In the area of the solar plexus there is a huge number of nerve endings that diverge throughout the body like sun rays. That is why this area of the human body got its name. The solar (or celiac) plexus itself consists of several nodes: the left, mesenteric and right. From all of them nerve fibers disperse. Thanks to this, a connection is made between the organs of the human body and the nervous system. If we talk about pain in the solar plexus in women and men, then it is worth considering that there are a huge number of reasons for the appearance of such discomfort.
Among the most common diseases it is worth paying attention to the presence of neuritis, neuralgia, injuries, nodes and other things. However, there are many other reasons why the disease develops. To diagnose the disease, it is first necessary to clarify the type of pain.
Acute pain during exertion
In this case, we mean strong pain that appears after heavy loads. Also, severe pain in the solar plexus occurs with excessive overwork of the human body. Pain can be intense, stitching, or burning. If at this time the patient is in motion, then he stops and wants to rest.
These pain sensations appear exclusively in the process of physical exercises and do not cause serious danger, and also do not belong to the category of pathology. In order to get rid of a sharp pain in the solar plexus, just a little rest. If pain symptoms are regular, then in this case there is a risk that a person suffers from plexitis or other ailments.
Severe pain during injuries
This area can be injured if the upper abdomen is tightly tightened with safety belts or belts. Such discomfort often affects people involved in dangerous sports, climbers, etc.
Also, such damage can result in the fall of an object on the upper region of the peritoneum. For example, during a game of soccer, the ball could hit precisely this area, which caused a sharp pain in the solar plexus of a man. The same thing happens when you hit with your fist “under the breath”.
If we talk about how to determine sharp pain in the solar plexus, then this is very simple. It is recommended not to ignore the following manifestations:
- Respiratory depression.
- The appearance of nausea and a desire to empty the intestines.
- In the lower area of the peritoneum, a warm sensation or burning sensation may appear.
If the victim lies on his left side and presses his knees to his chest, then the pain in the solar plexus gradually subsides. Most often, when injured, discomfort appears in the central area of the sternum.
Damage to the nerve nodes
If the causes of pain in the solar plexus are associated with this problem, then in this case it is worth paying attention to several factors that can affect the appearance of discomfort:
- Excessive stress. We are talking about hard work, violation of safety precautions or intensity during sports activities. In this case, the pain is acute, burning or stitching. After rest, discomfort goes away, as well as with any other physical exertion.
- Neuritis. In this case, we are talking about a pathology provoked by inflammatory processes in the nerves. Similar phenomena are observed in those people who move too little or, on the contrary, experience too much physical overload. Neuritis can also develop against the background of infectious diseases in the intestine.
- Neuralgia. This disease is considered similar to neuritis. The main reason for the appearance of this ailment is the irritation of the nerves of the solar plexus. In this case, it is worth noting a sharply appearing pain syndrome. Patients note that they have a feeling, as if the area between the ribs is squeezed into a vice. Especially severe pain in the solar plexus is observed when inhaling or changing the position of the body.
- Solarium. This ailment is considered a serious pathological process that occurs in the nerve nodes of the plexuses. This pathology refers to severe cases. If a person has not taken treatment measures, then there is a high risk of complications.
Painful symptoms do not always appear exclusively in the nerve node. For example, dull pain in the solar plexus radiates to the back or side (in some cases, under the shoulder blade on the left side). To alleviate the condition, a person needs to take a horizontal position.
If the patient has nothing to do with professional sports or does not experience serious physical exertion, then in this case other pathologies and diseases of other nodes may be the cause of the ailment.
Neighboring Authorities
Near the solar plexus there are a large number of organs, which can also cause pain. If you draw an imaginary line in the center of the human body, then the stomach will be located on the left side. It connects the upper intestine with the duodenum. The pancreas is in a horizontal position behind the stomach, and the spleen is located to the left of it. On the right side is the liver and gall bladder.
Accordingly, with the appearance of pain in the solar plexus in women and men, it is worthwhile to undergo a general examination to exclude possible pathologies that develop in neighboring organs.
Pathological processes in the stomach
Since this organ of the human body is closest to the solar plexus, it is most often pathologies that lead to severe pain in it. Let's consider them in more detail:
- Gastritis. If a person suffers from this ailment, then in this case he will experience mild pain in the solar plexus when pressed. In this case, the discomfort is quite portable. And if the inflammatory focus is at the bottom of the stomach, then in this case the unpleasant sensations will be most pronounced after eating. The pain will give to the sternum. In some situations, discomfort appears on an empty stomach. This happens if the inflammatory process occurs relatively close to the duodenum.
