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Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can occur in any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. While the cause is unknown it is thought to result when the immune system attacks the body causing inflammation and swelling. Pain results from various types of disease activity, from side effects of medications, from muscle strain, from complications, from surgery, from investigations and more. The most common types of pain are that from the swelling caused by the inflammation and obstructions resulting from scar tissue that builds around the intestine causing narrowing.

Crohn's disease pain can be anything from a mild discomfort from bloating to cramping, sharp stabbing pain, dull achy pain right up to an intense pain that comes in waves and includes nausea and vomiting.

Pain relief comes in many forms, there are those that provide instant relief such as medications and ice packs/heating pads and those that aim to reduce pain progressively over time such as guided imagery meditation and yoga.

Painkillers are probably the first thing to come to mind when thinking about pain relief, however not all painkillers will relieve the pain associated with crohn's disease. In fact some types of painkillers can actually increase the symptoms causing the pain. Likewise as the condition is chronic, dependence on painkillers can become a reality.

Narcotic pain relievers such as codeine or Vicodin can slow down the bowel. This can be helpful in cases where diarrhea is severe however they can mask symptoms of disease activity and can be addictive. Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as aspirin and ibuprofen, as they can exacerbate the already inflamed intestines. NSAID's can worsen the bleeding in the small bowel and can contribute to the development of ulcers. Always consult your doctor before taking any painkiller and consider the short and long term effects of using pain relief medications.

There are many natural therapies, which can aid in the reduction of pain, as Crohn's disease is a chronic condition it is well worth considering alternative methods of pain relief to drugs.

Cold packs/Heating pads are an effective and natural method of pain relief. Like medication they provide instant relief at the time of pain and are especially helpful for the cramping pain and muscle ache associated with crohn's. These can also be combined with aromatherapy.

While there is still much debate in the medical world about the impact of diet on Crohn's

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