Solar plexus pain causes discomfort in the upper abdomen. Physical causes can be muscle injuries, acid reflux, or pancreatitis. Emotional causes can be severe anxiety. Treatments depend on the cause but can include rest, management of stress, the use of antacids, or procedures such as a celiac plexus block for more severe conditions.
The solar plexus is located in the middle of the abdomen. It’s a vast network of nerves that control many major organs. Nerve clusters connect deeply with the stomach, liver, and kidneys. Pain in this area can be very disruptive and may affect your entire day.
In the case of trauma, stress, or pain to the solar plexus, the pain can be a dull ache or a sharp, radiating pain. It can be very difficult to determine the cause of the pain because of the many physical and emotional connections to this area.
This guide describes the causes of solar plexus pain, along with the most common physical and emotional symptoms, and the available treatment options.
What is the anatomy of the solar plexus and what is its function?
The solar plexus, or celiac plexus, is a large network of nerves and ganglia in the stomach area that is located in front of the aorta.
As a key part of the sympathetic nervous system, the solar plexus binds the nervous system with the collection of the stomach, kidneys, liver, and adrenal glands, and helps with digestion and the brain’s stress acknowledgment systems. Since it is connected with the adrenal glands, it is very sensitive to the fight-or-flight system, thus linking your emotional and physical health.
What are the physical and emotional causes of solar plexus pain?
Discomfort in the upper abdomen is often of an acute injury of a chronic stress condition.
What physical conditions can cause discomfort in the upper abdomen?
Solar plexus pain is most commonly attributed to physical injury caused by:
- Muscle strain: Abdominal muscle injuries can be directly implicated in solar plexus pain. Healthline (2018) explains that pain caused by an abdominal muscle injury is often painful to the point that the muscle is injured and can be swollen and have bruised discoloration.
- Digestion: Conditions like acid reflux and ulcers can irrit the celiac plexus.
- Pancreas: Pancreatitis, gallstones, or cancer of the pancreas can cause sudden and sharp solar plexus pain.
- Trauma: Blunt trauma to the abdomen can cause pain from injury to blood vessels or organs.
- Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes can cause celiac plexus and vagus nerve neuropathy.
In what ways do anxiety and stress create solar plexus pain?
Anxiety is a common non-physical culprit for solar plexus pain. Since the celiac plexus has a direct link to the adrenal glands, stress can induce a fight-or-flight response. This response can cause inadequate breathing patterns, limiting oxygen to the abdomen, and can lead to nausea, discomfort, and pain in the abdomen.
What are the main emotional and physical symptoms associated with solar plexus pain?
Because the celiac plexus is so intricately connected, symptoms can be experienced physically and emotionally.
What are the physical symptoms associated with celiac plexus pain?
Patients experiencing pain in the solar plexus commonly describe the following:
- Pain in the upper abdomen that is sharp or stabbing, or aching that is persistent.
- Tenderness of the abdomen upon contact.
- Nausea and vomiting with a decreased appetite.
- Bloating, increased gas with reflux that is painful and burning.
- Difficulty breathing, or a sensation of chest tightness.
What emotional symptoms are experienced with abdominal pain?
Because of the connection to the adrenal glands, symptoms include:
- Increased anxiety, nervousness, or fear.
- A feeling of emotional fatigue, and a heightened sense of vulnerability.
- Agitation and restlessness when pain is at its worst.
How do physicians determine the cause of solar plexus pain?
If you have persistent pain in the solar plexus, you should contact a physician. If the pain is severe, sudden, and results from an injury, you should go to the emergency room.
The next step a physician will take to determine an accurate medical diagnosis is to evaluate the patient in a more detailed oriented fashion. The physician will usually begin this process with a physical examination to assess tenderness and swelling and look for evidence for strains. The physician may request imaging based on the symptoms. Imaging may include ultrasounds or CTs to obtain a view beyond the gallbladder and the pancreas as well as the surrounding organs. A blood test may be used to find evidence of an infection or markers for pancreatitis or diabetes, and an endoscopy will allow the physician to view the stomach for evidence of ulcers or acid reflux.