- Peptic ulcer. In this case, the pain in the solar plexus will be stabbing or sharp. As a rule, discomfort goes away at night. This is due to the fact that the tissue lining the inner walls of the stomach, is gradually destroyed by the action of gastric juice. When an ulcer appears, pain will be given to the solar plexus.
It is also worth considering that in the stomach benign or malignant tumors can form. In this case, the pain in the solar plexus will be pulling or pressing type. In addition, the feeling of discomfort may not subside for a long time. In this case, it is necessary to undergo a diagnosis of gastric cancer in order to timely detect the presence of a problem.
Duodenal Disease
In this case, we are talking about the upper part of the intestine, located between the stomach itself and the beginnings of the small intestine. Very often, inflammation of the membranes that line this organ from the inside occurs. In this case, a person experiences aching pain, which is localized in the upper peritoneum under the chest.
This disease is called duodenitis. To independently determine the presence of this pathology, it is worth paying attention to the feeling of discomfort. If the pulling pains in the solar plexus appear on an empty stomach or during sleep and disappear after the patient takes food, then there is a high probability that he suffers from this ailment.
Pancreas problems
A clear sign of a developing pathology is that the pain occurs mainly when pressing on the stomach and in the place of the solar plexus. Due to the malfunction of the pancreas, there is a sudden occurrence of sharp pain between the ribs.
Additional symptoms include elevated body temperature and general malaise.
Pancreatitis
Some complain of nausea and vomiting, which contains a large amount of bile. In this case, we are talking about pancreatitis. This pathology is a violation of the digestive system. In this case, the person also suffers from bloating, diarrhea or constipation. As a rule, pain occurs after eating.
Other causes of pain in the solar plexus
The appearance of discomfort in this area is also characteristic of pneumonia. In this case, pain is localized on the right and left side of the celiac plexus. Also, unpleasant symptoms can be caused by diseases of the cardiovascular apparatus. In this case, the appearance of pressing and aching pain in the solar plexus in men and women.
It is also worth checking the diaphragm for possible irregularities.
Abdominal inflammation
If the pain is localized in the intercostal region, then this can indicate inflammation that can occur in other parts of the peritoneum. The appearance of parasites in the intestine can lead to this. If helminths have accumulated in it, then they can begin to put pressure on the internal organs, which leads to pain in the hypochondrium.
Also, intestinal infections can lead to pain in the solar plexus. They are characterized by acute pain in the upper part of the peritoneum. A person has loose stools with a change in color. Among the additional symptoms, it is worth highlighting nausea, fever and vomiting. In such a situation, it is urgent to visit an infectious disease specialist.
It is also worthwhile to exclude food poisoning, since in this case, pain can be given to the area of the solar plexus.
The greatest danger is peritonitis. This disease is characterized by inflammation of the membranes that line the peritoneum. Pancreatitis is an infection of the cavity that can occur due to infection or a violation of the integrity of some organs located in the abdominal cavity. During an attack of peritonitis, a person experiences such severe pain in the solar plexus that it can provoke pain shock and even lead to loss of consciousness. Also in this case, severe breathing difficulties are observed. Be sure to pay attention to the appearance of strong muscle tension in the peritoneum, this is also a symptom of peritonitis.
Diagnostics
Discomfort in the solar plexus can be a symptom of both a completely harmless state and quite serious ailments. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a specialist in a timely manner and determine in which particular node of the body the failure occurred.
In addition to an external examination, the doctor must prescribe a test of urine and feces. Computed tomography and ultrasound of all abdominal organs may also be required . If there is a suspicion of an infection, then bacteriological studies are carried out.
If no pathologies are detected, then in this case, the doctor may decide to perform an examination using an endoscope. An MRI or radiography may also be performed. It is impossible to independently determine the appearance of an ailment. For this, specialized equipment is mandatory used, which allows you to know exactly at what level the failure occurs. After that, the doctor may prescribe the necessary therapy.
Treatment
If we are talking about acute pain in the solar plexus, then in this case there are no general recommendations for treatment, since all situations are examined by a doctor individually.
First of all, it is necessary to get rid of the root cause, that is, diagnose a disease that leads to unpleasant symptoms. However, in case of unbearable pain, it is recommended to take antispasmodics or painkillers.
Be sure to seek the advice of a therapist or gastroenterologist. However, in the case of acute, sharp or severe pain, it is necessary to immediately call a doctor, since we can talk about very serious pathologies that require emergency surgical intervention. Taking any medication without a doctor’s prescription can worsen a person’s condition and lead to serious complications.