Upper abdominal cramps (severe spasms)

I have had these spasms in my upper abdomen too (like charley horses).  Very painful...takes my breath away and I break out in sweats.  Rubbing the abdomen eventually helps to relieve the spasm but am sore for days (sometimes weeks) afterward.  No rhyme or reason to when they come, except it seems to be when I turn my body certain ways I can feel them coming on.  My doctor has not been helpful.

Has anyone had muscle relaxers prescribed and if so, do they help??? Any OTC pain meds help (aspirin, nsaids, etc?).  

you are 150% right, I had the same problem for over 8yrs, and i have not been to a doctor in over 6ysr. because they suck money out of you, medical for profit.

Thank heavens I'm not alone... I had a few of these cramps/spasms  on the right side before having my gallbladder out 2 yrs. ago. Soon after I had a 2nd more serious abdominal surgery that was not done laprascopically and now have them from time to time on both sides ( more on the left ) . As with others on this sight, my best relief is to hold strong and steady pressure on the sight until the pain is completely gone. The absolute worst is when you're driving down the highway or in a formal situation. People just look at me funny when I'm standing/sitting somwhere and assaulting my own torso  :) . Just thought it was something odd with me and I just deal with it ! It does appear from other posts that gallbladder surgery seems to be a common factor.

I have the same pain you are all describing but wondering if it is related to scar tissue from having my gallbladder out? Thoughts?

This happened to me this evening. I bent down to touch my toes ( kinda showing my hubbs that being almost 42 I can still touch me toes). Well I touched my toes, but had the sharpest pain in my abdomin that it took my breath away. I don't know if having emergency surgery two years ago ( ruptured colon - colostomy for 3 months, then full reversal and recovery). Please give advice!

Leg Cramps thus far has worked best for me; however, it's success rate in attenuating lower extremity cramping I would estimate to be ~ 30 - 40%. CVS also puts out its brand containing the very same ingredients. Only very recently have I begun to experience twitching in my abdominal LUQ and now for the past few days a ~ sharp localized pain ~ in same when I sneeze or bend forward. (Had gall bladder removed post a single attack of pancreatitis; total nondrinker all my life.) My vit. D level prior to tx. with prescribed oral supplement was 11; noticed that increasing my level also has helped a slight bit with the muscle spasms; Leg Cramps med is more effective. Just yesterday I decided to research on the net if there is any link between ice cream eating (!!!) and muscle cramping; I seldom eat ice cream but have noticed that sometimes the muscle cramping is increased; guess what! There can be. Muscle channelopathies may be a/the causative agent. Sequencing ion channel genes (taken from a blood test) is reported to presently be the gold standard in diagnostic testing. I heartily wish everyone and their SOs godspeed in your diagnostic journey.

My neighbor came over asking for help with muscle cramps in his upper rib. I saw how his skin lifted up with the spasm then he grabbed it in pain and did not let go until the pain subsided in a couple of minutes. but he said it left him feeling weak and the pain still was a level 5 /6 for the entire next day.

Yes! Finally found someone with the same symptoms. Mine usually happen on the toilet too, but a few times when I was sitting on the floor and twist or reach or tying my shoes. Had bowel surgery a few years ago, so assumed it was incisional hernia, and had it repaired, but the spasms still happen. Seem to cycle every other month or so, two or three times a week for a couple weeks, then quiet again. Spasms last 2-5 minutes. I am afraid one day it won't stop. Also have severe spasms in shoulder blades, muscle cramps in calves, and toes as well. Desperate to find someone to tell me what to do.

How were you diagnosed with MS? I have been having really bad spasms and cramps. About a year agoI couldn't walk properly for a month because these abdominal spasms were to strong to keep myself upright. Had multiple test they told me it was stress. I FU(KEN HATE NEUROLOGIST

reflex simplex dystrophy check out with neurologist

This sounds just like mine except i have not started exercising....i figured it was from being way over weight. And I feel bruised for a day or so after the episode.

My ab cramps began after I started a very low carb diet, and began eating a lot of fiber rich veggies that are well known for causing gas and constipation.  I dont' know if it's low potassium, or my colon spasming, but it's a thought.  The cramps only happen every now and then, and always when I haven't had a bowel movement in a while, and I stretch or bend in an awkward position.

I have these too. They started when I was 16 in 19 now. I'm a male. It feels as if something is moving in my stomach when I lean sideways and my stomach will spaz and it feels like someone is twisting my esophagus. It usually lasts a week and goes away. But will come back in month or two and same thing. I've started paying attention to if anything is causing it but it just comes out of nowhere. Its really irritating me. I hate living with it. If anyone finds out anything please let me know

OMG...this is awesome, in some respects, to find others in this pitiful quandry. Last evening, I coughed...then the excruiating abdominal "charlie horse" attacked with a vengence...I went to the floor from a sitting position, and could not even crawl. The pain almost blacked me out, and lasted quite some time. I get them frequently, usually while using the bathroom, and am forced to sit until the spasm subsides. This also will occur while I am in bed, resting comfortably, then...BLAM...darn spasm attacks again. BUT...last night was indeed the most horrific...and I will be seeing a physician next month. I also have had  hernia repairs, supra pubic, and left lower quandrant (which this one did not take :( )...so I am wondering if this could be related, possibly scar tissue, or intestinal abnormalities. I have also had my uterus removed (30 yrs ago), so the possibilities seem endless as to a specific cause, and future treatment. Good luck to us ALL!!!!

I got pain now don't know what it is but I also had these pains for years upper right side also lower middle even when I laugh hard I been to the doctor and they say it is nothing so that's why I'm doing my own research