Visceral pain is located in the abdomen (stomach and digestive area) and is often described as cramping and/or dull and aching. It can be caused by a medical problem such as constipation, a kidney stone, ulcer, gall stone or appendicitis. Since a person with SCI may not have the usual symptoms associated with these medical conditions, it is important to see a doctor who has had experience caring for SCI patients in order to get a correct diagnosis and treatment.
Pain that comes from a visceral problem is sometimes felt in an area away from the source of the problem. This is called referred pain. One common example is shoulder pain that results from gallbladder disease.