Abdominal or Pelvic Pain Specialists

Abdominal or pelvic pain is discomfort in the area below your chest and above your pelvis. It can range from a mild ache to severe, sharp pain. At Pain and Spine Specialists, we provide specialized treatments for abdominal or pelvic pain that aim to alleviate symptoms like cramping, bloating, sharp stabbing pain, or dull and constant aches. Our dedicated team is here to guide you towards a more comfortable life, free from persistent pain.

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Abdominal Pain and Pelvic Pain Treatment

Abdominal or pelvic pain is a common condition that can affect anyone, irrespective of age or gender. This discomfort, ranging from mild aches to severe, sharp pain, can significantly impact daily life and is more prevalent than you might think. It's estimated that about 1 in 7 experience chronic pelvic pain and nearly half of all adults in the US will suffer from chronic Abdominal pain at some point in their lives.

If you want to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for abdominal or pelvic pain, kindly use the navigation buttons below. Our specialists at Pain and Spine Specialists are highly trained and experienced in managing this type of pain. If you're ready to schedule a consultation, feel free to reach out to us using our contact form or by giving us a call.

Please remember early intervention is crucial in managing abdominal or pelvic pain effectively. Don't wait for the pain to control your life; take the first step toward relief today.

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Digital Guide

Discover our comprehensive digital guide on Abdominal or Pelvic Pain. It covers everything from potential causes and common symptoms to effective treatments. 

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Understanding Abdominal or Pelvic Pain

Abdominal or pelvic pain refers to discomfort that occurs in the lower torso area, between your chest and your groin. This pain can range from mild to severe, acute to chronic, and may be constant or intermittent, sharp or dull, cramp-like, or more generalized. The nature of the pain and its location can provide clues about what may be causing it.

Who is Affected by Abdominal or Pelvic Pain?

While abdominal or pelvic pain can affect individuals of any age, gender, or race, it tends to be more common in women. Certain conditions causing this type of pain, such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, are specific to women. However, both men and women can suffer from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or urinary tract infections, which can also cause abdominal or pelvic pain.

Most patients with abdominal pain prefer to be treated by specialists who have the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and treat their condition accurately. Our abdominal specialists understand how debilitating abdominal or pelvic pain can be. Our dedicated team is committed to diagnosing the source of your pain and developing a personalized treatment plan to help you regain control of your life.


Causes Of Abdominal or Pelvic Pain

Abdominal/pelvic pain is often described as sharp, dull-aching, throbbing, cramping, or pressure-like pain. When this pain persists over a considerable amount of time, it is classified as chronic pain, which can indicate a present underlying issue.


Common Causes

It's important to remember that this is not an exhaustive list, and many other conditions could also lead to abdominal or pelvic pain.

  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Urinary system conditions
  • Reproductive system complications
  • Musculoskeletal problems
  • Chronic conditions: Certain diseases often present with consistent abdominal pain.


Specific Causes for Both Men and Women

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a disorder affecting the muscle contractions of the bowel. The symptoms of IBS, such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, can cause pelvic pain.
  • Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: chronic inflammatory bowel diseases characterized by gastrointestinal tract inflammation.
  • Interstitial Cystitis: recurring pain in the bladder and a frequent urge to urinate.
  • Celiac Disease: an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by eating gluten (wheat, barley, rye, and other grains). This immune reaction creates inflammation that damages the small intestines lining over time.

Specific Causes Specific to Men:

  • Prostate Cancer: A type of Cancer that occurs in the prostate, a walnut-sized gland producing seminal fluid. Pelvic pain can also happen when the Cancer has spread to the bones.
  • Prostatitis: Inflammation that causes swelling of the prostate. Other areas near the prostate can also swell, resulting in pelvic/abdominal pain and difficult or even painful urination.

Specific Causes Specific to Women:

  • Endometriosis: occurs when the endometrial lining grows outside the uterus, which can cause scar tissue and adhesions.
  • Ovarian Cancer: the growth of cancerous cells on the organs that produce eggs, known as the ovaries. Ovarian Cancer frequently goes undetected until it has spread to the pelvis and abdominal area, at which point pain can start.
  • Cervical Cancer: a malignant cervix tumor located at the lower part of the uterus and connects to the vagina.
  • Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous growths of the uterus. These fibroids can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, and pelvic pain.

