Stomach ache and the nervous system: how they are related

The stomach ache It is a common discomfort that we tend to associate with digestive problems such as gastritis, heavy digestion, intolerances, or infections. However, on some occasions, this pain may have a different origin: an alteration in the communication between the Nervous system and digestive system. Although the connection between the two is not always obvious, they are closely interrelated.

In this article, we explain how stomach pain can be related to the gut-brain axis, how to identify the symptoms, and what type of tests and treatments we can offer you to improve your wellbeing.

Why can stomach pain be related to the gut-brain axis?

El tracto digestivo y el sistema nervioso están en constante comunicación a través del eje intestino-cerebro. gut-brain axis. This axis implies a bidirectional interaction between:

• The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
• The enteric nervous system (neural network of the digestive system).
• Hormonal, immunological, and gut microbiota factors.

When this communication is altered, they can appear digestive symptoms that they are not always due to a stomach or gut problem, but rather to a malfunction in how the nervous system processes signals originating from the digestive tract. This can lead to symptoms such as Abdominal pain, nausea, or digestive discomfort that cannot be explained by physical causes alone.

Testing and diagnosis: how do we know if pain has a functional origin?

At Gastea, we evaluate digestive symptoms to reach a precise diagnosis. First, we perform a Clinical assessment, listening to your medical history and the symptoms you are experiencing. 

Furthermore, we use tests such as blood tests, ultrasounds and other diagnostic techniques which allow us to get a clear picture of how your digestive system is working, without necessarily being invasive tests.

We focus on evaluating the interaction between the nervous system and the digestive system. This allows us to better understand if the pain you are experiencing has a functional cause that goes beyond a simple gastrointestinal condition.

Digestive symptoms that may have a functional origin

Some symptoms that could suggest stomach pain has a functional or nervous system-related origin:

• Recurrent abdominal pain without a clear digestive cause. When standard tests show no abnormalities, it can be a sign that the source of the pain is not strictly digestive, but rather related to how the nervous system processes information from the digestive tract.

• Persistent nausea or unexplained episodes of vomiting. These symptoms, when they occur repeatedly without an obvious physical cause, could be linked to alterations in the regulation of vomiting, a process controlled by the nervous system.

• Abdominal hypersensitivity. A feeling of intense pain in the abdomen, even without signs of inflammation or damage, may indicate that the nervous system is amplifying pain signals in an unusual way.

• Symptoms that worsen with stress or lack of sleep. Stress, which directly affects the autonomic nervous system, can trigger abdominal discomfort and worsen pre-existing digestive symptoms.

• Digestive discomfort accompanied by migraines or dizziness. Some functional conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, can present digestive symptoms associated with neurological disorders, such as migraines or balance disturbances.

Disorders that may be related to alteration of the gut-brain axis

There are several conditions where stomach pain is related to alterations in the nervous system. Among the most common are:

• Irritable bowel syndromea functional disorder of the digestive system, where symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits can be influenced by how the nervous system perceives signals from the gut.

• Functional dyspepsiaPain or discomfort in the upper abdomen that has no identifiable structural cause, but may be related to a malfunction in the motility or sensitivity of the digestive tract.

• Cyclical vomiting syndromeA disorder in which disruption in communication between the gut and the brain can trigger recurrent episodes of vomiting and abdominal pain.

When is it necessary to consult a specialist?

Not always stomach pain is related to a disturbance in nerve communication, but it is important to consult a specialist when:

• Pain is Recurrent and it doesn't improve with the usual measures.
• digestive tests are inconclusive, but the Symptoms persist.
• Hi Tummy aches or recurring vomiting without an apparent cause.
• The symptoms are associated with migraines, mareos o neurological history.
• Abdominal pain worsens with Stress Lack of sleep.

Here at Gastea, we have a specialist neurogastroenterology team to manage these cases, combining diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. 

Our Neurogastroenterology specialists, such as the Drs. Relea and González-Miyar, They have extensive experience in treating functional digestive disorders. We offer you a comprehensive assessment of your situation and treatment tailored to your needs.

Our commitment is to improve your quality of life, offering you effective solutions based on a complete and detailed analysis of your digestive health.

If you have recurrent stomach ache, nausea or discomfort that doesn't improve, in Gastea we have Digestive doctors in Madrid specialising in functional disorders and neurogastroenterology. We will help you find the appropriate diagnosis and the most suitable treatment for your case.