How to Manage Pain With Crohn’s Disease
Both Ali and Parian sometimes recommend other treatments to their patients, depending on the cause of pain.
- Physical therapy or creams for muscle or joint pain
- Antispasmodics for cramping
- Antidepressants, which act as neuromodulators for chronic pain
- Antiseizure medications for nerve-related pain
- Psychological therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, or gut-focused therapy for coping with chronic pain
Sometimes, a pain specialist can help, says Ali. “Long-term use of opioids should be avoided whenever possible, since it can lead to more hospital stays, infections, narcotic bowel syndrome, and a lower quality of life in people with IBD,” he says.
If you need to take an NSAID, your provider may recommend a type called a COX-2 inhibitor, which may be safer for the gut, says Parian. “It’s important to remember that IBD is a complex and chronic condition that requires a personalized approach to treatment,” she says. “What works for one person may not work for another.”
Work closely with your gastroenterologist to develop a pain management plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances, says Parian. “This plan should encompass not only medication but also diet, lifestyle, and mental health support,” she says.
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