Symptoms Associated with Abdominal or Pelvic Pain 

 

Abdominal or pelvic pain manifests in various ways, and its symptoms can differ greatly based on the underlying cause and severity. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

  • Pain: This could be constant or intermittent, sharp or dull, cramp-like, localized or widespread throughout the abdominal or pelvic area.
  • Digestive issues: These may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or bloating.
  • Urinary symptoms: There might be changes in urination, such as increased frequency, urgency, or pain during urination.
  • Menstrual irregularities: In women, changes in menstrual patterns such as unusually heavy periods, painful periods, or spotting between periods could be related.
  • Fever: An elevated body temperature could indicate an infection or other medical condition causing the pain.

The severity of these symptoms can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms might cause discomfort but don't interfere significantly with daily activities. Moderate symptoms might require over-the-counter medications and rest, while severe symptoms might be debilitating, preventing normal functioning and necessitating immediate medical attention.

Risk Factors

Anyone is at risk for developing pelvic pain. Many conditions that lead to pelvic or abdominal pain can be genetic or caused by other contributing circumstances that a person has no control over. The following are some of those factors.

  • Irregular periods
  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual flows
  • History of endometriosis or miscarriages
  • Diagnosis of anxiety or depression

Diagnosis of Abdominal or Pelvic Pain

When a patient complains of abdominal pain or pelvic pain the next is a comprehensive exam. During this exam, our board-certified abdominal pain specialists will use advanced diagnostic techniques to find out the root cause your pain and build a comprehensive treatment plan around your unique needs. Here are a few steps our physicians use when completing their comprehensive exams:

  • Review of Medical History: We start by understanding your past and present health situation. This includes discussing any previous diagnoses or treatments, your current symptoms, and any other relevant medical history.
  • Physical Examination: Our expert team will conduct a detailed physical examination to assess the pain and identify any visible issues.
  • Diagnostic Imaging: We employ cutting-edge imaging technologies such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to get a comprehensive view of your abdominal and pelvic region. This helps us pinpoint any structural abnormalities that might be causing your pain.
  • Nerve Tests: When necessary, we carry out nerve tests to evaluate the function of your nerves and identify any nerve damage.
  • Diagnostic Nerve Blocks: In certain cases, we may use diagnostic nerve blocks such as facet joint injections, epidural steroid injections, SI injections, or medial branch blocks. These procedures can help us determine the specific source of your pain.

Once we have an accurate diagnosis, we will work with you to create a treatment plan to effectively address your chronic abdominal or pelvic pain. We have treatment locations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.


Treatment Options for Abdominal and Pelvic Pain

Abdominal and pelvic pain can be complex and may require various treatment approaches. Our team of abdominal and pelvic specialists offers many different types of treatment to get you back at your best, including:

Injection Therapies

These treatments can help to alleviate localized pain in the abdominal or pelvic region.

  • Trigger Point Injections: These injections can help manage muscle pain in the abdominal or pelvic area.
  • Epidural Steroid Injection: This injection can help reduce inflammation and pain originating from the spine that radiates to the abdominal or pelvic area.
  • Sacroiliac Joint Injections: These injections can help treat pain caused by sacroiliac joint dysfunction, which can manifest as lower back, hip, groin, or pelvic pain.

Advanced Interventional Procedures

These procedures are typically used for chronic or severe pain conditions.

  • Spinal Cord Stimulation: This treatment can potentially help with chronic pelvic pain by disrupting the pain signals sent to the brain.

Conventional Therapies

These treatments provide a broad approach to pain management.

  • Medication Management Programs: This program can help control symptoms of abdominal or pelvic pain through personalized medication plans.
  • Referrals to Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help strengthen the body, improve mobility, and alleviate pain through targeted exercises and techniques.

Alternative Therapies

These therapies can provide additional support in managing pain.

  • Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique can help manage various types of pain, including abdominal or pelvic pain, by stimulating specific points in the body to promote healing and pain relief.


Please note that these treatments should be administered under the guidance of a healthcare professional after a comprehensive evaluation. Always consult with doctors who specialize in pelvic pain before choosing a treatment.


The Role of Pain and Spine Specialists in Treating Abdominal and Pelvic Pain

At Pain and Spine Specialists, we are dedicated to alleviating your discomfort and improving your quality of life. We understand that each patient's pain is unique. That's why our approach is centered on understanding the root cause of your pain through a thorough diagnostic process. This allows us to tailor a treatment plan that is as unique as you are.

