If you’ve ever had sudden stomach pain and thought, “Is this appendicitis?” — you’re smart to pay attention. Appendicitis can become serious very quickly if left untreated. At UNITY Chiropractic Wellness, located near Grand Central Station in Midtown Manhattan, we sometimes get patients who mention abdominal pain without realizing how important it is to rule out emergency issues like appendicitis.
Here’s a breakdown of the classic warning signs to watch for.
What Is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis happens when the appendix — a small pouch attached to your large intestine — becomes inflamed and infected.
Without quick treatment, it can rupture, leading to life-threatening complications like peritonitis (infection inside the abdomen).
Roughly 5–7% of people in the U.S. will develop appendicitis at some point, making it a relatively common emergency.
Common Symptoms of Appendicitis
1. Sudden Pain Around the Belly Button
Appendicitis often starts with vague, crampy pain near your belly button.
This early pain can feel mild or just uncomfortable at first.
2. Pain Shifts to Lower Right Abdomen
Within a few hours, the pain typically moves to the lower right side of your abdomen — the classic location for appendicitis.
The pain usually becomes sharper and more focused over time.
3. Worsening Pain with Movement
Walking, coughing, laughing, or even light jostling can make the pain feel worse.
Many people instinctively hunch over to avoid aggravating the discomfort.
4. Loss of Appetite
A sudden disinterest in eating is very common. If you usually love your Midtown lunch runs and suddenly can’t even think about food, it’s a possible red flag.
5. Nausea or Vomiting
Feeling queasy often accompanies appendicitis, especially as the infection worsens.
6. Low-Grade Fever
You might notice a mild fever (around 99°F–100.5°F) along with chills or sweating.
7. Constipation or Diarrhea
Some people experience changes in bowel habits, including constipation, diarrhea, or a sensation of being unable to pass gas.
8. Abdominal Swelling
If the appendix ruptures or the infection spreads, the abdomen can become visibly swollen and extremely tender.
Important: Signs of a Possible Emergency
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe abdominal pain that worsens over a few hours
- Pain that’s localized to the lower right abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting that doesn’t improve
- Fever along with abdominal pain
- Hard, swollen abdomen
Time is critical — ruptured appendicitis can happen within 24–72 hours after symptoms start.
Questions People Commonly Ask About Appendicitis
Can appendicitis go away on its own?
Very rarely. Most cases require surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy) to prevent rupture and serious complications.
Does appendicitis always hurt on the right side?
Usually — but early on, the pain can start near the belly button before migrating to the right lower abdomen.
How do doctors diagnose appendicitis?
Diagnosis is based on physical exam findings, symptoms, blood tests, and imaging like ultrasound or CT scans.
Why Chiropractic Offices Like UNITY Chiropractic Wellness Pay Attention to Abdominal Pain
At UNITY Chiropractic Wellness, while we focus on musculoskeletal and nervous system health, we are trained to recognize when pain patterns don’t match typical muscle or spine issues.
If you visit us with unexplained abdominal pain, we’ll always recommend medical evaluation first if appendicitis or other serious conditions are suspected.
It’s always better to be cautious when it comes to abdominal symptoms.
If you’re experiencing unusual abdominal pain and aren’t sure what’s causing it, prioritize your health. If it turns out to be musculoskeletal, UNITY Chiropractic Wellness is here to help — but if it’s something urgent like appendicitis, fast action can save lives.