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Pain in the solar plexus
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The solar plexus (it is also called the plaque plexus or the celiac plexus) is the largest aggregate of nerve cells that are beyond the boundaries of the central nervous system. It is located in the abdominal cavity and surrounds the beginning of the upper and celiac mesenteric arteries of a person, directly behind the stomach. This cluster also received the name "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 and minor, and a multitude of nerves that branch off from the nodes in all directions, which gives them a resemblance to the rays of the sun (hence the name). The composition of the nodes of the solar plexus is represented by multifaceted nerve cells, at the ends of the bodies and processes of which there are synapses of branching of preganglionic fibers, which continuously pass through the nodes on the boundary sympathetic trunk. In the nerves of the solar plexus, in addition to parasympathetic and sensitive fibers, there is a large number of postganglionic sympathetic fibers, which are the processes of the cells of its nodes. It is thanks to the latter that the innervation of the glands and musculature of the vessels of the diaphragm, GIT, spleen, kidneys, adrenals and other organs occurs.
Pain in the solar plexus is a very serious signal, so you need to treat it with all caution.
[Causes of pain in the solar plexus
1. Pain in the solar plexus can cause physical overload or food poisoning.
2. Neuritis (neuralgia) of the solar plexus (solar plexitis). This is the defeat of the solar plexus, which affects the celiac nerves, the ventral branches of the vagus nerve and the branch from the two upper lumbar nodes and the last thoracic nodes. The solar plexus is closely associated with various internal organs departing from it secondary plexuses: diaphragmatic, adrenal, upper gastric, hepatic, splenic, mesenteric and others.
Symptoms of neuralgia of the solar plexus are pains, to which disorders of internal organs of secretory, vascular, trophic and motor character can be attached. Ganglioneusitis of the solar plexus should always be distinguished from diseases of organs located in the abdominal cavity.
Neuritis of the solar plexus develops as a result of acute and chronic infection (malaria, influenza, syphilis, typhoid and other ailments) and during the inflammatory process in the peritoneum (peritonitis, periduodenitis, perigastritis, peripancreatis and others), intoxication (poisoning with substances such as lead, nicotine, alcohol) and auto-toxicity (prolonged delays in the intestine and other). Neuritis of the solar plexus traumatic nature occurs if a fist hit in the stomach (in martial arts) or a strong kick from the ball, and if you excessively pulled the belly belt and the like.
Neuralgia of the solar plexus can occur with enteroptosis, compression of the plexus by an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta or pancreatic cyst, pronounced lordosis of the spine, enlarged abdominal lymph glands (lymphogranulomatosis).
The main symptom are pain in the epigastric region, which are often located along the middle line between the navel and the xiphoid process, around the navel, often with extensive irradiation of pain in the spine and the entire abdomen. Pain in the solar plexus can occur in the form of attacks, lasts for several hours and has a painful character: drilling, piercing, cutting. Patients for the relief of suffering can take the so-called analgesic posture: flex the trunk, the legs lead to the stomach, hold the breath. Pain in the solar plexus can be aggravated after the transferred stress or excessive exercise. In the epigastric region, paresthesia develops: the skin becomes denser, its temperature rises, the fever is felt inside, the "belly flaring" is felt, and the pain also radiates to the chest area. In addition to sensitive disorders, there are spasms of the intestine (spastic constipation), esophagus (pilorospasm), stomach, atony of smooth muscles, which causes eructations, flatulence, diarrhea, and vomiting. There are also secretory disorders: a violation of the pancreas, a decrease in the level of acidity of gastric juice, polyuria and so on.
Often, neuralgia (neuritis) of the solar plexus occurs irradiation of pain along the intercostal nerves, in the lower thoracic vertebrae, in the lower back, into the intestine: thin (through the superior mesenteric plexus) or thick (through the lower mesenteric plexus) of the gut or into the rectum (via the pancreas plexus).
The main causes of neuralgia:
- inflammatory process in female genital organs;
- inflammatory process in organs in the abdominal cavity, the presence of ulcers or intoxication of the body as a result of taking antibiotics that adversely affect the walls of the stomach - in this case, the pain in the solar plexus occurs in the morning and when there is a feeling of hunger;
- omission of organs;
- formation of adhesions in the postoperative period;
- progressing different infections;
- intercostal neuralgia - pain in the solar plexus is weakly expressed, lasts several minutes, and then spreads to the entire thorax;
- heart failure in various diseases of the cardiovascular system - the pain appears, usually after physical exertion or under severe stress.
The nature of pain in the solar plexus with neuralgia
In the conditions described above, the pain in the solar plexus takes on a burning character, lasts for several hours, or may appear paroxysmal. As a rule, its localization is slightly higher than the navel, but it can also turn out to be girdling, while considerably radiating to the stomach and back.
Often with such pain, there are violations of sensitivity:
- pain in the chest;
- feeling of heaviness and bloating;
- feeling of internal heat in conditions of normal body temperature.
If you find yourself in pain in the solar plexus, you need to see a doctor for advice and go through a complete examination, visit a neurologist, and also in particular to examine the heart, stomach and lungs.