Chronic Abdominal Pain: Tips for the Primary Care Provider

Abstract

Chronic abdominal pain (CAP) has become a common diagnosis in the primary care setting. It is characterized by intermittent abdominal pain lasting for at least six months. The list of causes in the differential diagnosis is extensive. The costs associated with diagnostic workup is an expensive burden to healthcare. Management of CAP is determined by the etiology. This manuscript reviews the causes of CAP, diagnostic workup, osteopathic considerations, special populations experiencing CAP, and management.