Intestinal Or 'stomach' Spasms: Causes, Treatment, And More

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Human Biology

Why do I have spasms in my abdomen (‘stomach’ spasms)?

Medically reviewed by Kelsey Nank, PA-C — Written by Jayne Leonard — Updated on May 15, 2025

Causes
Pregnancy
Diagnosis
When to see a doctor
Treatment
Prevention
Outlook
FAQs
Summary

Abdominal spasms — which some people refer to as stomach spasms or twitching — occur when muscles in the stomach or intestines contract. These spasms can range in intensity and duration.

Stomach spasms refer specifically to cramps and spasms in the stomach. Abdominal spasms can stem from problems in the stomach, intestines, or elsewhere in the abdominal area.

There are many possible types and causes of abdominal cramping and spasms. Often, there is no serious cause. Sometimes, however, they can indicate an underlying condition that needs attention.

This article will focus on some causes of abdominal spasms related to the stomach and intestines, and some of the treatment options.

Ten causes of abdominal spasms

A person lying down with their hand on their abdomen 1 — Svetlana Repnitskaya/Getty Images

Here are some conditions that can cause abdominal spasms:

1. Constipation

Cramps and abdominal pain are common symptoms of constipation.

Other symptoms include:

having less frequent bowel movements (usually fewer than three a week)
passing small or hard stools
bloating
stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy
straining and pain when passing stool

»Learn more:13 home remedies for constipation

2. Dehydration

Dehydration can cause an imbalance of electrolytes in the body (particularly sodium and potassium). Muscles require these nutrients to function correctly, so they may begin to cramp and spasm when they do not have enough.

Additional symptoms of dehydration are:

dark urine
dizziness
extreme thirst
headache

»Learn more:What to know about chronic dehydration

3. Gas

Too much gas in the digestive system may lead to spasms as the muscles in the intestines strain to let out the gas.

Excess gas can also cause:

bloating and feeling full
belching
passing gas

»Learn more:How to get rid of trapped gas

4. Gastritis and gastroenteritis

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach, while gastroenteritis involves inflammation of both the stomach and the intestines. These conditions typically result from infections.

Gastritis and gastroenteritis may also cause the following symptoms:

bloating
nausea
pain
vomiting
diarrhea (in cases of gastroenteritis only)

»Learn more:Causes and treatment of nausea and vomiting

5. Ileus and gastroparesis

Digested food passes through the body’s intestines thanks to wave-like muscle contractions called peristalsis. When peristalsis slows down or stops at any stage of the intestines, it is known as ileus.

When movement slows down consistently, it is known as gastroparesis.

Several things can cause ileus, including:

severe infection
inflammation
prolonged periods of inactivity
surgery
opioid use

Gastroparesis and ileus can cause abdominal spasms and pain, especially after meals.

Other symptoms include:

abdominal discomfort
nausea
vomiting
belching
bloating
inability to pass gas
feeling full soon after starting to eat a meal, and for a long time after finishing a meal
heartburn
pain
low appetite

»Learn more:Best foods and diet tips for gastroparesis, and what to avoid

6. Infectious colitis

Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon (large intestine). There are many types of colitis. Inflammation that stems from an infection is known as infectious colitis.

In addition to intestinal spasms, the symptoms of infectious colitis include:

dehydration
diarrhea, possibly with blood
frequent bowel movements
urgency of bowel movements
rectal and abdominal pain
fever

Infectious colitis may be caused by consuming contaminated food or water that contains pathogens such as:

Campylobacter
Clostridium difficile
E. coli
Salmonella
Giardia

7. Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the term given to a group of chronic conditions involving inflammation of the digestive tract.

The most common types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both can cause abdominal spasms and other symptoms, including:

pain
diarrhea
bleeding
fatigue
weight loss

»Learn more:Inflammatory bowel disease in children: What to know

8. Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional digestive disorder, which means the digestive tract appears undamaged but still causes symptoms.

Along with abdominal spasms, IBS causes:

abdominal pain
constipation
diarrhea

»Learn more:Complementary therapies for IBS

9. Ischemic colitis and mesenteric ischemia

Ischemic colitis happens when poor blood supply causes inflammation or injury to the large intestine. When this happens in the small intestine, it is known as mesenteric ischemia.

Both conditions lead to abdominal cramps or spasms and blood in stool.

10. Muscle strain

Working the abdominal muscles too hard or too often can lead to muscle spasms and abdominal pain. People may notice it after doing crunches and sit-ups.

It can result from:

a tear in muscle tissues
overuse of a muscle
not taking sufficient time to recover before returning to exercise
not warming up before exercise
using exercise equipment incorrectly

People with muscle strain may also notice muscle tenderness and pain that worsens with movement.

»Learn more:What causes upper stomach pain?

Abdominal spasms during pregnancy

Changes in the body during pregnancy can lead to abdominal pain and spasms. Most cases of abdominal spasms during pregnancy are not a cause for concern. However, people who experience regular spasms or spasms that are painful should see a doctor.

The following can cause spasms during pregnancy:

Braxton-Hicks contractions

Braxton-Hicks are known as false labor. Contractions typically occur in the third trimester, although some people experience them from the second trimester.

Braxton-Hicks contractions are when the uterine muscles tense and tighten for less than 30 seconds to 2 minutes before releasing. True contractions last from 30 to less than 90 seconds, and progressively get stronger and last longer.

