Abdominal Wall Pain Syndrome
Chronic abdominal pain without any other symptoms can frustrate physicians and patients alike. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, Abdominal Wall Pain Syndrome is frequently overlooked as the source of the discomfort. In many cases, it takes ruling out other possible conditions before Abdominal Wall Pain Syndrome is considered.
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Symptoms
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The hallmark signal of Abdominal Wall Pain Syndrome is that the pain is in a specific area of the abdomen and it may be constant or fluctuate but there are no other symptoms. For instance, the pain does not change with eating or bowel functions. The pain can change depending on body position. The pain is typically located along one side of the ribs but can also be found in other areas of the abdomen. You can stretch without feeling a muscle tension pain.
Causes
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In some cases, Abdominal Wall Pain Syndrome has no exact cause. In others Endometriosis, Hematomas, Desmoid tumors, neuropathy, myofascial tears or idiopathic intra-abdominal adhesions and hernias cause the pain.
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Tests
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A number of tests may be performed to rule out other conditions. A physician may perform a physical exam in which you may be moved into various positions and poked and prodded to determine the exact trigger point of pain. They may order blood tests to check liver and gall bladder function. Depending on the blood test results they may request CT scans or even a magnetic resonance imaging.
Medicinal Treatments
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Depending on the cause of the pain, your doctor may recommend local anesthetic, corticosteroid injections or phenol. If the pain is caused by other conditions such as a hernia or endometriosis, surgery may be needed.
Alternative Treatments
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Acupuncture has been proven effective in some Abdominal Wall Pain Syndrome patients according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Physical therapy, massage therapy, warm baths and psychological counseling have also proven helpful in relieving the pain.
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