The first symptoms of blocked bowel obstruction, also called bowel blockage, are typically pain, nausea, or vomiting. These symptoms are often accompanied by difficulty or inability to pass gas or stool.
Additional symptoms that develop as the bowel blockage worsens are:
- Pain or tenderness around or just below the belly button
- Stomach cramps that come and go
- Distention (swelling or bloating of the stomach)
- Constipation and the inability to pass gas (indicates a total blockage)
- Diarrhea (indicates a partial blockage)
- Vomiting and nausea
Severe abdominal pain, persistent bloating, nausea, and the inability to pass gas or stool can be a sign of blocked bowel that should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
We have found that a mechanical bowel blockage is almost always caused by abdominal adhesions. Adhesions are bands of internal scar tissue that form on or between organs, preventing them from functioning correctly. In the case of bowel blockage, adhesions obstruct the passage designed to transport food and may prevent the body from processing food.
If you experience severe abdominal pain or other bowel blockage symptoms, you should seek immediate medical care.
Our therapists treat bowel obstruction using non-surgical, manual therapy. Schedule a free phone consultation with an expert therapist to learn more.
“If the information in this article sounds like it may relate to what you’re experiencing, the team at Clear Passage® Physical Therapy is here to help. Many people living with this condition simply want to know if there is a natural treatment option without drugs or surgery that could work for them. The good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone. You can request more information to speak with a knowledgeable team member who will review your situation and help you understand whether this specialized therapy may be a good fit. If you’re ready to move forward, you can also apply for therapy so the clinical staff can carefully review your health history and determine the best path toward relief. Taking a few minutes to reach out could be the first step toward getting answers—and possibly getting your life back.”