The contractions tend to be:

infrequent
irregular in intensity
more uncomfortable than painful
in a specific point in the abdomen, usually at the front

Contractions that ease up rather than get worse are most likely Braxton-Hicks contractions, especially if they occur earlier than the expected labor.

Gas

Gas often occurs during pregnancy due to increased levels of the hormone progesterone.

While progesterone is necessary for a healthy pregnancy, it also causes the intestinal muscles to relax, which slows down digestion and leads to a buildup of gas.

»Learn more:Constipation and pregnancy: What to know

Diagnosis

Diagnosis will aim to identify the underlying cause of abdominal spasms.

A doctor will:

consider the symptoms
carry out a physical examination
take a medical history

They will also ask a person about symptoms, when they started, if the spasms have any triggers, and if there are other symptoms.

They may recommend blood tests and imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan.

A doctor may ask a person to keep a log of when the spasms occur, what they ate that day, and if they did any physical activity to help determine the cause.

When to see a doctor

In many cases, abdominal spasms will resolve on their own and are not a cause for concern. However, severe or frequent spasms can indicate a more serious condition that needs investigation.

If a person experiences any of the following symptoms, they should seek immediate medical treatment:

blood in the stool
chest pain
difficulty breathing
emotional distress due to spasms
fever
severe pain
vomiting
skin that appears yellow
weight loss
black, tarry stools

»Learn more:When to see a doctor for severe stomach pain

Treatment

The treatment for abdominal spasms will depend on the underlying cause.

For issues such as IBD and infectious colitis, a doctor will likely prescribe medication to treat or manage the condition.

They may also recommend:

dietary changes
other lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or exercising
home remedies, for instance, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated

»Learn more:What are the best foods to aid digestion?

Medication

Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are available for abdominal spasms. The medication used will depend on the underlying cause.

A doctor may prescribe one of the following:

Aminosalicylates and corticosteroids. These drugs can treat some forms of IBD.
Antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These medications reduce the levels of stomach acid that may be contributing to gastritis-related spasms.
Antibiotics. A doctor may prescribe these for bacterial infections that cause gastritis or gastroenteritis.
Antispasmodic medications. These may help reduce spasms in people with IBS.

Home remedies

Home remedies can help with abdominal spasms, but people should speak with a doctor before using them, as they may not be suitable or safe for everyone.

Some home remedies that may be effective include:

Rest: People with spasms due to muscle strain may find relief by resting the muscles and avoiding abdominal exercises.
Heat: Applying a heat pack or hot water bottle to the abdomen can relax the muscles and ease spasms.
Massage: Gently massaging the abdomen muscles can improve blood flow and ease cramps and spasms.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help avoid dehydration, which may cause abdominal spasms or make them worse. Sports drinks that replenish electrolytes may help, but people should use them in moderation, as they are often high in sugar.
Epsom salt baths: Warm baths using Epsom salts are a popular home remedy for many cramps and spasms. The warm water relaxes the muscles, and Epsom salts are high in magnesium, which helps muscular cramps.

»Learn more:How to make a heating pad at home

Prevention

The following steps can help prevent abdominal spasms:

Staying hydrated: Dehydration can sometimes lead to abdominal spasms, so it is important to drink enough fluids. People also need more fluid in hot weather and during intense exercise.
Avoiding problematic foods: Some foods cause digestive distress, spasms, and other symptoms. Consider limiting alcohol intake, spicy foods, and high fat foods to see if the spasms improve.
Making other dietary changes if necessary: People with gastritis, IBS, and IBD may find that making dietary changes eases their symptoms. For example, limiting fiber intake can reduce painful gas. It can be helpful to work with a doctor or dietitian to determine what to eat and avoid.
Managing underlying conditions: Spasms related to conditions such as IBS or IBD may disappear or lessen if a person can manage them with medication, lifestyle changes, or both.

Outlook

The outlook for people with abdominal spasms depends on the underlying cause. They often resolve with minimal or no treatment, but some causes may need medical attention.

To improve the outlook, a person should consult a doctor quickly if spasms persist or get worse, or if bloody stools, fever, or vomiting also occur.

Frequently asked questions

What causes abdominal cramps?

A range of issues can cause abdominal cramps and spasms, ranging from gas to serious digestive diseases, such as IBD. Muscle spasms can also happen during pregnancy and include Braxton Hicks contractions.

What do abdominal muscle spasms feel like?

They can feel like a twitch or a cramp in the abdomen. They can range from mild to severely painful, depending on the cause.

How can a person stop abdominal spasms?

Methods to stop abdominal spasms will vary due to the underlying cause. Typically, rest, maintaining hydration, changing dietary patterns, and taking certain medications, such as antispasmodic drugs, can help stop spasms.

How long do abdominal spasms last?

Typically, most abdominal spasms do not last long and should not last more than a few days.

When should I see a doctor about muscle spasms in the abdomen?

It is advisable for people to seek medical advice if spasms do not go away, if they are severe, or if they occur with other symptoms, such as diarrhea with blood.

Summary

Abdominal cramps and spasms can happen for a wide range of reasons, ranging from gas to colitis. In some cases, a person may need prescription drugs to manage the condition. Lifestyle and home remedies can also help.

Anyone who has concerns about abdominal pain should seek medical advice.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Women's Health / Gynecology

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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