But there are also abdominal cramps: painful spasms in the abdomen that can be linked to various causes, such as painful menstruation, bloating, gastroenteritis, stomach pain, psychosomatic discomfort, digestive problems, real muscle cramps in the core muscles (especially rectum of the abdomen) or to the diaphragm.
In all cases, specific breathing exercises can be performed against abdominal cramps to alleviate the symptoms and get some relief.
they appear in the lower abdomen or lumbar area shortly before menstruation and then continue throughout its duration.Gastroenteritis
This is the simultaneous inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and that of the intestine. Often, the culprits of the problem are viruses or bacteria transmitted through infected food and water or through the droplets of salive emitted by infected people.
In all cases, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps appear. Sometimes, fever and fatigue can also occur.
Indigestion
Indigestion can cause abdominal pain and tension, fullness, heartburn, regurgitation of acidic juices, nausea, vomiting, cold sweats, upper abdominal cramps, headache, general malaise.
Meteorism
A build up of gas in the belly can cause intestinal muscles to spasm. If you suffer from meteorism, you may also have: distended stomach, severe bloating, stomach pain, feeling of fullness, belching.
Muscle strain
Overloading of the abdominal muscles, due to intense training or overexertion, could also cause abdominal spasms. Spasms due to muscle strain are more likely in people who exercise frequently and strenuously. In this case, there is usually also pain in the abdominal muscles that gets worse with movement.
Dehydration
Loss of electrolytes caused by sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea can cause muscle spasms throughout the body, including the abdomen and stomach. This happens because the muscles need electrolytes such as calcium, potassium and magnesium to function properly. When they don't have these electrolytes, muscles may start to work abnormally and freeze.
Intestinal diseases
Bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease, enteritis, ulcerative colitis (UC), can cause intestinal spasms.
It is a type of breathing that is practiced in yoga and which regulates blood pressure and can help prevent cramps.
- Start by breathing naturally but with awareness for a few cycles.
- Then continue to inhale normally, but exhale deeply until the lungs are completely empty.
- Repeat for 15 cycles.
- Then, inhale deeply and exhale normally for another 15 cycles.
- Finally, inhale and exhale deeply for 20 cycles.
- Rest by returning to normal breathing for several cycles.
- Begin by inhaling and exhaling naturally.
- On the next inhalation, pause for 2 seconds, then exhale fully.
- Repeat for 7-10 minutes until you feel fatigued.
- Try to fill your lungs with more air each time you inhale.
- Rest with 3 minutes of normal breathing.
