Pain Relief for Crohn's Cramps

Living with Crohn's disease, which is a painful condition known as an inflammatory bowel disease, can be incredibly difficult. It can be quite painful at times, and according to the Mayo Clinic can occasionally result in life-threatening complications. Thankfully, the pain associated with Crohn's disease, specifically cramping, can be treated with a variety of methods, all of which can be accomplished from the comfort of your own home.

Symptoms

• The symptoms commonly associated with Crohn's disease often develop sporadically and with no warning. They can include: severe diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration; severe and oftentimes debilitating pain can occur in the abdominal area, which is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting; the presence of blood in the stool or blood found upon examination, which is known as occult blood; the development of ulcers in the lining of the intestines and, in some instances, the mouth; and an unwanted drop in weight, often associated with a diminished appetite. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your physician as soon as possible.

Pain Relief

• The cramping associated with Crohn's disease stems from the abnormal passage of food through the digestive tract, the result of the bowel swelling and eventually developing scar tissue. According to the Mayo Clinic, the pain may be mild or severe. The best way to treat this pain is to prevent it from ever occurring in the first place, or simply reducing its severity. This can be accomplished by learning what triggers the pain. This can include eliminating certain foods such as spicy foods and dairy, as well as controlling the amount of stress you encounter on a daily basis.

  Beyond this, you can decrease the amount of pressure that is placed upon the stomach by eating much smaller meals and consuming plenty of fiber and water. Eating a lot of fiber may cause temporary pain, but in the long run can prove beneficial. As such, it should be introduced gradually and in between symptom flare-ups. Ways to reduce stress can include yoga and meditation, while biofeedback, which involves a machine designed to discover what's causing your stress, can be utilized.

  Other pain treatment includes over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications such as Immodium and fiber supplements such as Metamucil that may prove beneficial as well, though this is typically used only as a short-term cure for cramping and diarrhea. In the end you should discuss with your doctor the best method of alleviating the pain and treating the condition in the long-term.