Persistent Pain Near the Navel: Causes and Treatment Options

Pain upon palpation of the skin located 5-10 centimeters to the left of the umbilicus?

Hello: Recently, I have been experiencing pain about 5 centimeters to the left of my navel.
It hurts when I touch it, and there is tenderness in the fascia upon light touch.
I consulted a surgeon and underwent a CT scan and ultrasound, but nothing significant was found.
The doctor mentioned it might be a mild strain and said there is no medication to treat it.
I have been taking painkillers for a week, but I still feel pain upon light touch.
What should I do if it doesn't improve over time? (Lying flat is okay, and the pain is not noticeable, but there is slight pain when my clothes touch the area.) Is it safe to use topical Chinese medicine for muscle soreness and joint pain? I can't help but spray it on my abdomen near the navel.
Thank you for your response.
🙏🏻

Hua, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/25

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hernia is a condition where internal organs protrude from their normal body cavity.
Possible triggers include congenital defects, previous abdominal surgeries, obesity, postpartum conditions, chronic cough, straining during bowel movements, urination, and cirrhosis.
Management should be based on the underlying cause.
Mild symptoms include a bulge and a feeling of heaviness or discomfort.
Correction should be based on the cause.
It is recommended to continue surgical follow-up and avoid scratching the skin to prevent inflammation.
Severe hernias may require surgical repair.
If a hernia enlarges and causes intestinal incarceration that cannot be reduced, immediate medical attention is necessary for pain management.
Wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2023/12/25

More Info

Persistent pain near the navel can be a challenging issue, especially when diagnostic imaging such as CT scans and ultrasounds do not reveal any significant abnormalities. Given your description of the pain being localized to the left side of the navel and exacerbated by touch, it is essential to consider various potential causes and treatment options.

Possible Causes
1. Myofascial Pain Syndrome: This condition arises from muscle and fascia tension, which can lead to localized pain. The fact that you experience pain upon touch suggests that there may be trigger points in the surrounding muscles or fascia.

2. Nerve Entrapment: Sometimes, nerves can become compressed or irritated, leading to pain that may not be visible on imaging studies. Conditions like neuralgia could be a possibility.

3. Visceral Pain: Pain from internal organs can sometimes manifest as localized pain in the abdominal wall. Conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, such as diverticulitis or irritable bowel syndrome, could potentially cause referred pain.

4. Psychosomatic Factors: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate pain perception. If there is no identifiable physical cause, psychological factors may contribute to your discomfort.

Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can help address myofascial pain through targeted stretching and strengthening exercises. A physical therapist can also provide manual therapy techniques to relieve tension in the affected area.

2. Pain Management Techniques: Since you have been taking pain medication without significant relief, it may be beneficial to explore other pain management strategies. Options include:
- Trigger Point Injections: These involve injecting a local anesthetic or corticosteroid into the painful area to reduce inflammation and pain.

- Dry Needling: Similar to acupuncture, this technique targets trigger points to relieve pain.

- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): This method uses low-voltage electrical currents to relieve pain.

3. Alternative Therapies: You mentioned the possibility of using topical herbal remedies. While some people find relief with topical analgesics, it is essential to ensure that any product used is safe and appropriate for your condition. Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying new treatments.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation may help manage pain perception. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can support overall well-being.

5. Follow-Up with a Specialist: If your pain persists despite conservative management, consider seeking a referral to a pain specialist or a gastroenterologist. They can conduct further evaluations and explore other potential underlying causes.

Conclusion
Persistent pain near the navel can stem from various causes, and it is crucial to approach treatment holistically. While you may have already tried some conventional treatments, exploring physical therapy, alternative therapies, and lifestyle modifications may provide additional relief. If symptoms continue, further evaluation by a specialist may be warranted to ensure that no underlying conditions are being overlooked. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting new treatments or therapies.

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