Abdominal Pain

Occasional abdominal pain can be expected, but if your symptoms cause daily pain, you should see Alaina Goesling, ND, LAc, in Seattle, Washington. As an expert in digestive health, she can determine the root cause of your abdominal pain and help your gut heal with natural remedies. Don’t suffer from pain anymore. Call the office today or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment. Dr. Goesling offers telehealth appointments, too.

What is abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain refers to discomfort or pain felt in the region between your chest and pelvis, commonly known as the abdomen. It's a symptom rather than a specific ailment and can range from mild to severe, intermittent to constant, or sharp to dull. 

The area includes various organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. Dr. Goesling can pinpoint the exact cause with a proper evaluation.

What causes abdominal pain?

Several factors can contribute to abdominal pain. Digestive issues like indigestion, gas, or constipation can result in discomfort. Infections caused by bacteria or viruses affecting the digestive system can lead to pain, as can inflammation or irritation of organs like appendicitis, gastritis, or pancreatitis.

Other causes include menstrual cramps, kidney stones, hernias, ulcers, or even stress and anxiety, which can manifest as abdominal discomfort.

What conditions are associated with abdominal pain?

Many conditions are associated with abdominal pain, including gastrointestinal disorders, such as:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Gastroenteritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Peptic ulcers

Conditions affecting organs like the gallbladder (gallstones), pancreas (pancreatitis), or liver (hepatitis) can also cause abdominal discomfort.

How is abdominal pain treated holistically?

Dr. Goesling’s holistic approach addresses the root cause rather than just alleviating the symptoms. Integrating conventional medicine with complementary therapies ensures a comprehensive approach to managing abdominal pain and promoting overall health and well-being.

Before treatment, she considers various aspects of your health and lifestyle. Lifestyle changes such as adopting a balanced diet, regular exercise, managing stress levels, and adequate hydration can significantly impact your digestive health. 

She may also recommend herbal remedies, acupuncture, or mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga to alleviate stress and promote overall wellness. 

It’s important to understand that treatment varies depending on the underlying cause. For example, bacterial infections might require antibiotics, while digestive issues might benefit from dietary modifications or over-the-counter medications. Chronic conditions may require long-term management involving medication, dietary changes, and stress reduction techniques.

If you suffer from abdominal pain, reach out to the practice of Alaina Goesling for an expert diagnosis, treatment, and care tailored to your specific needs. Call the friendly staff now or book an appointment online today. If you’d like a consultation from the comfort of your own home, telehealth is offered as a convenient option.