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What Should I Know About Abdominal Tightness?

J. Beam
J. Beam

When it comes to symptoms of illness, injury, or other condition, many people describe symptoms differently. Certain symptoms that affect the stomach may be described as abdominal tightness, abdominal pain, or stomach cramps. Abdominal tightness may be caused by any number of conditions, many of them minor in nature, but you should always take any unusual symptom seriously and pay attention to your body.

Many symptoms concerning the stomach may be related to the digestive system. Constipation, bloating, and gas can cause abdominal discomfort or pain. Certain viruses may also cause stomach cramps along with diarrhea, which could be described as abdominal tightness. Similarly, some women experience symptoms with early pregnancy, including nausea that may also mimic symptoms of other conditions. Abdominal tightness or tenderness may also indicate a pulled or strained abdominal muscle.

Abdominal tightness may be caused by a variety of issues from minor irritations to more serious conditions.
Abdominal tightness may be caused by a variety of issues from minor irritations to more serious conditions.

While abdominal tightness or pain may be caused by something more serious, such as impacted bowels, inflammation of the appendix, or a host of other less common conditions, it is important to know what your symptoms are trying to tell you. When it comes to stomach problems like cramping, tightness, or pain, be prepared to tell your doctor specifics. Being able to describe symptoms clearly and with certainty will help your doctor accurately diagnose your stomach problems.

An inflammation of the appendix may cause abdominal tightness.
An inflammation of the appendix may cause abdominal tightness.

If you experience abdominal tightness or pain, pay attention to details such as when the symptom began, whether it occurred suddenly or gradually, and whether it is localized or general. Also examine recent activity, such as strenuous exercise or other activity, along with eating and bowel habits, to determine if there may be an obvious trigger. If pain, cramping, or tightness comes on suddenly and is sharp and localized, does not subside, is accompanied by a fever, or is chronic, call your doctor.

Gas may cause abdominal tightness.
Gas may cause abdominal tightness.

When abdominal tightness or cramping is caused by constipation or diarrhea, you can take a gentle, over-the-counter laxative or anti-diarrhea medication. Drinking plenty of water along with fiber-rich foods can help regulate the digestive system. Chronic digestive issues, or stomach problems that occur frequently over an extended period of time, may indicate a stomach or digestive condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease, or an ulcer, and should be evaluated by a physician. Similarly, the presence of other symptoms in addition to abdominal discomfort, such as fever, bloody stool, or vomiting, indicate the need to see a doctor. If you are pregnant and experience abdominal tightness or cramping, call your obstetrician immediately.

Discussion Comments

anon351955

I have been having abdominal tightness, diarrhea and mild sickness for three days. I am on champix, though. Also, I couldn't sleep last night due to bad pain in my lower pelvis. To top it off, I have an ear infection, I think, because it's hurting and seems wet. I have been constipated for the last three days, too. I don't understand this.

anon283085

The tightness I experience is like someone has put a huge rubber band around me, under my breast. It is very uncomfortable and lasts sometimes for hours at a time every day.

Finally, after about three years of explaining this problem over and over to both my gastro doctor and family doctor, I was admitted through the ER and it has been determined that the problem was my pancreas. After the removal of my non-functioning gallbladder, testing for autoimmune pancreatitis and 15 days in the hospital, I am home. The tightness is still there and I am on a special diet to help protect my pancreas. I also have Crohn's and RA which are also autoimmune diseases. It looks like someone would have paid attention and detected this problem way before now.

closerfan12

@lightning88 -- Sometimes lower stomach pain can be a sign of something gone wrong with the urinary tract system.

If it's really sharp and knife-like, you may have a kidney stone, or possibly a cyst on one of your ovaries.

The thing to do is just keep an eye out for any additional symptoms -- make sure your menstruation stays regular and watch out for irregular bleeding.

Coupled with the cramps, it could be a sign of a uterine cyst.

If your situation gets worse or simply doesn't improve, I would see a doctor for an exam and Pap smear.

lightning88

What are some causes of low abdominal pain besides menstruation?

I've been having some pretty wicked cramps in my lower stomach, and I know it's not my period, and I'm not pregnant.

Does anybody have any idea what could be going on?

CopperPipe

Abdominal tightness should be carefully monitored, particularly because tightness can sometimes progress suddenly into severe abdominal pain.

Severe abdominal pain can be a sign of several serious conditions, include appendicitis, pancreatitis, or even kidney stones.

That's why it's so important to pay attention to your body and not just write off symptoms.

The more you can tell your doctor about the nature of your pain and when it started, the better he or she will be able to help you.

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    • Abdominal tightness may be caused by a variety of issues from minor irritations to more serious conditions.
      By: detailblick
      Abdominal tightness may be caused by a variety of issues from minor irritations to more serious conditions.
    • An inflammation of the appendix may cause abdominal tightness.
      By: dr_ox
      An inflammation of the appendix may cause abdominal tightness.
    • Gas may cause abdominal tightness.
      By: sumnersgraphicsinc
      Gas may cause abdominal tightness.
    • Some women experience feelings of abdominal tightness with early pregnancy.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Some women experience feelings of abdominal tightness with early pregnancy.
    • When experiencing abdominal tightness and pain, it is important to pay attention to the details.
      By: xalanx
      When experiencing abdominal tightness and pain, it is important to pay attention to the details.
    • Abdominal tightness or cramping may indicate a stomach or digestive condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
      By: joshya
      Abdominal tightness or cramping may indicate a stomach or digestive condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome.