The solar plexus is an important network of nerves and organs located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. Pain or discomfort in this area can have a variety of causes, ranging from minor issues like gas and indigestion to more serious conditions involving the stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, or other nearby organs. Identifying the underlying cause is important in determining the appropriate treatment. Some common causes of solar plexus pain include:
Gas and Indigestion
One of the most common and benign causes of solar plexus pain is gas and indigestion. After eating, it’s normal to feel bloated or have mild cramping in the upper abdomen. This is caused by air that is swallowed during eating and the stomach’s process of digesting food. The pain is usually temporary and goes away once gas is passed. Certain foods like beans, vegetables, carbonated beverages, dairy products, and high-fiber foods can aggravate indigestion and gas pain. The pain tends to be episodic and comes and goes. Treatment involves dietary changes, over-the-counter antacids or gas relievers, and Lactaid or Beano to help break down lactose and cellulose.
Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are open sores that can develop in the lining of the stomach, esophagus or small intestine. The pain is a gnawing, burning sensation felt below the breastbone. It may be exacerbated by an empty stomach and relieved temporarily by eating food. Peptic ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection from H. Pylori or long-term use of NSAID pain medications like aspirin and ibuprofen. People under high stress levels are also prone to developing ulcers. Treatment involves a combination of antibiotics to eradicate H. Pylori, acid-blocking medications, and avoidance of triggers like spicy food, alcohol, and smoking.
Gastritis
Gastritis refers to irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining. Acute gastritis causes a sudden burning pain, nausea, and vomiting. Common causes are excessive alcohol intake, long-term aspirin or NSAID use, bacterial infections, and bile reflux. Chronic gastritis develops gradually over time due to the erosion of the stomach lining from bile, acid, infections, or autoimmune disorders. Treatment depends on finding the underlying cause but may involve antibiotics, antacids, acid reducers, and avoidance of irritating foods.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back up into the esophagus, causing damage and inflammation of the esophageal lining. The reflux is often triggered by a weak lower esophageal sphincter muscle that cannot prevent contents from coming up. Symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, sore throat, and bad breath. Avoiding trigger foods, losing weight, not eating before bedtime, elevating the head when sleeping, and medications to reduce stomach acid may help treat GERD.
Pancreatitis
The pancreas sits right behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that causes severe abdominal pain radiating to the back. Gallstones, alcohol abuse, trauma, infections, and high triglycerides are common causes. Acute attacks cause nausea, vomiting, fever, rapid pulse, and tenderness when touching the abdomen. Chronic pancreatitis develops after repeated damage to the pancreas from excessive alcohol consumption. Treatment involves IV fluids, pain control, and medications to suppress pancreatic secretions.
Liver Conditions
Since the liver is located up under the right ribs, inflammation from hepatitis infections, cirrhosis, or liver abscesses can cause pain in the upper right abdomen near the solar plexus region. The pain may be dull and throbbing or sharp and stabbing depending on the cause. Hepatitis results in flu-like fatigue, nausea, and jaundice. Cirrhosis leads to bloating, weight loss, and itching. Liver abscesses produce fevers and chills. Treatment depends on properly diagnosing the specific liver condition involved.
Gallstones
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can get stuck in the gallbladder or bile ducts. When this occurs, it causes inflammation and severe sudden pain under the right ribs. The pain may radiate up toward the right shoulder. Nausea, vomiting, fever, and jaundice are other common symptoms. Gallstone attacks are often triggered by fatty meals. Treatment may involve pain medications and surgery to remove the gallbladder, if necessary.
Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia is when part of the stomach protrudes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Normally the esophagus passes through an opening in the diaphragm called the hiatus. A hernia causes the stomach to abnormally protrude alongside the esophagus, allowing acid to reflux up. Symptoms include burning chest and abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, and heartburn. Hiatal hernias are treated with medication to reduce acid production and surgical repair in severe cases.
Stomach Ulcers
Peptic ulcers can also occur in the stomach itself, not just the small intestine or esophagus. Excess stomach acid eats away at the protective mucus lining of the stomach, causing an ulcer. Pain is felt in the upper abdominal area, usually on an empty stomach. The pain can feel like burning, gnawing, or soreness. Stomach ulcers have similar causes and treatments as other types of peptic ulcers.
