain from IBS
- Guided Imagery for IBS Pain Relief
- What Does Your IBS Pain Feel Like?
Where does your IBS hurt? Take the poll!
Sources:
Farhadi, A. “I Have IBS…Now What?!!!” SanitizAir, Inc. 2007.
Thompson, G. “Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Heartburn, Dyspepsia: What’s the Difference?” IFFGD Digestive Health Matters 2008 17:8-11.
