Psychosomatics of stomach pain
Stomach pain can come from gas, constipation, indigestion, periods and many other causes, and the NHS stresses that it is not always a sign of something serious. But if the pain does not go away or keeps returning, book a GP. Sudden severe pain needs an ambulance. The Ladder method helps you notice what you are holding inside, and it does not replace a doctor.
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When to see a doctor
A GP, who will refer you to a gastroenterologist, gynecologist or surgeon if needed. If the pain is linked to periods, you can go straight to a gynecologist. The doctor will ask where it hurts and for how long, examine the belly and, if needed, order tests and an ultrasound (MedlinePlus). Come if pain, bloating or indigestion do not go away or keep returning, and if you found a lump in the belly (NHS).
In the Ladder method
In the Ladder method stomach pain is not explained by the words you did not digest something and is not counted as blame. You are not to blame: the causes are usually in food, the bowel, periods and pelvic organs. A doctor comes first, and the questions to yourself go alongside the check, not instead of it.
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In the method the belly fits the image of the unspoken: feelings that have nowhere to go stay inside and squeeze. This is an image, not a cause of the pain, and it does not replace an exam.
On the ladder this shows up as the steps I am not allowed to be unhappy and I must put up with everything. You can work through them at your own pace.
These are questions for reflection, not an explanation of what causes the condition and not a treatment.
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How it shows up
Book a doctor’s appointment if you notice:
- Dull, aching pain or cramps
- Bloating and gas
- Nausea, heartburn or heaviness after eating
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Pain linked to periods
- Pain that goes away and returns
What medicine knows
The belly stretches from the chest to the groin, and it holds not only the stomach but also the intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, uterus and ovaries. Pain from any of them is called abdominal pain, and sometimes it starts elsewhere, for example in the chest. Severe pain does not always mean a serious illness, and mild pain is not always safe (MedlinePlus).
The NHS lists common causes: gas and bloating, indigestion, constipation, a stomach bug or food poisoning. Cramps during periods can be ordinary period pain, but very severe pain on those days, especially with pain during sex and when passing stools, can be endometriosis. Repeated cramps, bloating, diarrhea or constipation point to irritable bowel syndrome.
Among other causes the NHS names appendicitis with pain in the lower right, kidney stones with severe pain spreading to the groin, nausea and pain when urinating, and gallstones with severe pain lasting up to 8 hours in the middle of the belly or under the right ribs. That is why you should not diagnose yourself.
A doctor asks where it hurts, for how long and what it is linked to, examines the belly and, if needed, orders tests, an ultrasound or other examination (MedlinePlus). A pharmacist can suggest remedies for constipation and indigestion. If pain, bloating or indigestion do not go away or keep coming back, you should see a doctor in any case (NHS).
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Frequently asked questions
What causes stomach pain?
According to the NHS, most often gas, indigestion, constipation, a stomach bug or food poisoning, and in women also periods. There are serious causes too, such as appendicitis, kidney stones or gallstones, so severe or lasting pain needs a doctor.
Can the stomach hurt from nerves?
Stress and anxiety can make unpleasant feelings in the belly stronger, but other causes must be ruled out first. In the Ladder method stomach pain is a reason to ask yourself what was left unsaid, and it does not replace a doctor.
When does stomach pain need urgent treatment?
If the pain started suddenly and is very severe, the belly is hard, there is blood in vomit or stool, or you cannot pass stool or gas, call an ambulance. The NHS advises not to drive to the hospital yourself.
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Answers to common questions
Psychosomatics does not replace tests and treatment. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.