What Causes Pain in Solar Plexus Area?

Solar plexus is one of the prominent body part, which is located below the chest and above the abdomen area. Some people may experience pain in solar plexus area and the reasons for it are many. It is important to know what causes pain in solar plexus area, which ranges from injuries to various medical conditions. Proper diagnosis can help to manage the condition and knowing ways to relieve it is equally important.

Solar plexus is an important part of human body that governs the functions of various other body parts like stomach, kidneys, gall bladder, liver, spleen and small intestines. For proper functioning of all such organs it is essential that solar plexus functions well. The other name of solar plexus is celiac plexus; the collection of nerves coming from different parts of body is well connected to this organ. The cluster of nerves attached to solar plexus and its central position within the human body makes it a vital organ along with being the energy center of the body.

People experiencing pain in solar plexus, might feel like some butterflies or worries are flying within their stomach. The pain can sometimes get worse like an acute pain in the abdomen area. There can be several reasons of pain in solar plexus area;

When you breathe properly, you tend to receive positive signals in various nerves with no pain. On the other hand, things like stress, tension and anxiety sometimes cause poor breathing leading to immense pain in solar plexus area. This can trigger body’s response and result in inadequate oxygen supply to the abdomen. This is a common cause of pain in abdomen and solar plexus area during difficult situations.

Gastrointestinal problems causing diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bloating of abdomen can cause pain in solar plexus area. A person might feel dizzy throughout the day, and it can finally lead to pain in solar plexus.

It is important to make a note that severe blow to the abdomen area can injure or damage the nerves leading to pain in abdomen area. This can further cause severe pain in abdomen and areas surrounding the solar plexus.

Pulled muscle is one of the most common causes of pain in solar plexus area. During gym or any physical exercise session the muscle of abdomen area can get pulled, leading to pain in solar plexus.

Certain medical conditions can cause pain in the solar plexus area. These commonly include metastatic cancer, pancreatic cancer, ulcers in the stomach and so on. The factors contributing to solar plexus area pain should be treated promptly to get rid of any pain in solar plexus.

Some common conditions associated with pain in solar plexus area or common symptoms experienced by people include.

• Improper digestion and gas problem, bloating of abdomen, burning sensation and ulcers in stomach
• Diabetes
• Hypoglycemia
• Arthritis
• Asthma and other respiratory diseases
• Nerve failure
• Organ failure
• Gaining weight or sometimes losing too much weight.

Pain in solar plexus area must receive medical attention for proper examination and advice. History and clinical examination may reveal the causes and severity of solar plexus area pain. Appropriate investigations like abdominal scans, blood tests, tests for nerves in the solar plexus may be advised. Further specialized tests may be advised, if required.

Treatment of pain in solar plexus area depends on the cause and the approach may vary from person to person. While it is important to follow medical advice, common tips to relieve solar plexus pain include

• Say No to Painkillers: If you are a frequent pain killer taker, then this might be a cause, of your pain in solar plexus area. These are known to increase irritability of the gastric mucosa and can result in abdominal pain. Take medical advice if your chronic pain condition like arthritis, etc. can be managed with pain relieving gels or other forms of medicines.
• Apply Hot or Cold Packs: Sometimes any sort of physical exercise like cycling, gym workouts, karate, acrobat etc. can cause pulled muscle leading to pain in solar plexus area. In such situations the best way to treat it is to apply hot or cold packs on the affected area.
• Pain Relieving Oil: Another way to treat pain in solar plexus area is to put few drops of tea tree oil, chamomile or lavender oil on piece of towel or tissue and then place it on the affected area. This can relieve the soreness in the affected area and help you get rid of the solar plexus pain.
• Yoga Exercises: Trying hands on yoga exercises or poses can be helpful for a person suffering from pain in solar plexus area. One can try out twists, stretches and bends for relaxation and slow relief.
• Try Antacids: Antacids are medicines that help to reduce acid levels in the stomach and soothe the gastric mucosa, thus relieving solar plexus area pain. However, irrational use of antacids must be avoided and are better taken with physician’s advice.

Different exercises that can help to relieve solar plexus pain are:

• Lie down in a comfortable position and gently place your palm over the diaphragm. Feel your breathing with the palm, while inhaling and exhaling, as the body is stretched outside or brought inside. This can help to improve breathing and feeling with the palm makes you aware of your body, which relaxes and helps to relieve solar plexus pain.
• Another exercise to relieve pain in solar plexus area is to practice warrior pose. For this, stretch one hand straight in the front end and second hand straight at the back end. Stretch the legs in order to feel automatic stretch in the abdomen area. This exercise is considered to be one of the most effective ones to treat solar plexus area pain.
• Other postures in Yoga like Navasana (boat pose), Matsyandrasana (seated spine twist), Bhujangasana (cobra Pose) and the cat-cow pose, etc. too are of great help in relieving solar plexus pain. Yoga is considered as a natural practice, which is known for benefiting body and the mind without causing any harm to it.
• Breathing exercise is another great way to relieve solar plexus pain. To perform this, you need to sit in a comfortable position with spine straight and shoulder relaxed. Take a deep breath through nose and inhale inflating the lower abdomen. Then, exhale fully and through your mouth; while you exhale simply press the lower abdomen in. Practicing this breathing exercise regularly can improve your capacity, aid in digestion and relieve pain.

While these exercises can help to a great extent in relieving pain, it is advisable to learn to practice them in the correct way from an expert. Also, for people who are experiencing severe abdominal pain, or other medical conditions should seek medical advice before doing the exercises.

Some measures which can be taken to prevent solar plexus pain include:

• Performing regular physical exercise, walking, jogging or cycling and remaining active throughout the day can help prevent pain in solar plexus area.
• Do not stretch your body too much during any sort of physical training, exercises or play. Plan your exercise routine in a way that suits your needs considering your capacity. Avoid overdoing and practice proper warm up and cool down phases.
• Taking adequate rest after strenuous physical activity, sports or gym workout can help prevent pain in solar plexus area. Have a good balance of work and rest and make sure you get a good sleep at night to allow the body to heal well.
• Try taking small meals everyday instead of heavy meals on one day and eat at regular intervals rather than consuming large meals during a single day. Avoid consuming heavily spiced or seasoned foods and late night dinners. Drink enough water, add fiber to your diet and make sure your bowel movements are regular.
• Keep a track of your complaints and get yourself checked regularly or seek medical advice when required.