Chronic abdominal pain is ongoing pain in the belly or abdominal wall that lasts beyond normal healing time, often three months or more. It can involve the muscles and nerves of the abdominal wall itself, nerve entrapment after surgery, or pain signals that persist after the original problem has resolved.
Many people arrive at a pain specialist after tests and scans have come back normal. That does not mean the pain is imagined. It often means the source is in the nerves or soft tissue, which standard imaging does not always show.
Common symptoms
- Pain that persists after normal test results
- Discomfort tied to posture or movement
- Tenderness at one specific spot on the abdomen
- Pain that flares after eating or activity
How interventional pain physicians treat it
Interventional pain physicians typically begin with a detailed history and a physical exam focused on pinpointing the pain generator, then build a plan around the least invasive options that will work. Care may include:
- Medication management
- Trigger point injections
- Nerve blocks
- Neuromodulation
Treatment is always determined by a physician based on individual evaluation. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my abdomen still hurt if my test results are normal?
Standard imaging looks for structural problems in the organs. Pain that comes from the abdominal wall, entrapped nerves, or sensitized pain pathways often does not appear on scans, which is why a targeted physical evaluation matters.
How do doctors find the source of chronic abdominal pain?
A careful exam can often distinguish abdominal wall pain from deeper organ pain. Diagnostic injections, where a small amount of numbing medication is placed at a suspected source, can help confirm exactly where the pain is coming from.
Can chronic abdominal pain be treated without surgery?
Often, yes. Many patients improve with a combination of medications, targeted injections, and nerve-focused treatments. Surgery is generally considered only when a specific structural cause is identified.
Independent, physician-owned practices in the DxTx network provide this kind of care across 11 states. One call connects you to the practice closest to you.