what causes pain below the abdomen

Lower Torso Discomfort: Etiology and Mechanisms

Anatomical Regions and Structures

Definition of the relevant anatomical areas, including the pelvic region and the lower part of the trunk, highlighting the key organs and systems contained within (gastrointestinal, reproductive, urinary, musculoskeletal, and neurological).

Common Gastrointestinal Sources of Discomfort

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and common symptom presentation.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Covering Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; their inflammatory processes and associated discomfort.
  • Diverticulitis: Inflammation of diverticula in the colon; causes and symptomology.
  • Constipation: Mechanisms, causes (dietary, lifestyle, medications), and associated discomfort.
  • Gastroenteritis: Infectious causes (viral, bacterial, parasitic) and accompanying symptoms.
  • Intestinal Obstruction: Mechanical or functional blockage, potential causes, and related symptom development.

Urological Considerations

  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Bacterial causes, bladder versus kidney involvement, and related discomfort.
  • Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Formation, migration, and associated intense discomfort.
  • Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: Chronic bladder discomfort; diagnostic criteria and potential mechanisms.

Gynecological Considerations (in individuals with female reproductive organs)

  • Menstrual Discomfort (Dysmenorrhea): Primary versus secondary causes, and physiological mechanisms.
  • Endometriosis: Ectopic endometrial tissue; its impact on the pelvic region and related discomfort.
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Infection of the reproductive organs; causes, symptoms, and potential complications.
  • Ovarian Cysts: Follicular, corpus luteum, and other types; potential for rupture or torsion, causing discomfort.
  • Ectopic Pregnancy: Implantation outside the uterus; associated discomfort and emergency considerations.
  • Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus; their impact on surrounding structures and related discomfort.

Musculoskeletal Sources

  • Muscle Strain or Spasm: Causes, mechanisms, and common locations in the lower torso.
  • Hernias (Inguinal, Femoral): Protrusion of tissue through weakened abdominal wall; causes and related discomfort.
  • Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD): Instability of the pubic symphysis joint; related to pregnancy or trauma.

Neurological Factors

  • Nerve Entrapment Syndromes: Compression or irritation of nerves in the pelvic region; common locations (e.g., obturator nerve, ilioinguinal nerve).
  • Radiculopathy: Nerve root compression in the lumbar spine; radiating discomfort into the lower torso.

Other Potential Contributors

  • Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, often presenting with migration of discomfort.
  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Although less common as a direct source, expansion or rupture can cause discomfort.
  • Psychological Factors: The role of stress, anxiety, and depression in amplifying or triggering discomfort.