What Causes Lower Stomach Pain?

And What Does Lower Stomach Pain Mean?

Lower stomach pain has a lot of different causes. The words lower stomach pain, in fact, can also have a lot of different meanings. The goal of this article is to answer some questions you probably have about lower stomach pain. What causes lower stomach pain? What does someone really mean when they say they have lower stomach pain? Is lower stomach pain a symptom of any dangerous medical conditions? What is likely to cause severe lower stomach pain?

What does lower stomach pain mean? Based on our research, there seems to be little distinction made between websites offering information on "lower stomach pain" versus those featuring "lower abdomen pain."

In the geography of the human body, however, the lower stomach and the lower abdomen are two different things.

Technically speaking, lower stomach pain - if you're talking about the organ that acts as a repository for recently eaten food - would go no lower than the naval. Lower stomach pain in this case might include organs like the stomach itself, possibly part of the liver, gallbladder and the upper part of the intestines. But it wouldn't include a woman's reproductive organs, which often produce what is sometimes called lower stomach pain.

Regardless of any technical definitions about lower stomach pain versus lower abdomen pain, we'll try to cover many of the most common causes of pain from the bottom of the rib cage down.

What causes lower stomach pain? Because of the multitude of possibilities, descriptions of the causes of lower stomach pain must be brief. But we'll add other articles soon that expand on some of the topics below.

Appendicitis - The appendix is a small pouch attached to the end of the lower right intestine. It can become irritated and inflamed by infection, blockage or scarring. Besides severe lower stomach pain, it produces a fever, nausea and vomiting, abdominal swelling, and constipation or diarrhea.

Urinary tract disorders - A bladder infection or urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when germs get into the urinary system and multiply. The most common symptom is a burning or stinging sensation during urination, but lower stomach pain is also possible.

Urinary or bladder stones sometimes form in the urinary tract and cause lower stomach pain by irritating the bladder wall or obstructing the flow of urine.

Colon disorders - There are many colon disorders, diseases and conditions. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is relatively common and causes abdominal discomfort. Colitis, diverticulitis and Crohn's disease can also trigger lower stomach pain, as can temporary conditions like constipation and diarrhea.

Gallbladder and bile duct problems - These cause lower stomach pain that often radiates around to the back and causes discomfort in the upper rib cage near the shoulder blades. Severe lower stomach pain is usually worst after a large fatty meal. See gallbladder problems, gallstones and gallbladder attacks.

Hernia - The most common form of hernia is called an inguinal hernia, and it occurs when part of the intestine slips through a gap in the abdominal wall. Men feel pain in the scrotum and women feel it in the area of the labia. Nausea and vomiting are other symptoms of a hernia.

Hepatitis - This is a form of liver disease that is more likely to trigger pain in the upper abdomen. However, pain sometimes radiates to other areas like the lower stomach.

Kidney stones - Generally considered one of the most painful experiences a human being can endure short of torture. Kidney stones form in the kidneys and then begin to work their way down to the bladder. While in the ureter, they can obstruct the flow of urine, causing severe pain. The pain often occurs in the mid-back, but may radiate around to the lower stomach.

Muscles, tendon and ligament injuries - These are often the result or athletic activity or vigorous exercise.

Nerve damage and spinal disorders - "Referred pain" is a medical term that means pain originates in one place but is felt in another. This type of pain is typical with injuries or disorders involving the spine. Pain originating in the backbone can travel along nerve pathways and be felt in the lower stomach. 

Referred pain of this type is often felt as a stinging or burning sensation, and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation.

Reproductive organs in women - All women are familiar with discomfort that occurs during their menstrual cycle. But a number of other disorders can cause pain that's untypical, and in some cases, dangerous. These include:

• chlamydia: this is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital inflammation and discharge, lower stomach pain, and fever.
• ectopic pregnancy: a fertilized egg begins developing in a tissue other than the uterine wall, typically one of the Fallopian tubes.
• endometriosis: endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus.
• fibroids: a benign tumor of the uterus made of fibrous connective tissue or muscle.
• ovarian cysts: an ovarian cyst is a collection of fluid, surrounded by a very thin wall, within an ovary.
• pelvic inflammatory disease: a generic term for inflammation of the female uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries.

Lower stomach pain and cancer Many forms of cancer can cause severe lower stomach pain. The cancer can originate in an organ, or it can spread there from another organ (this is called metastasis). See stomach cancer.

Unfortunately, many types of cancer have no symptoms in the early stages. That's why regular health checkups and screenings are a smart idea.

Related article: Causes Of Stomach Pain.