Gastric Cancer
Gastric cancer is a serious concern whenever there are ongoing stomach issues or pain that does not resolve. While ulcers do not turn into cancer, the infections and inflammatory changes that cause ulcers may eventually lead to cancer if left untreated. Gastric cancer can manifest with vague upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, lack of appetite, nausea, unexplained weight loss, or vomiting blood. Early diagnosis greatly improves outcomes.
Other Causes
Some other possible causes of solar plexus pain include:
– Ischemic heart disease such as angina
– Shingles
– Kidney stones
– Abdominal aortic aneurysm
– Spleen irritation or rupture
– Endometriosis
– Fibromyalgia
Proper diagnosis requires taking a full history, physical exam, and possibly medical imaging or endoscopy procedures to visualize the organs. Ongoing pain should not be ignored or self-treated. See a doctor to pinpoint the exact cause.
When to See a Doctor
Mild solar plexus discomfort that goes away quickly after eating or passing gas is usually not a major concern. However, promptly consult a physician if you experience:
– Severe, persistent, or worsening abdominal pain
– Fever, nausea/vomiting, bloody stool, diarrhea
– Jaundice (yellowing skin)
– Unexplained weight loss
– Chest pain or heartburn
– Difficulty breathing after eating
– Tenderness when touching the abdomen
– Pain that interrupts sleep or daily activities
Seek immediate emergency care for:
– Vomiting blood or passing bloody stool
– Sudden, sharp abdominal pain after injury or trauma
– Fainting, dizziness, confusion
Diagnosis
To properly diagnose the cause of solar plexus pain, the doctor will:
– Take a full medical history and ask about symptoms, diet, stress levels, and family history
– Perform a physical examination of the abdomen, chest, and pelvis
– Order blood tests to look for signs of infection or liver/kidney problems
– Use medical imaging such as MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound to visualize organs
– Conduct an endoscopy to examine the upper digestive tract
– Order a gastric emptying study if gastroparesis is suspected
Depending on the suspected cause, additional tests may include a stool sample, biopsy of tissue, or cardiac testing. Providing complete information about symptoms and history helps the doctor reach an accurate diagnosis quickly.
Treatment
Solar plexus pain treatment depends on the underlying cause but may involve:
– Antibiotics for H. pylori infections
– Medications to reduce stomach acid such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors
– Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or prescription NSAIDs
– Antacids and acid reducers
– Laxatives and gas relievers for indigestion symptoms
– Diet and lifestyle changes to avoid trigger foods/beverages
– Therapy and antidepressants if stress is a contributing factor
– Surgery to remove gallbladder, repair hernias, or treat endometriosis
Following all medication instructions carefully and making appropriate lifestyle adjustments can help manage many causes of solar plexus discomfort. Seek prompt medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Prevention
Some tips to help prevent solar plexus pain include:
– Maintain a healthy weight
– Avoid overeating and eat smaller, more frequent meals
– Limit fatty, greasy, spicy, or acidic foods
– Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake
– Drink plenty of non-carbonated fluids
– Reduce stress through relaxation techniques
– Improve posture to avoid putting pressure on the abdomen
– Avoid tight clothing around the stomach
– Take medications as prescribed to treat underlying conditions
– Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day
Making healthy lifestyle choices and managing medical issues proactively can help prevent many sources of solar plexus discomfort.
Outlook
Mild sporadic solar plexus pain from gas or indigestion usually resolves quickly with minimal treatment and does not indicate serious illness. However, recurrent discomfort that interferes with daily life warrants medical evaluation. With proper diagnosis and care, most causes of solar plexus pain can be effectively managed or cured. Getting appropriate treatment helps prevent complications like ulcers, malnutrition, or digestive disorders. See a doctor promptly for persistent abdominal symptoms to determine the cause and implement the right treatment plan. While waiting for an appointment, keep a pain diary tracking all symptoms to assist the diagnostic process. With today’s treatment options, solar plexus pain does not have to negatively impact quality of life.
Conclusion
Solar plexus pain has many possible gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal causes. Common culprits include gas, ulcers, gastritis, GERD, pancreatitis, liver issues, gallstones, hiatal hernia, and stomach cancer. The pain may be acute and severe or chronic and dull. Taking note of all associated symptoms can help identify the source. Seek prompt medical care for persistent or worsening abdominal pain, as well as any signs of bleeding or infection. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment guided by a doctor, most causes of solar plexus discomfort can be successfully managed. Making healthy lifestyle choices and controlling medical conditions may help prevent recurrences.
