Intestinal spasms are uncontrolled contractions in the muscles of the large and small intestines. Patients with intestinal spasms, or a spastic colon, may also have bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. Some people with intestinal spasms have mild symptoms, but symptoms can worsen and persist over a long period of time.

Many individuals with intestinal spasms have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Patients with IBS may experience worsening intestinal spasms if they also have mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety, or if they are under a lot of stress. People with irritable bowel syndrome may be able to manage and control their symptoms if they limit stress and eat a healthy diet.

Irritable bowel syndrome with intestinal cramps has many causes, including an abnormal functioning of intestinal muscles and a limited ability to move or stretch the intestines. Intestinal infections can cause intestinal cramping to develop after the infection has passed. Foods such as vegetables, fruits, and dairy products can trigger colon spasms. Beverages such as carbonated drinks and caffeinated drinks can bring on spasms in the intestinal tract, as well. People under the age of 35, women, and individuals with a family history of IBS have an increased risk of developing this medical condition.

A doctor evaluates a patient’s symptoms prior to diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome and looks for changes in stool consistency, bowel movement frequency, and urgency. Some patients with intestinal spasms cannot tolerate lactose in dairy products and a physician may use a breath test to determine lactose intolerance. Patients may undergo a colonoscopy, blood test, and computerized tomography (CT) imaging test to rule out other medical conditions.

Anticholinergic drugs may relieve spasms of the intestinal tract, but they may contribute to constipation, too. A physician may recommend a fiber supplement, such as psyllium, and plenty of fluids to control constipation. Diarrhea may be relived with over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicines, such as loperamide. Alosetron is a prescription nerve receptor antagonist medication that relaxes the intestinal tract and slows bowel elimination. Lubiprostone is a chloride channel activator drug that improves stool passage in women.

Lifestyle changes may improve IBS and lessen intestinal cramping. Patients usually should not skip meals and should eat at the same times each day to promote bowel regularity. People with this medical condition typically should drink plenty of liquids, especially water, and limit intake of alcoholic beverages, caffeine, and carbonated drinks. Regular exercise can promote normal muscle contractions in the intestinal tract, relieve stress, and improve mood disorders that accompany irritable bowel syndrome.

Patients with intestinal cramps who prefer alternative medicine may find that peppermint relaxes the muscles of the intestines. Acupuncture may provide relief from stomach cramps. Meditation, massage, and yoga also may promote stress reduction, improve bowel regularity, and lessen intestinal pain.