Stomach aches

Abdominal pain: common causes and natural remedies

Different types of abdominal pain

Stomach aches are common and can significantly affect daily life: bloating, diffuse pain, digestive issues, or discomfort after meals. These symptoms, sometimes chronic, can have multiple causes such as visceral tension, stress, prolonged postures, or musculoskeletal imbalances.

Osteopathy offers a gentle and holistic approach to relieve these discomforts. It works on organ mobility, local circulation, the diaphragm, and nervous or muscular tensions that may disrupt proper digestive function. The goal is to restore better balance and lasting comfort.

Abdominal pain related to stress or emotions

Digestive pain without an obvious organic cause, often triggered or worsened by stress, anxiety, or intense emotions.

Symptoms:

Bloating or heaviness after meals
Cramping or diffuse pain in the abdomen
Alternating diarrhea and constipation
Difficulty digesting unrelated to food
Associated fatigue or sleep disturbances

Functional digestive disorders

Recurrent abdominal pain without visible injury, often classified as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional colopathy.

Symptoms:

Localized or diffuse, chronic pain
Daily intestinal discomfort
Feeling of bloating, abdominal tension
Irregular bowel movements or post-meal discomfort
Worsening in a seated position or after eating

Mechanical visceral pain

Pain related to a loss of mobility in a digestive organ or adhesions, often after surgery, trauma, or inflammation.

Symptoms:

Persistent and localized pain in a specific area of the abdomen
Sensation of pulling or discomfort with certain movements
Localized bloating
Prolonged post-operative pain
Associated tension in the back or pelvis

Relieve stomach aches with osteopathy

Stomach aches, often linked to stress, functional digestive disorders, or visceral tension, can have a significant impact on daily life. They disrupt digestion, sleep, concentration, and may be accompanied by lower back pain, bloating, or a general feeling of discomfort. It's not uncommon for these digestive issues to also be associated with neck tension, headaches, or even jaw and shoulder pain—especially in people working long hours remotely.

Osteopathy offers a personalized approach to relieve abdominal pain by addressing digestive organ mobility, muscular tensions, and postural imbalances.

As a complement to medical care when necessary, the osteopath performs a global assessment to understand the origin of the issues. They focus not only on the viscera (stomach, intestines, liver, etc.) but also on related structures such as the diaphragm, spine, pelvis, and the autonomic nervous system. The goal is to restore proper visceral mobility, release tension in affected tissues, and improve local circulation to support digestive comfort. This helps reduce inflammation, relieve recurring pain, and prevent its return.

Depending on the individual case, osteopathic care may include additional work on several factors associated with abdominal pain, such as:

Diaphragm mobility and improved breathing
Releasing visceral tension (liver, stomach, intestines, etc.)
Lumbar mobility and pelvic balance
Supporting the autonomic nervous system (stress, anxiety)
Correcting postural imbalances, which may be related to sciatica, cruralgia, or chronic musculoskeletal pain

Additionally, mechanical issues such as knee pain or the after-effects of a sprain can alter posture or weight distribution, indirectly affecting the abdominal region.

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Some practical advice

🌿 Breathe deeply to soothe the stomach

Take a moment to breathe slowly through your nose, expanding your belly, then exhale gently through your mouth. This type of breathing activates the parasympathetic system, promotes digestion, and relieves abdominal tension.

🌀 Gently massage the abdomen

Place your hands on your stomach and make small circles in a clockwise direction. This action helps stimulate digestion and relax the intestinal muscles.

🍵 Hydrate with warm teas

Hot beverages like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger have digestive and soothing properties. Drink them slowly for a natural calming effect.

🪑 Adopt a relaxing posture after meals

After eating, avoid lying down immediately. Opt for a comfortable seated position with your back straight, and relax your stomach. This helps with better digestion.

🥦 Listen to your body while eating

Eat slowly, in a calm environment, and stop when you feel full. This helps limit bloating and facilitates the digestive system's work.

Frequently asked questions

Abdominal pain without an identified medical cause may be related to functional digestive disorders such as colopathy or irritable bowel syndrome. Stress, posture, or internal tensions can also play a role. Osteopathy helps assess and release areas of visceral or nerve tension that may contribute to this discomfort.
In case of mild pain, it is recommended to favor easily digestible foods, avoid rich or irritating foods, and take moments of rest. Gentle stretching or abdominal breathing can help relieve tension. An osteopathy session can assist in quickly relieving the imbalances responsible for the discomfort.
It is important to consult if the pain recurs, intensifies, lasts for several days, or is accompanied by symptoms such as changes in bowel movements, fatigue, or nausea. In addition to medical follow-up, osteopathy can provide real relief by addressing the underlying mechanical or functional causes.
Good digestive health is based on a varied and balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and a lifestyle that respects your digestion. Osteopathy can also play a preventive role by promoting a good visceral and postural balance.