Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. It can range from mild discomfort to severe, sharp pain and may be temporary or chronic. Causes vary widely, from digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gallstones to more serious conditions such as ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, abdominal pain management is led by Kimberley Shine, MD. With expertise in integrative and functional medicine, Dr. Shine takes a whole-person approach to identifying root causes. By combining traditional diagnostics with gut health assessments, nutrition counseling, and lifestyle guidance, she helps patients relieve pain and achieve long-term digestive wellness.
Common Causes of Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can stem from a variety of conditions, including:
- Digestive Disorders: IBS, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease.
- Gallbladder Problems: Gallstones or inflammation (cholecystitis).
- Stomach Conditions: Gastritis, ulcers, or acid reflux.
- Colon Concerns: Diverticulitis, colon polyps, or constipation.
- Liver or Pancreatic Issues: Hepatitis, pancreatitis, or liver disease.
- Food-Related Causes: Intolerances, allergies, or poor digestion.
- Infections: Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections affecting the gut.
Identifying the exact cause is key to effective and lasting treatment.
Symptoms That Accompany Abdominal Pain
The type, location, and severity of abdominal pain often provide clues to its underlying cause. Associated symptoms may include:
- Bloating or excess gas
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Fever or chills
- Blood in the stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness
Because some of these symptoms may indicate serious conditions, professional evaluation is important when abdominal pain is persistent or severe.
How Abdominal Pain Is Diagnosed
At Shine Health and Wellness, diagnosis involves a thorough evaluation, which may include:
- Medical History and Exam: Assessing the nature, duration, and triggers of pain.
- Laboratory Testing: Checking for infections, inflammation, or nutrient deficiencies.
- Imaging Studies: Ultrasound, CT scans, or endoscopy when needed.
- Stool Tests: Identifying infections, blood, or gut microbiome imbalances.
- Functional Medicine Testing: Exploring food sensitivities, hormone balance, and gut health.
This comprehensive approach ensures that the true cause of abdominal pain is identified and effectively treated.
Treatment Options for Abdominal Pain
Treatment depends on the root cause and may include:
- Medication Management: Pain relief, antibiotics, or acid reducers when appropriate.
- Nutritional Counseling: Identifying trigger foods, improving digestion, and supporting gut health.
- Lifestyle Guidance: Stress management, exercise, and sleep support to reduce flare-ups.
- Supplements: Probiotics, vitamins, and minerals tailored to restore balance.
- Functional Medicine Approaches: Addressing systemic inflammation, microbiome imbalances, and hormone disruptions.
- Collaborative Care: Coordination with specialists for complex conditions such as IBD or gallstones.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups to adapt treatment as symptoms improve or change.
By addressing both symptoms and root causes, Shine Health and Wellness helps patients achieve lasting relief and improved quality of life.
The Role of Gut Health in Abdominal Pain
Many forms of abdominal pain are linked to poor gut health. Imbalances in the microbiome, poor digestion, or inflammation can all contribute to discomfort.
At Shine Health and Wellness, treatment often includes gut-focused strategies such as probiotics, dietary adjustments, and functional medicine testing. By restoring digestive balance, patients experience reduced pain and stronger long-term resilience.
Why Choose Shine Health and Wellness?
Kimberley Shine, MD, brings over a decade of medical experience and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. She believes the doctor-patient relationship is central to effective treatment, taking time to listen, educate, and create individualized care plans. Her training in integrative and functional medicine allows her to go beyond surface symptoms, helping patients achieve better digestive health and overall wellness.
Find Relief From Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can disrupt daily life, but with the right care, relief is possible. At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine and her team provide personalized treatment plans to uncover the root causes of pain, restore gut health, and improve quality of life. Call 626-317-0207 today to schedule a consultation.