Abdominal pain in children is common. Sometimes it is obvious where the pain is coming from, such as with a stomach flu or constipation, but frequently children experience abdominal pain without a clear medical cause. This can be confusing and worrisome, both for the child and for you as a parent. Especially when the abdominal pain is recurrent or has a major impact on daily functioning.
Abdominal pain can manifest itself in different ways. Some children complain of stabbing pain, others of a nagging or pressing sensation. The pain can be short-lived, but it can also be long-lasting or recurrent. In this case, we often speak of functional abdominal pain.
Possible causes of abdominal pain
Abdominal pain in children often has multiple causes that affect each other. Consider, for example:
- Tension or stress, such as at school or at home
- Changes in rhythm, diet or sleep
- Problems with digestion
- Limited mobility of organs or surrounding structures
- Consequences of a previous illness, surgery or fall
In functional abdominal pain, there is usually no disease or inflammation, but the body is not working together optimally. The nervous system, intestines, breathing and posture play an important role in this. Abdominal pain in children can therefore be persistent, despite a healthy diet and lifestyle.
The influence of tension and the nervous system
The abdominal area is strongly connected to the nervous system. In children who are sensitive to stimuli, tension or changes, this can manifest as abdominal pain. Stress is often literally felt “in the gut.” Think of tension for school, social situations or performance pressure.
When the nervous system is in a heightened state of alertness for long periods of time, it can interfere with bowel function. This can lead to cramps, bloating or pain around the navel. Therefore, abdominal pain in children is rarely just a localized problem.
Abdominal pain and growth, posture and breathing
During growth, a child’s body is constantly changing. Bones grow, muscles adapt, and the body must constantly find new balance. Tensions can arise during this phase, for example in the spine, diaphragm or pelvis. These structures have a direct influence on the abdominal area and organs.
Breathing also plays an important role. High or shallow breathing can limit the mobility of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is closely connected to the abdominal organs and nervous system. When this mobility is reduced, it can contribute to abdominal pain in children or an oppressive feeling in the abdomen.
In addition, we see that children with prolonged sitting posture, for example at school or behind a screen, sometimes build up tension in the trunk unnoticed. This tension can affect blood flow and stimulus processing in the abdominal area. A child’s body is resilient, but sometimes needs support to regain balance.
Osteopathy also focuses on this connection between growth, posture, breathing and abdominal pain in children. By examining and treating the body as a whole, there can be room for recovery and relaxation.
What can osteopathy do?
Osteopathy looks at the body as a whole. For abdominal pain in children, an osteopath examines how the organs, muscles, connective tissue and nervous system work together. Gentle and specific techniques are used to see where mobility is reduced and where tension is being held.
Treatment is tailored to the child’s age and body. Osteopathy in children is gentle and safe. By improving mobility and supporting the body’s self-healing ability, the body can become more balanced. This can help reduce abdominal complaints in children, especially when they are recurrent.
When is osteopathy useful?
Osteopathy may be considered when:
- your child has frequent abdominal pain with no apparent medical cause
- the abdominal pain has persisted for some time
- abdominal discomfort affects school, sleep or play
- you feel that tension or stress plays a role
Of course, it is important that serious medical causes have been ruled out by the general practitioner or pediatrician. Osteopathy can then be a valuable addition.
Taking abdominal pain seriously
Abdominal pain in children is always real, even if no clear diagnosis is found. By approaching the body as a whole and paying attention to both physical and functional factors, osteopathy can help bring more peace and comfort to your child.
Would you like to know what osteopathy can do for abdominal pain or abdominal complaints in children? Then you can always contact us for more information.
Or make an appointment directly with this osteopath in Amsterdam in the online agenda.