What treatment options exist for solar plexus pain?
There is no one treatment for solar plexus pain as the treatment is based on the underlying diagnosis.
What treatment options exist for upper abdominal pain?
Physicians will treat the underlying cause as well as the symptoms. Antacids may be prescribed for acid reflux. Consider ibuprofen for inflammation from a pulled muscle. However, if stomach ulcers are present, avoid NSAIDs as they may worsen the ulcers and increase the risk of internal bleeding.
For chronic severe pain from especially chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, a celiac plexus block may be recommended. This procedure would numb a nerve bundle to stop the pain for the patient. Pain Medicine, 2010 published a study showing that 89% of patients experienced significant pain relief from severe upper abdominal pain after the celiac plexus block.
What home remedies and lifestyle adjustments relieve celiac plexus discomfort?
For minor digestive and muscular issues, the following solutions can offer effective relief:
- Rest and heat therapy: Relax tight muscles and soothe nerve pain by applying a heating pad to the upper abdomen.
- Bland diet: The BRAT diet along with the avoidance of trigger foods (spicy, acidic, and highly processed foods) and foods in large quantities, improves digestion and offers relief from an upset stomach.
- Nervous system relaxation: Deep breathing, yoga and meditation help to calm the nervous system and avoids flare-ups from anxiety.
What are some alternative therapies that help with pain in the abdominal nerves?
Many patients find that alternative therapies successfully complement traditional treatments. Acupuncture helps to release tension and improve function of the affected nerves. Massage therapy and chiropractic care help relax tight muscles and align the abdominal region.
What can you do to avoid solar plexus pain?
Taking a proactive approach to both mental and physical health is a must to avoid solar plexus pain. Good posture generally helps avoid compressing the diaphragm and upper abdomen. Managing stress with relaxation techniques and a nervous system friendly diet combined with adequate hydration and regular exercise, helps digestion and prevents strain on muscles.
What Can Be Done to Help Manage The Pain of the Solar Plexus
Solar Plexus pain can mean any number of issues from distress of your internal organs to pulled muscles to increased levels of anxiety. Knowing what factors can trigger pain in this area can help you decide what actions to take regarding your overall health.
If pain does not subside within a week of applying heat, managing your diet, or managing your stress levels, you should seek help from a medical professional. If the cause of pain is tackled early, you will receive the appropriate care and your pain will resolve without the risk of developing other chronic related issues.
Frequently asked questions about solar plexus pain
Does pain in the Solar Plexus mean you are anxious?
Yes, there is a direct correlation. The Solar Plexus is part of the sympathetic nervous system. It also is connected to the Adrenal Glands. If a person is very anxious and the fight or flight response is triggered, breathing may become shallow, muscles may be tense and there may be distress of the gastric system. All of these will cause pain in the Solar Plexus area.
How long does pain in the Solar Plexus last?
This will depend on the situation. If the cause is a minor pulled muscle, pain should resolve in a matter of a few days to a week. If the cause is a chronic condition such as stomach ulcers or diabetes, the pain will persist until the underlying cause is remedied.
What is a celiac plexus block and who is it for?
A celiac plexus block is a treatment for chronic and severe upper abdominal pain. This pain is typically the result of chronic pancreatitis or is the consequence of pancreatic cancer. In a celiac plexus block, celiac plexus nerves are targeted for a pain management injection and anesthetic.
What foods should I avoid if my solar plexus hurts?
The solar plexus has a highly concentrated cluster of nerves and pain in this area is often associated with digestive disorders. If you are diagnosed with GERD or an ulcer, avoid spicy, acidic, or highly processed foods and beverages containing caffeine and alcohol. If your solar plexus is painful, the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) and other bland foods will be well tolerated and will help reduce your symptoms.
