Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for My Abdominal Pain?

Q: Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for My Abdominal Pain?

Hello, Xiaoyu： The abdominal pain and accompanying soreness in the lower back and legs have not improved, and the cause is more likely related to issues with the abdominal organs. <br>It is recommended to follow up with a gastroenterologist. <br>Please discuss the medication dosa

Which specialty should I see?

Hello Doctor: Five weeks ago, I started experiencing intermittent bloating and pain in my lower left abdomen, which was relieved by painkillers.
Three weeks ago, the pain became daily, requiring me to take pain medication twice a day; otherwise, the pain would be so severe that I couldn't work or sleep.
Recently, the pain has extended to my left thigh and the lower back on the left side, particularly with significant soreness in the lower back.
Two weeks ago, I consulted a gastroenterologist and took medication for constipation, but after two doses, I experienced diarrhea and was hesitant to continue, and my lower abdominal pain has not improved.
Could you please advise which specialty I should consult? What could be the possible causes? Thank you for your response, Doctor.

Xiao Yu, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/09/04

Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine

Hello, Xiaoyu: The abdominal pain and accompanying soreness in the lower back and legs have not improved, and the cause is more likely related to issues with the abdominal organs.
It is recommended to follow up with a gastroenterologist.
Please discuss the medication dosage with your physician to minimize side effects such as diarrhea.
Wishing you good health and well-being.

Dr.
Liu Hongxiang

Reply Date: 2023/09/04

More Info

When dealing with abdominal pain, especially when it has persisted for several weeks and is affecting your daily life, it is crucial to consult the appropriate medical specialty to ensure a thorough evaluation and accurate diagnosis. Given your symptoms, which include left lower abdominal pain that has progressed to involve the left thigh and lower back, it is advisable to seek consultation with a gastroenterologist first, as they specialize in digestive system disorders. However, considering the complexity of your symptoms, it may also be beneficial to consult with an internist or a pain management specialist.

Your symptoms could be indicative of several underlying conditions. The left lower abdominal pain could be related to gastrointestinal issues such as diverticulitis, which is an inflammation of the diverticula in the colon, or it could be related to issues with the reproductive organs, such as ovarian cysts or other gynecological conditions if you are female. Additionally, the pain radiating to your left thigh and lower back could suggest a musculoskeletal issue or nerve involvement, such as sciatica, which can occur if a herniated disc is pressing on a nerve root.

Since you have already seen a gastroenterologist and tried medications for constipation without improvement, it may be worthwhile to consider further diagnostic imaging, such as an abdominal ultrasound or a CT scan, to rule out any structural abnormalities. If gastrointestinal causes are ruled out, you might want to consult an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist to evaluate for any potential musculoskeletal or nerve-related issues.

It is also important to consider that chronic pain can sometimes be exacerbated by psychological factors such as anxiety or stress. If you find that your pain is affecting your mental well-being, discussing this with a mental health professional may also be beneficial.

In summary, I recommend the following steps:
1. Consult a Gastroenterologist: Since your symptoms began with abdominal pain, a gastroenterologist can help rule out any digestive system issues. If they find no gastrointestinal cause, they may refer you to another specialist.

2. Consider Imaging Studies: Request imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan to get a clearer picture of what might be causing your pain.

3. Explore Other Specialties: If gastrointestinal issues are ruled out, consider consulting an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist to evaluate for musculoskeletal or nerve-related causes of your pain.

4. Monitor Psychological Factors: If your pain is affecting your mental health, consider speaking with a mental health professional.

5. Keep a Pain Diary: Documenting your pain, including its intensity, duration, and any associated symptoms, can provide valuable information to your healthcare provider.

By taking these steps, you can work towards identifying the root cause of your abdominal pain and finding an effective treatment plan. Remember, persistent pain is a signal from your body that should not be ignored, and seeking the right medical advice is crucial for your health and well-being.

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