A study published in the Journal of the American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists examined the role of adhesions in chronic abdominal pain. 30 women who suffered from chronic pain (age 26-49) agreed to undergo laparoscopic surgery while still awake. The surgeons then palpated any adhesions they found and watched the patients to determine the degree of pain. The study found that adhesions located between two structures (such as the ovaries and the uterus) elicited the greatest amount of the pain if the adhesions still allowed minor movement between the structures. Adhesions that prevented any movement had the lowest pain scores. They also found that adhesions attached to the peritoneum elicited great amounts of pain.

This study helps explain why some women may experience intestinal and abdominal pain. If adhesions are between the intestines and still allow movement, they can elicit great pain as waste moves through. The same is true of women who experience painful menstruation. As the uterus expands, it can pull on adhesions that attach to nearby structures, causing great pain.

Please visit our chronic pain page to read more about the connection between adhesions and chronic pain.