Pain in the abdomen

Abdominal pain is often due to a problem with the abdominal organs, such as the intestines. However, it can also be caused by the abdominal muscles or an issue in the back. Read more below about abdominal complaints and take the online self-check.

Anatomy of the abdomen

The abdominal muscles wrap around the midsection like a corset. They help us move the torso and keep the internal organs in place. Internal organs such as the intestines, stomach, and liver may cause complaints in the event of constipation, appendicitis, or a stomach ulcer, which are issues that require seeing a doctor.

Abdominal muscles
The abdominal muscles consist of several layers. There are the straight, oblique, and transverse abdominal muscles. Together they provide stability and motion for the torso. These muscles attach to the rib cage and back and extend towards the pelvis.

Back
Pain in the abdomen can also come from the back. Nerves run from the back towards the abdomen. When a problem occurs in the back, such as an irritated nerve, this can cause abdominal discomfort. Pain from the ribs can also radiate towards the abdomen.

Check your abdominal complaints

With the online physiotherapy check, you can find out where your abdominal pain may be coming from. This test looks for pain originating from muscles and similar complaints. First, you indicate the location of the pain and then answer more specific questions about your symptoms.

At the end of the test, you’ll see a list of conditions matching your complaints. If you wish, you can share the results with a physiotherapist near you.

Abdominal conditions

Below is an overview of conditions that cause pain in the abdomen. The articles provide detailed information about the anatomy, symptoms, and treatment.