Bowel Cramping and Abdominal Pain

Definition: The bowel is composed os the duodenum, the
small intestine and the large intesine.  The bowel has
natural movements called peristalisis that is a wave
like pumping action that moves the food through the
system for digestion and eventual elimination as feces
through the rectum.  In some cases, gas is formed or
there is a lot of material to move or persons become
constipated.  In these cases, the bowel has to push
extra hard and this can cause bowel cramping.  The pain
of bowel cramping is knife like and very penetrating
and nearly always spasmodic (comes and goes).  Bowel
cramping is extremely painful.  It is commonly accompanied
by constipation and laxatives are known to cure this
problem when associated with constipation.

Therapies: The therapy is oriented toward the definitive
problem. Laxatives may be a solution, antispasmodics
such as bentyl may help, along with other possiblities.

In most cases bowel cramping does not last more than
one to two days.  In the case that the cramping is 
continuous, it is important to follow up with your
physician to determine the cause and the solution.