We provide a wide range of treatments, including Injection Therapies and Advanced Interventional Procedures, as well as Conventional and Alternative Therapies in collaboration with Shakthi Health and Wellness Center.

Getting Started With Us

Starting your path to a life free from pain is easy. Get in touch with us to set up an initial consultation. During this consultation, we will talk about your symptoms, medical background, and any prior treatments you have undergone. We feel it's important to keep our patients informed and engaged throughout every stage of the process. Our team will describe each suggested treatment, including its potential benefits and what you can expect.

About Us

At Pain and Spine Specialists, we're a team of board-certified doctors specializing in comprehensive pain management services at convenient locations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. We have extensive experience treating abdominal or pelvic pain, providing effective relief for our patients with chronic pain.

Find A Location

If you are searching for "Abdominal / Pelvic Pain doctor near me" then click button to search by zip-code.

How To Get Started

If you would like more information about our abdominal pain treatments and other pain management therapies please call Pain and Spine Specialists and speak to our dedicated team to improve the quality of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abdominal or Pelvic Pain FAQ's

What type of doctor to see for Pelvic Pain?

You could consider seeing a gastroenterologist, a urologist, a gynecologist (for women), or a pain management specialist. A pain management specialist is trained specifically in the field of pain and can provide comprehensive care.

What are some abdominal pain red flags?

You should see a doctor if your abdominal pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, unexplained weight loss, or other digestive problems.

What are the benefits of seeing a pain specialist for Abdominal or Pelvic Pain?

A pain specialist can provide a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses not only the physical aspects of pain but also psychological and lifestyle factors. They can also provide advanced treatments like nerve blocks or injections.

Are minimally invasive and traditional Abdominal or Pelvic Pain treatments covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by insurance company and plan, so it's best to check directly with your insurance provider.

How do I find a clinic near me for stomach pain?

You can use online resources such as the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians' directory or the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Health Center Directory.

How do I find a pelvic pain specialist near me?

You can ask your primary care physician for a referral, use online directories from professional organizations, or search online reviews.

What does comprehensive pain management for chronic Pelvic Pain mean?

Comprehensive pain management involves a multidisciplinary approach to treat all aspects of your pain, including physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. It may include medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and minimally invasive procedures.

Why should I see a board-certified Abdominal or Pelvic Pain doctor?

Board-certified doctors have met specific educational, training, and professional requirements. They're committed to staying updated on the latest research and treatments in their field.

What are the benefits of minimally invasive treatments for Abdominal or Pelvic Pain?

Minimally invasive treatments often have shorter recovery times, less risk of complications, and can often be performed on an outpatient basis.

What treatments are often used first for Abdominal or Pelvic Pain?

First-line treatments often include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and medications to manage pain and inflammation.

What treatments are considered if first-line treatments don't work?

If first-line treatments are not effective, your doctor may consider minimally invasive procedures, such as nerve blocks or injections. They may also consider more advanced surgical options.

When to go to the hospital for abdominal pain?

If you are experiencing severe abdominal pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, or changes in your usual bowel movements, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, if the pain has lasted more than a few days and does not seem to be improving with over-the-counter medications and rest, then seeking medical care is recommended.

How Soon Can I Be Seen?

Usually within one week of the initial call.

Appointments can be schedule by phone or through our contact form here.

What To Expect During Appointments

At Pain and Spine Specialists we provide comprehensive pain care while offering the most up-to-date minimally invasive techniques. Our ethos is to treat each patient (and potential patient) as if they were a family member.

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Patient Portal / Policies

At Pain and Spine Specialists we want to provide the most efficient and pleasurable experience possible. As in all medical facilities, we have certain policies in place to ensure that you receive the time you require to address your needs as well as enhance your experience while in our care.

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Reviews and Testimonials

We encourage patient feedback to better improve your experience. We strive to create a friendly and warm environment where patients feel their voices are heard and validated.

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Abdominal Pain Specialists in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia

At Pain and Spine Specialists, we are proud to have a team of board-certified pelvic pain doctors with two decades of experience in effectively treating abdominal and pelvic pain. Our dedicated professionals are not only trained in the latest pain management techniques, but they also bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding from years of providing relief to patients suffering from chronic pain.