physical therapy/medication?

I have had lower abdominal/groin pain and a funny feeling in my back for over a year now. I have had tons of tests all showing nothing wrong. I really believe this to be ibs which i was diagnosed with or a nerve issue in my back. my pain management specialist wants me to take elavil which i am nervous about becasue of the weight gain. I did get a referral for physical therapy. could physical therapy help this type of pain? I just want to get rid of the pain and not be cracked out on pain pills!

No, if you ibs is the cause of your symptoms, there is no effect that PT will have on your pain. Until your ibs is controlled, the pain will remain.

If it is a nerve issue (which is considered a mechanical pain), this will become apparant on physical therapy exam.

Here are some clues as to cuases of a medical (especially in the case of ibs or other GI issue) versus mechanical causes of pain.

Medical: pain is unaffected by movements and positions. Sitting, standing, walking and lying do not make the pain better, nor to they make it worse. Pain is produce or eliminated by eating or elimination of the bowels. Pain is common in the abdomen and groin….usually never in the leg.

Mechanical: pain can be intermittent or constant, but movements or positions change the pain. Sitting is often worse, walking is usually better (but not always). Mechanical back pain can be referred to the back or leg, but is rarely referred to the abdomen.

If it might be mechanical, I would definetely seek out PT. If medical, seek to normalize this aspect of your life.

Good luck

Lower Stomach Pain

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