Cramps are, to put it lightly, the absolute worst. That stabbing pain can leave you breathless, and so desperate you'd do almost anything for a heating pad.
But
what's the deal when those aches arise and you're not on your period?
Before you fall down the Googling-your-symptoms rabbit hole, know that
these sensations are normal.
"Cramps are a
very common complaints amongst my patients and they can occur at any
time," says Niket Sonpal, M.D., assistant clinical professor at Touro
School of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City. Of course, they are
more pronounced in some women during their cycles, but there are other
factors that can trigger cramps at any time.
It
can sometimes be helpful to determine the cramp's cause based on where
it's located. Cramps in an exact location, like the lower left abdomen,
are often associated with the organs in that area, says Sonpal. However,
if the cramps are on both sides, the problem may be affecting the
entire colon, which could indicate gas or a food-related illnesses.
One
thing to keep in mind is that cramping is different from pain. Cramps
come and go while pain stays constant. If you have constant pain, see an
M.D. as soon as you can. If you think it could be another cause, these
seven things could be the culprit:
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
"Most
people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) find that their signs and
symptoms are worse or more frequent during periods of increased stress,
such as finals week or the first weeks on a new job," says Sonpal.
But, while stress may aggravate symptoms, it doesn't cause them. The
exact mechanism is not known, but experts think stress hormones may make
the gut more sensitive to stimuli, thus responding with either diarrhea
or constipation, he says. Additionally, this hyperactivity makes the
muscles in your gut more likely to contract, possibly with intensity.
This leads to the cramps and pain associated with IBS and stress. In
fact, IBS used to be called "spastic colon," says Sonpal. If your
symptoms don't calm down, see a G.I. doc to determine if a different
diet or meds could help ease the problem.
MUSCLE PULL
Not
all cramps and abdominal pain are due to the bowel, says Sonpal.
Sometimes it's as simple as a pulled abdominal muscle. This can result
from exercises like Pilates moves or even from performing your daily
activities and making a sudden motion. An injury like this will leave
your abs feeling sore and, in turn, they'll cramp up. Rest and hydration
can help with this, he says. Take it easy on the planks for a while.
CONSTIPATION
Constipation
leads to waves of pain in various regions of the colon, says Sonpal. In
fact, the pain is constantly relocating because the muscles of the
colon contract to push hard stool forward. If it takes a lot of pressure
to move stool forward, the colon swells and causes cramping. Adding
more water and fiber to your diet can help you avoid constipation, says
Sonpal. For further help, supplements could aid in clearing out your
colon, but be sure to see an M.D. before you start taking one.
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
This
is an autoimmune condition in which antibodies attack the GI tract and
cause ulcers, diarrhea with or without blood, and cramping, says Sonpal.
This chronic disease must be treated aggressively (mostly with
antibiotics) to be put in remission. Your physician can help figure out
if this is the cause with a blood test, colonoscopy, endoscopy, or a mix
of these.
OVULATION
German
for "middle pain," mittelschmerz, the lower abdominal pain associated
with ovulation, occurs about 14 days before the next menstrual period,
says Sonpal. Many PMS issues have one thing in common: the release of
prostaglandins (hormones your body releases to deal with pain) by the
uterus and various other organs, says Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a board-certified ob-gyn and a clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine.
When
you ovulate, you can release a bit of prostaglandin, which can lead to
contraction of the smooth muscle of the uterus and the intestine. This
is the same reason why some women experience intestinal cramping and
diarrhea when they get their periods. Birth control pills do help in
general with cramping because they stop ovulation and cause you to
produce significantly less prostaglandins, says Minkin. Another option
is to take anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen and naproxen,
which blocks the production of prostaglandins. Just make sure to take it
preventatively, otherwise the hormones are still produced and the
cramping won't stop until they're broken down.
GAS
One
of the most common reasons for cramps is developing gas, and this can
be due to bacterial overgrowth or simply not letting it out. "As Shrek says, 'Better out than in,'" says
Sonpal. Although it may be a bit embarrassing, flatulence is very
common and normal. If you hold it in, it swells your colon and causes it
to cramp up, says Sonpal. So go ahead and let it rip.
DIVERTICULITIS
"Many
women do experience pain in their abdomens and assume it is
gynecological in nature when it is really related to the intestines,
because they occupy the same areas," says Minkin. "I have ended
up diagnosing many women with diverticulitis, because they come in to
see me with abdominal pain and cramping, assuming it's related to their
reproductive organs." In this case, what it's really coming from is
their digestive tract. This inflammation of diverticula pouches in your
digestive tract lining causes intense abdominal cramping, along with
fever and nausea. A mild case can be treated with rest, minor diet
changes, and antibiotics. However, severe or recurring diverticulitis
could require surgery.
