Abdominal rigidity

Definition

Abdominal rigidity is stiffness of the muscles in the belly area, which can be felt when touched or pressed.

Alternative Names

Rigidity of the abdomen

Considerations

When there is a sore area inside the belly or abdomen, the pain will get worse when a hand presses against your belly area.

Your fear or nervousness about being touched (palpated) may cause this symptom, but there should be no pain.

If you have pain when you are touched and you tighten the muscles to "guard" against more pain, it is more likely caused by a physical condition inside your body. The condition may affect one or both sides of your body.

Abdominal rigidity may occur along with:

Causes

Abscess inside the abdomen
Appendicitis
Cholecystitis caused by gallstones
Hole that develops through the entire wall of the stomach, small intestine, large bowel, or gallbladder (gastrointestinal perforation)
Injury to the abdomen
Peritonitis

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Immediate medical care is needed if you have pain when the belly is gently pressed and then released.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

You will probably be seen in an emergency room.

The health care provider will exam you. This may include a pelvic and possibly a rectal exam.

The health care provider will ask questions about your symptoms, such as:

When did they first start?
What other symptoms do you have at the same time? For example, do you have abdominal pain?

Diagnostic tests that may be done include:

Barium studies of the stomach and intestines (such as an upper GI series)
Blood tests
Colonoscopy
Gastroscopy
Peritoneal lavage
Stool studies
Urine tests
X-ray of the abdomen
X-ray of the chest

You will probably not be given any pain relievers until a diagnosis is made. Pain relievers can hide your symptoms.

References

Mcquaid K. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 134.

Squires RA, Postier RG. Acute abdomen.In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2012:chap 47.

Review Date: 10/14/2012
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.

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