Pain in the solar plexus

The solar plexus (also called the splanchnic plexus or celiac plexus) is the largest collection of nerve cells outside the central nervous system. It is located in the abdominal cavity and surrounds the origin of the superior and celiac mesenteric arteries in humans, just behind the stomach. This collection has also been called the "abdominal brain."

The solar plexus consists of the right and left celiac nodes, the unpaired superior mesenteric node. In addition, the solar plexus includes n. phrenicus major et minor, and many nerves that branch off from the nodes in all directions, which makes them look like the rays of the sun (hence the name). The composition of the solar plexus nodes is represented by multi-branched nerve cells, at the ends of the bodies and processes of which are located synapses of the branching of preganglionic fibers, which continuously pass the nodes on the border sympathetic trunk. In the nerves of the solar plexus, in addition to parasympathetic and sensory fibers, there is a large number of postganglionic sympathetic fibers, which are processes of the cells of its nodes. It is due to the latter that the innervation of the glands and muscles of the vessels of the diaphragm, gastrointestinal tract, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands and other organs occurs.

Pain in the solar plexus is a very serious signal, so it is necessary to treat it with the utmost caution.

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Causes of Pain in the Solar Plexus

1. Pain in the solar plexus can be caused by physical overexertion or food poisoning.

2. Neuritis (neuralgia) of the solar plexus (solar plexitis). This is a lesion of the solar plexus that affects the celiac nerves, the abdominal branches of the vagus nerve and the branches from the two upper lumbar nodes and the last thoracic nodes. The solar plexus is closely connected with various internal organs by the secondary plexuses that branch off from it: diaphragmatic, suprarenal, upper gastric, hepatic, splenic, mesenteric and others.

Symptoms of neuralgia of the solar plexus are pains, which may be accompanied by disorders of the internal organs of a secretory, vascular, trophic and motor nature. Ganglioneuritis of the solar plexus should always be distinguished from diseases of the organs located in the abdominal cavity.

Solar plexus neuritis develops as a result of acute and chronic infection (malaria, flu, syphilis, typhoid and other diseases) and during the inflammatory process in the peritoneum (peritonitis, periduodenitis, perigastritis, peripancreatitis and others), intoxication (poisoning with substances such as lead, nicotine, alcohol) and autointoxication (long-term retention of feces in the intestines, etc.). Traumatic solar plexus neuritis occurs if there is a punch in the stomach (during martial arts) or a strong blow with a ball, as well as if you have excessively tightened your stomach with a belt, etc.

Neuralgia of the solar plexus can occur with enteroptosis, compression of the plexus by an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta or a pancreatic cyst, pronounced lordosis of the spine, enlarged abdominal lymph glands (lymphogranulomatosis).

The main symptom is pain in the epigastric region, which is often localized along the midline between the navel and the xiphoid process, around the navel, often with extensive irradiation of pain to the spine and the entire abdomen. Pain in the solar plexus can occur in attacks, last for several hours and is excruciating: drilling, stabbing, cutting. Patients can take the so-called pain relief pose to relieve suffering: bend the torso, bring the legs to the stomach, hold their breath. Pain in the solar plexus can intensify after stress or excessive physical exertion. Paresthesia develops in the epigastric region: the skin thickens, its temperature rises, heat is felt inside, a "belly distension" is felt, the pain also irradiates to the chest area. In addition to sensory disorders, there are spasms of the intestines (spastic constipation), esophagus (pylorospasm), stomach, atony of smooth muscles, which causes belching, flatulence, diarrhea, vomiting. Secretory disorders also occur: dysfunction of the pancreas, decreased acidity of gastric juice, polyuria, etc.

Often, with neuralgia (neuritis) of the solar plexus, pain radiates along the intercostal nerves, into the lower thoracic vertebrae, into the lower back, into the intestines: the small (via the superior mesenteric plexus) or large (via the inferior mesenteric plexus) intestines, or into the rectum (via the pancreatic plexus).

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The main causes of neuralgia:

• inflammatory process in the female genital organs;
• an inflammatory process in the organs located in the abdominal cavity, the presence of ulcers in them, or intoxication of the body as a result of taking antibiotics that have a negative effect on the walls of the stomach - in this case, pain in the solar plexus occurs in the morning and when the feeling of hunger sets in;
• prolapse of organs;
• formation of adhesions in the postoperative period;
• progressive various infections;
• intercostal neuralgia - pain in the solar plexus is mild, lasts for several minutes, and then spreads to the entire chest;
• heart failure in various diseases of the cardiovascular system - pain usually appears after physical exertion or severe stress.

The nature of pain in the solar plexus with neuralgia

In the above-described conditions, the pain in the solar plexus becomes burning, lasts for several hours or can manifest itself in attacks. As a rule, its localization is slightly above the navel, but it can also be encircling, significantly radiating to the abdomen and back.

Often, with such pain, there are disturbances in sensitivity:

• pressing pain in the chest area;
• a feeling of heaviness and bloating;
• a feeling of internal heat in conditions of normal body temperature.

If you find pain in the solar plexus, you need to consult a doctor and undergo a full examination, visit a neurologist, and in particular examine your heart, stomach and lungs.