When your stomach hurts, knowing the exact location of the pain can help you identify potential causes. The abdomen is divided into nine regions, and each area can be linked to specific organs or conditions. This guide will walk you through what your pain might indicate, based on its location in these nine sections.
Understanding the Nine Abdominal Areas
The abdomen is divided into three rows: the upper, middle, and lower, and three columns: the left, center, and right. The areas are labeled as follows:
- Upper row: 1 (left hypochondriac), 2 (epigastric), 3 (right hypochondriac)
- Middle row: 4 (left lumbar), 5 (umbilical), 6 (right lumbar)
- Lower row: 7 (left iliac), 8 (hypogastric), 9 (right iliac)
Let’s break down what might be causing pain in each of these regions.
Upper Abdominal Pain
1. Left Hypochondriac Region
Pain in this area (upper left side) may be linked to the following:
- Spleen issues: Conditions like an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) or injury to the spleen.
- Stomach: Gastric ulcers or gastritis, especially if the pain worsens after eating.
- Pancreas: Pancreatitis, particularly if the pain radiates towards your back.
2. Epigastric Region
The epigastric region (upper middle) houses several critical organs, and pain here could indicate:
- Acid reflux or GERD: Heartburn or indigestion due to acid irritating the esophagus.
- Peptic ulcers: A burning sensation, often worse on an empty stomach.
- Gallbladder issues: Biliary colic or gallstones may cause sharp pain that radiates towards the chest or back.
3. Right Hypochondriac Region
Pain in the upper right side is often associated with:
- Liver problems: Hepatitis or liver inflammation.
- Gallbladder: Gallstones or inflammation (cholecystitis), especially after eating fatty foods.
- Bile duct issues: Blockages or infections in the bile ducts can lead to significant pain.
Middle Abdominal Pain
4. Left Lumbar Region
Pain in the middle left side might be due to:
- Kidney stones or infections: Sharp or severe pain, especially when urinating or moving.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, common in older adults.
5. Umbilical Region
Pain around the belly button could indicate:
- Small intestine issues: Conditions like Crohn’s disease or an intestinal blockage.
- Hernias: An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall.
- Early appendicitis: Pain can start around the belly button before moving to the lower right side.
