If yourstomach hurts, you might think the culprit is some misbehaving organ in your abdomen.
Thats a definite possibility, but the offender could actually be yourbrain.
Yup, just likechest pain, abdominal pain can be physical or mental.
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(That means this nerveoriginates from your brain, not your spinal cord).
Here, doctors explain the signs of each.
Here are six signs your abdominal pain could be physical.
Unfortunately, sometimes the situation in question is a nasty bout offoodborne illness.
Something as seemingly harmless as trying a new dish at a restaurant could leave your stomach feeling wonky.
So can makingthese food safety mistakeswhen youre cooking at home.
While it can seem like gas is only aboutburpingandfarting, pain is also a common symptom.
National Library of Medicine.
(Heres how to tell the differencebetween IBS and IBD.)
They may recommend keeping a food journal to pick up on any patterns you havent noticed.
If you notice these issues, Dr. Marion recommends seeing your doctor ASAP for a diagnosis and treatment.
The pain is usually heartburn-like or confined to your upper abdominal area, he adds.
This is a big way to prevent GI symptoms that might occur with NSAIDs, according to theCleveland Clinic.
Dont brush off severe abdominal pain, especially when it comes with other physical signs that somethings wrong.
If youre dealing with extreme abdominal pain and accompanying GI symptoms, you should seekemergency medical treatment.
Here are two signs your abdominal pain could be mental.
Theres a clear connection between the brain and our emotions and how our body feels, says Sperling.
If youre interested in trying it,heres a guideon how to find an affordable therapist.
Panic attacksare harrowing episodes of uncontrollable fear.
As with anxiety, panic attacks can causephysical symptomssuch as abdominal pain and GI issues like diarrhea.
See your doctor or therapist for help if you think youre having panic attacks.
Sometimes abdominal pain is physicalandmental.
This can make your physical and mental health even more inextricably linked.
