MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Abdominal rigidity

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Abdominal rigidity

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition Considerations Common Causes	Home Care Call your health care provider if What to expect at your health care provider's office

Alternative names

Rigidity of the abdomen

Definition Return to top

Abdominal rigidity involves abnormal muscle tension or inflexibility of the abdomen, detected when touched or pressed.

Considerations Return to top

When there is a sore area in the abdomen, the pain becomes more intense as the hand presses against it and overcomes the muscular resistance.

A patient's fear or nervousness about being touched (palpated) in the abdominal area is referred to as voluntary rigidity. It usually occurs on both sides of the abdomen. Involuntary rigidity, usually caused by a physical condition, may affect one or both sides and may be associated with pain.

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal tenderness, swelling, and pain often accompany abdominal rigidity.

Common Causes Return to top

Home Care Return to top

Involuntary abdominal rigidity should always be evaluated by your health care provider.

Call your health care provider if Return to top

All forms of involuntary rigidity and rebound tenderness (pain when the abdomen is gently pressed and then the pressure is suddenly released) require immediate medical attention, preferrably in an emergency room. Surgery may be necessary.

What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top

You will probably be seen in an emergency room rather than with your usual health care provider.

The healthe care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination. Until a diagnosis is made, pain relievers will probably not be administered because they may mask the symptoms.

Medical history questions documenting abdominal rigidity in detail may include:

When did you first notice this symptom?
What other symptoms are occurring at the same time? Especially, is there abdominal pain?

The physical examination may include a pelvic (and possibly a rectal) examination.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:

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

Update Date: 11/24/2002

Updated by: Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.