Abdominal pain and cramping which is relieved after a bowel movement may be related to a spastic colon.

This common stomach condition is often accompanied by a headache, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and even water retention.

Spastic colon occurs where there is an increase in the normal and spontaneous contractions of the muscles found in the large and small intestines. These spasms lead to varying severity of symptoms in those who suffer with spastic colon.

For those who suffer with spastic colon it is often very difficult to be away from home too much and you may begin to alter your lifestyle in order to make sure you are constantly near a bathroom just in case the symptoms of spastic colon hit again.

When the symptoms and pain of spastic colon begins to interfere so much with life that you are altering your daily plans, it is important to make the phone call and schedule a complete physical with your health care provider so that you can get the attention you so desperately need.

Spastic colon may also be known as irritable bowel syndrome, and regardless of what you call it, there are many treatment options available for you.

While there doesn't seem to be a perfect and hard fast explanation for this stomach condition, there are some who believe that it may be caused by the excess buildup of fecal matter in the colon.

Healthcare providers typically recommend that regular bowel movements become a part of regular daily life.

To begin with, spastic colon treatment general revolves around lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, dietary changes, and even anti-diarrheal medications.

Changing your diet may be a great place to start. For example, taking in more bulk and fiber is critical to having more regular and normalized bowel function.

Legumes or beans are a great addition to any diet. Beans such as lima beans, black beans, and even peas are all great sources of fiber.

It is also important to avoid foods which are high in fat such as fast foods and make smarter and healthier food choices.

Fresh foods and vegetables such as salads, leafy green veggies, whole fresh fruit, and even breads and pastas made to with whole grain and whole wheat are all great alternatives to fast food.

Spastic colon does not have to control your life and you should work aggressively with your physician to design the treatment plan which works best for you, so that you feel as if you have control over your spastic colon instead of the other way around.