Crohn's disease pain

Crohn's disease pain is the most frequent reason anyone with Crohns (whether diagnosed or not) visits a doctor. The body's natural defence system uses pain as a reflex reaction to help one avoid a harmful situation on the future. Crohns disease pain can manifest itself in many different forms and in its severest form can seriously affect a person's quality of life.

Dependant on where Crohn's disease affects the body, different types of pain can be experienced. One of the most common symptoms of Crohns disease is abdominal pain and because the most common affected area is the lower part of the small intestine (or ileum), it is often felt in the lower right hand side of the body in the form of cramping. This type of pain is sometimes relieved by going to the toilet. Another common symptom of Crohn's disease is intermittent cramping pain which can turn into an ever present dull ache as the disease continues

Crones disease pain can also be caused by inflammation. Back pain can be experienced because of arthritis type swelling in the lower back or spine. This type of pain can be also felt in the joints too.

Some patients with Crohn's experience tears or fissures in their anus lining, which are sometimes caused by inflammation. These fissures can be the cause of bleeding and pain during bowel movements.

One of the goals in the treatment of Crohn's disease is to reduce the pain felt be the patient, however the patient can take steps themselves to reduce the pain. Some changes in lifestyle can reduce the symptoms of crohns disease. These steps include changes in diet, adequate hydration and stopping smoking if applicable. Otherwise the medication that used to tread the inflammatory bowel disease should help to reduce Crohn's disease pain.

© 2006