Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and Recommended Tests - Family Medicine

More Info

---

Understanding left abdominal pain can be quite complex, especially when symptoms persist for an extended period and are accompanied by other sensations such as thigh numbness and rectal spasms. The fact that your pain lasts for over a week and is unresponsive to pain medication suggests that it may not be a simple case of muscular strain or minor gastrointestinal upset.
Given your description, there are several potential causes for your left abdominal pain. These could range from gastrointestinal issues, such as diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease, to musculoskeletal problems, nerve entrapment, or even referred pain from other organs. The connection between your abdominal pain and the sensations in your left thigh and rectal area is particularly noteworthy. This could indicate that the pain is related to nerve pathways, possibly involving the lumbar plexus, which innervates both the abdominal wall and the lower extremities.


Recommended Tests and Consultations
1. Gastroenterology Consultation: Since you have a history of gastrointestinal issues, a visit to a gastroenterologist is essential. They may recommend further imaging studies, such as a CT scan of the abdomen or pelvis, which can provide a more detailed view of the structures in that area and help identify any inflammation, masses, or abnormalities that may not have been visible on previous tests.

2. Abdominal Ultrasound: This non-invasive test can help visualize organs such as the kidneys, spleen, and pancreas, and can also assess for gallstones or other abnormalities in the biliary system.

3. MRI of the Abdomen: If there is a suspicion of soft tissue involvement or if the CT scan is inconclusive, an MRI can provide detailed images of the abdominal structures without radiation exposure.

4. Neurological Evaluation: Given the associated symptoms of thigh numbness and rectal spasms, a consultation with a neurologist may be warranted. They can assess for any nerve-related issues, such as lumbar radiculopathy or other neuropathies that could be contributing to your symptoms.

5. Pelvic Examination: If you have not already done so, a thorough pelvic examination by a gynecologist (if applicable) may be necessary to rule out any gynecological conditions that could be causing referred pain to the abdomen.

6. Endoscopy: If gastrointestinal inflammation is suspected, an upper endoscopy (EGD) or colonoscopy may be considered to directly visualize the gastrointestinal tract and obtain biopsies if necessary.


Additional Considerations
- Dietary Review: Keeping a food diary may help identify any correlations between your diet and the onset of pain. Certain foods can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues, and identifying these may provide relief.

- Stress and Lifestyle Factors: Stress can significantly impact gastrointestinal health. Consider discussing lifestyle factors with your healthcare provider, including stress management techniques, which may help alleviate symptoms.

- Physical Therapy: If musculoskeletal issues are suspected, physical therapy may be beneficial to strengthen the abdominal and back muscles, which can alleviate pain.

In summary, your symptoms warrant a comprehensive evaluation involving multiple specialties. It is crucial to communicate all your symptoms clearly to your healthcare providers, as this will assist them in making an accurate diagnosis. Persistent abdominal pain, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, should not be ignored, and further investigation is essential to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.