Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA
Living with ulcerative colitis (UC) means dealing with abdominal pain. It can range from mild discomfort to intense cramping. This type of inflammatory bowel disease creates inflammation in the digestive tract, specifically in the large intestine and rectum. This inflammation can lead to ulcers on the inner lining of the colon, which is a direct cause of abdominal pain. It is important to address UC pain from multiple angles. Here, PatientsLikeMe will explore why UC leads to abdominal pain and give clear, actionable steps to help manage and relieve it, particularly when quick relief is needed.
UC and Abdominal Pain
UC triggers inflammation that irritates the lining of the large intestine, leading to pain and cramping. Pain tends to come in waves during flare-ups1, and can even last in some patients who are technically in remission. Even for people where the disease is inactive, pain can still come about from things like heightened sensitivity in the gut or related mood disorders.
Common Causes of Pain
Pain is a symptom of active inflammation in the intestines. When inflammation flares, it stimulates nerves in the gut, leading to discomfort and cramping. Mental health conditions, like anxiety or depression, are also associated with UC pain. Stress can intensify the feelings of discomfort. Functional bowel disorders, like IBS, can coexist with UC. This makes the abdomen more sensitive to pressure and other stimuli. This can also intensify pain even when there is no active inflammation.
How to Find Quick Relief
Since abdominal pain can come about from both physical and mental sources, relief takes a combination of techniques targeting both areas. Here are some helpful, immediate steps that can provide quick relief.
Apply Heat
Using a heating pad or warm compress on the abdomen can relieve muscle tension, increase circulation, and ease pain. Heat works well2 for UC pain because it helps relax the digestive tract’s smooth muscles, alleviating cramping and spasms. Place a heating pad or warm towel over your abdomen for 15–20 minutes. Repeat as necessary but avoid sleeping with a heating pad to prevent burns.
Take a Non-NSAID Pain Reliever
While over-the-counter pain relievers are often helpful, certain types should be avoided in UC. NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin can irritate the stomach lining and worsen inflammation. Use acetaminophen instead, which is less likely to irritate the stomach. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new medication, especially if you’re on a UC-specific treatment plan.
Try Massages
A gentle massage3 over the abdomen can help with circulation and alleviate bloating and cramps. This can be particularly helpful during flare-ups, as it encourages the gut to relax. Using light pressure, massage in a circular motion over the abdomen. Go clockwise, which follows the path of the digestive tract, to help gas and other blockages move along.
Adjust Your Diet
Certain foods can aggravate UC symptoms, so making some dietary adjustments can provide near-immediate relief. Avoid high-fiber foods, dairy, spicy foods, and caffeinated or alcoholic drinks. Instead go for bland, low-fiber foods like rice, bananas, and applesauce to prevent irritation. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help ease pain by putting less strain on the digestive system. Stay hydrated with plenty of water, dehydration can make symptoms worse.
Practice Deep Breathing
Since stress can trigger or worsen UC pain, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or guided imagery can help. Try “belly breathing4” by inhaling slowly, allowing your abdomen to expand, then exhaling fully. Repeat for 5–10 minutes. Apps or videos that guide deep breathing exercises can make this process easier, helping reduce pain within minutes.
Ongoing Pain Management
While the shorter term techniques can get you immediate relief, some longer-term strategies can help prevent or reduce pain over time. Prescription anti-inflammatory drugs, like aminosalicylates5 or corticosteroids, target inflammation directly. Talk with your doctor which medication or dosage is best for keeping pain and inflammation at bay. CBT can be especially effective for UC patients who experience chronic pain. It teaches strategies for managing pain perception.
Mindfulness practices also lower anxiety. This helps people control pain by addressing the psychological aspects of the disease. Keeping a food and symptom journal can help identify which foods or activities trigger flare-ups. Light exercise, like walking or yoga, can encourage regular bowel movements. This helps reduce bloating and pressure-related pain. Physical activity also lowers stress, which is a common UC pain trigger.
Pain from UC can be challenging! Understanding the different underlying causes, from inflammation to psychological factors, opens up a range of options for relief. By using these techniques alongside long-term management, people with UC can better control their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
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- https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/info-support/information-about-crohns-and-colitis/all-information-about-crohns-and-colitis/symptoms/flare-ups
- https://www.mycrohnsandcolitisteam.com/resources/can-a-heating-pad-help-with-ulcerative-colitis-or-crohns-pain
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9534680/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26426148/
- https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/patientsandcaregivers/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/medication