If you have what seems like belly button pain, and have been diagnosed with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), could there be a connection?

Some people have belly button pain, and some people have irritable bowel syndrome.

And, some people have both pain “in” or near the belly button, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Belly Button Pain Caused by IBS

“Pain is a common problem in IBS, and it is usually poorly defined and not very well-localized,” says John E. Pandolfino, MD, Director of the Esophageal Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and Associate Professor, Division of Gastroenterology at Northwestern University.

“It would be uncommon to have a localized pain exactly at the umbilicus/belly button, and one should have a hernia ruled out if this symptom is significant.”

Here is another thought, if you have irritable bowel syndrome and also belly button pain …

Could it be possible that your IBS has made your abdomen bloated or caused it to be swelled up, and this extra girth is pressing against the metal button of your jeans?

This would happen especially while you’re sitting, and that metal has been digging into your skin long enough to cause soreness or irritation there, creating the illusion that the pain is coming literally from your belly button – when in fact, it’s from pants that are a bit too tight.

Maybe you’ve gained weight, and this explains the tightness as well.

Dr. Pandolfino’s practice covers a wide gamut of GI disorders including GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, benign and malignant tumors, swallowing disorders and esophageal disorders.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.