Splanchnic Nerve Block or Ablation
A targeted procedure designed to interrupt pain signals carried by the splanchnic nerves that supply the abdominal organs. It may be recommended for persistent upper abdominal pain that has not responded to other treatments.
Trigger Point Injection
A minimally invasive injection used to treat painful muscle knots known as trigger points within the abdominal wall. By relaxing tight muscle fibres and reducing local inflammation, this treatment can help relieve persistent abdominal wall pain.
Coeliac Plexus Block or Ablation
A specialised treatment targeting the coeliac plexus nerve network which transmits pain signals from abdominal organs. Blocking or ablating these nerves can help manage severe abdominal pain linked to pancreatic or upper abdominal conditions.
Overview
Abdominal pain treatment begins with careful assessment because abdominal pain can arise from several different sources, including nerve irritation, muscular tension, post surgical changes, scar tissue, and strain related to posture or movement. Even when gastrointestinal or gynaecological causes have been excluded, symptoms may continue and significantly affect comfort, sleep, and quality of life.
The focus of abdominal pain treatment is to identify the main pain drivers rather than treating symptoms alone. Because the abdominal region is closely linked to posture, breathing, and core stability, ongoing pain can become self reinforcing. A consultant led approach helps identify whether pain originates from abdominal wall structures, deeper nerve pathways, or a combination of factors.
Who this treatment helps
Abdominal pain treatment may help people with:
- Persistent abdominal wall pain affecting daily life
- Pain linked to nerve irritation or nerve sensitivity
- Muscular abdominal pain or trigger points
- Pain following surgery, scarring, or tissue irritation
- Symptoms made worse by movement, posture, or breathing patterns
- Limited improvement with medication, rest, or physiotherapy alone
A consultant assessment helps determine the likely pain generators and which treatment options may be most appropriate.
Abdominal pain treatment assessment
Your care begins with a detailed consultation with an experienced pain specialist. This usually includes:
- Full medical history
- Review of symptom patterns and pain distribution
- Examination of the abdominal wall and surrounding structures
- Assessment of posture, movement, and breathing mechanics
- Review of previous investigations and reports
- Discussion of how pain affects daily function and activity tolerance
Where appropriate, diagnostic nerve blocks or further investigations may be recommended to clarify the source of symptoms. The aim is to make abdominal pain treatment precise and matched to the likely cause of pain.
What treatment may involve
Once the likely source of pain is identified, abdominal pain treatment may include:
- Splanchnic nerve block or ablation to address deeper nerve related abdominal pain
- Coeliac plexus block or ablation in selected cases where upper abdominal pain pathways are involved
- Trigger point injection for abdominal wall muscle tension and myofascial pain
- Rehabilitation support to improve movement, breathing, and core stability
- Medication review where appropriate
Imaging guidance may be used to improve accuracy and safety. Each treatment is selected based on clinical findings, previous investigations, and individual needs.
What to expect during the procedure
If an injection or interventional procedure is recommended, your consultant will explain the treatment plan, expected benefits, and possible risks before proceeding.
- Review of symptoms, examination findings, and investigations
- Confirmation of the treatment target
- Skin preparation using sterile technique
- Use of local anaesthetic where appropriate
- Image guided placement of the needle if required
- Short monitoring period before discharge
The exact procedure depends on the structure being treated and the type of intervention selected.
After the procedure
Recovery depends on the type of abdominal pain treatment performed and the likely source of pain. Some people notice early improvement, while others improve more gradually over days or weeks.
- Mild soreness at the treatment site may occur
- A short period of activity modification may be advised
- Physiotherapy or rehabilitation may be recommended
- Breathing and posture retraining may form part of recovery
- Follow up review may be arranged to assess progress
Your consultant may adjust the treatment plan depending on your response and any change in symptoms.
Benefits
- More accurate diagnosis of the likely source of abdominal pain
- Targeted treatment based on the underlying pain mechanism
- Potential improvement in movement, daily comfort, and function
- Support for rehabilitation, posture, and core stability
- Reduced flare ups through a more structured and personalised plan
- Coordination of treatment with wider supportive care where needed
Possible risks and side effects
All procedures and injections carry some risk, although serious complications are uncommon when treatment is performed by experienced clinicians.
- Temporary soreness or bruising
- Temporary increase in pain after treatment
- Bleeding, uncommon
- Infection, which is rare
- Nerve irritation, uncommon
- No meaningful improvement in some cases
Your consultant will explain the likely benefits, possible risks, and alternative options before treatment is carried out.
When to consider other options
If symptoms do not improve or if the diagnosis changes, further assessment may be needed. In some cases, rehabilitation, medication review, or a different type of injection or nerve based treatment may offer a better path forward.
Safety note
Please inform your consultant if you take blood thinning medication, have diabetes, bleeding disorders, allergies, active infection, are pregnant, or have had previous reactions to local anaesthetic or injection treatments. This helps ensure abdominal pain treatment is planned safely and appropriately.
Book a consultation to explore the most suitable abdominal pain treatment options for your symptoms and daily function goals.
You can also explore our pain treatments, learn more about pelvic pain treatments, or view related care within our pain management services.