Can Stress Cause Severe Stomach Pain?

Stress can definitely cause stomach problems. Before trying medication, see if stress-reduction techniques help.

Question:

My husband has had several attacks of horrible abdominal pain (lower left). It's not ongoing, and only seems to flare up after he experiences high levels of stress or anxiety. (He has recently been under doctor's care for extreme hypothyroidism, as well.) He had a colonoscopy a few weeks ago to rule out the usual suspects. There was nothing to indicate the cause for pain, so doctor declared it IBS. Since my husband has not had the diarrhea or constipation usually associated with IBS, I am skeptical of this diagnosis. Could the stress/anxiety alone be causing the pain? I asked the doctor this, and he offered my husband Lexapro, which my husband refused, since he swears he doesn't have a problem with anxiety. Could there be another reason for these flare-ups, or do I need to continue to encourage the anxiety treatment?

Answer:

If he's been under a lot of stress, it could certainly cause this type of stomach cramp or pain. Sometimes people get them on both sides of their abdomen, and it's difficult to just stand up straight.

The thing he might want to do first is to practice some relaxation breathing and a little bit of mild exercise and see if he can cut back on his stress. See if this works before he takes the drugs, since he would prefer not to take medication for anxiety. I have a feeling these more conservative measures might just do what he needs.