Abdominal or Pelvic Pain Specialists
In Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Virginia
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, regardless 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 one in seven 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 medical experts 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.
What Patients Are Saying
Great office, good people. Been there quite a few years. Never a problem. Leave them a message, they always respond. I've had six back surgeries 2knees and right shoulder. Gregg keeps my chronic debilitating pain managed well so I can still live my life best I can. Im so grateful.
Jenny Martins / google review
Dr. Rao. I can't find the words to tell you how much he has meant to me. I followed him from an old practice to his very new high tech office. They offer so many different areas of assistance to those with issues from nutrition to spinal surgery... and much more. His office is professional.
Mom To2 / vitals
Dr. Rao is such an amazing doctor! During my first visit, he never tried to rush through my appt.; he genuinely listened to all my concerns and then took his time to explain to me in detail all his recommendations and how they would help me.
Nikki / healthgrades
Abdominal / Pelvic Pain Treatment Guide
Abdominal / Pelvic Pain 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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Access to our Abdominal / Pelvic Pain guide, pain quiz, FAQ's, and patient reviews.
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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/pelvic pain specialists understand how debilitating abdominal or pelvic pain can be. We are 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 or 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 best to remember that this is not an exhaustive list, and many other conditions could also lead to abdominal or pelvic pain. However, the most common causes of abdominal or pelvic pain include:
- Gastrointestinal Issues
- Urinary System Conditions
- Reproductive System Complications
- Musculoskeletal Issues
- Chronic Conditions
Causes for Both Men and Women
Men and women experience pelvic or abdominal pain because of:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS 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: Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases characterized by gastrointestinal tract inflammation.
- Interstitial Cystitis: Interstitial cystitis is a recurring pain in the bladder and a frequent urge to urinate.
- Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by eating gluten, which is food such as wheat, barley, rye, and other grains. This immune reaction creates inflammation that damages the small intestines lining over time.
Causes Specific to Men
Causes of abdominal or pelvic pain in men is often due to:
- Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is a form of the disease 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 is known as prostatitis. Other areas near the prostate can also swell, resulting in pelvic or abdominal pain and difficult or even painful urination.
Causes Specific to Women
Women have abdominal or pelvic pain mainly because of:
- Endometriosis: 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 is known as ovarian cancer. 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 can be a root cause of pelvic or abdominal pain for women.
- Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous growths of the uterus, known as uterine 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.
Some common pelvic pain symptoms include:
- Pain: This pain could be constant or intermittent, sharp or dull, cramp-like, localized or widespread throughout the abdominal or pelvic area.
- Digestive Issues: Digestive issues including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or bloating can be causing abdominal or pelvic pain.
- Urinary Symptoms: There might be changes in urination, such as increased frequency, urgency, or pain during urination, which increases pelvic or abdominal pain.
- 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
Unfortunately, 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.
Some risk factors can be:
- Irregular Periods
- Heavy or Prolonged Menstrual Flows
- History of Endometriosis or Miscarriages
- Anxiety or Depression Diagnosis
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Diagnosis of Abdominal or Pelvic Pain
When a patient complains of abdominal pain or pelvic pain, the next is a comprehensive exam performed by our abdominal/pelvic pain specialists. 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.
A few steps our physicians use:
- 1Review 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.
- 2Physical Examination: Our expert team will conduct a detailed physical examination to assess the pain and identify any visible issues.
- 3Diagnostic Imaging: Our team employs 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.
- 4Nerve Tests: When necessary, we carry out nerve tests to evaluate the function of your nerves and identify any nerve damage.
- 5Diagnostic 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 our abdominal/pelvic pain specialists 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.
Injection Therapies
Injection therapies can help to alleviate localized pain in the abdominal or pelvic region.
- Trigger Point Injections: Trigger point injections can help manage muscle pain in the abdominal or pelvic area.
- Epidural Steroid Injection: An epidural steroid injection can help reduce inflammation and pain originating from the spine that radiates to the abdominal or pelvic area.
- Sacroiliac Joint Injections: Sacroiliac joint injections can help treat pain caused by sacroiliac joint dysfunction, which can manifest as lower back, hip, groin, or pelvic pain.
- Celiac Plexus Block Injections: This injection works by targeting the nerves of the celiac plexus, reducing inflammation in the area and numbing nerve endings that transmit pain signals from abdominal and pelvic organs.
- Hypogastric Plexus Block Injections: This injection works by targeting the nerves of the hypogastric plexus, reducing inflammation in the area and numbing nerve endings that transmit pain signals from abdominal and pelvic organs.
Advanced Interventional Procedures
Advanced interventional procedures are typically used for chronic pelvic pain syndrome treatment. For example, spinal cord stimulation can potentially help with chronic pelvic pain by disrupting the pain signals sent to the brain.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation: This treatment can potentially help with chronic pelvic pain by disrupting the pain signals sent to the brain.
Conventional Therapies
Conventional treatments provide a broad approach to pain management.
- Medication Management Programs: A medication management 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
Alternative therapies can provide additional support in managing pain. An altervative approach to treatment includes acupuncture. Acupuncture is a 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, our abdominal specialists 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
Coverage varies by insurance company and plan, so it's best to check directly with your insurance provider.
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.
You can ask your primary care physician for a referral, use online directories from professional organizations, or search online reviews.
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.
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.
Minimally invasive treatments often have shorter recovery times, less risk of complications, and can often be performed on an outpatient basis.
First-line treatments often include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and medications to manage pain and inflammation.
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.
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.
Getting Started
Starting your path to a life free from pain is easy. Get in touch with our Pain and Spine Specialists team 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 essential to keep our patients informed and engaged throughout every stage of the process. Our medical experts will describe each suggested treatment, including its potential benefits and what you can expect.
About Us
We are a comprehensive pain management practice with board-certified Abdominal / Pelvic Pain doctors in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia that specialize in innovative treatments for Abdominal / Pelvic Pain.
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Abdominal / Pelvic Pain Treatments
Patients diagnosed with Abdominal / Pelvic Pain may be good candidates for the following treatments.
Common Causes
Abdominal / Pelvic Pain is often caused by the following conditions.
Related Pain Conditions
Abdominal / Pelvic Pain is often caused by the following conditions.
Contact Us
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.
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*We accept workers' comp and personal injury claim patients
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We Accept All Insurances!
That includes Medicare and state Medicaid.
Usually within one week of the initial call.
Appointments can be schedule by phone or through our contact form here.
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.
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.
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.
Meet Our Team
Abdominal Pain Specialists In Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida, 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 for chronic pelvic pain techniques, but they also bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding from years of providing relief to patients suffering from chronic pain.
