About stomach cramps

Stomach cramps (also known as abdominal cramps) are very different from period pain, indigestion and heartburn. Often described as "sharp", "stabbing" and "intense", stomach cramps are spasms in the digestive tract and can be caused by stress, food and lifestyle changes. They can strike at any time and may have a considerable impact on your everyday life and may be so intense they literally stop you in your tracks or leave you doubled up in pain. This can be really disruptive and may affect your social life, work and personal relationships.

Forty per cent of people in the UK suffer from abdominal pain and discomfort at some point in their lives so you’re not alone. According to recent research:

• 39 per cent of abdominal cramps sufferers find the pain stops them from going out with friends
• 22 per cent have time off work due to abdominal cramps
• 19 per cent stop being intimate with their partner during an episode