What Causes Muscle Spasms In Upper Right Abdomen?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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What causes abdominal muscle spasm? Like any other muscle in the human body, your abdominal muscles can have spasms as a result of

muscle strain during heavy use or overuse

, fatigue, dehydration, and alcohol or drug use. Abdominal muscle strain is a common injury among athletes and can cause muscle spasms.

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Why does my right side keep spasming?

Overexercising, dehydration, and stress are the most common causes. The spasms happen

when the muscle suddenly moves involuntarily

. Muscle spasms may feel like a slight twitch or a painful cramp, and they can occur in the muscles in any part of the body.

What is under right rib cage with spasms?


Diaphragm spasms

are involuntary contractions of the band of muscle that divides the upper abdomen and chest. They may feel like a twitch or flutter and can occur with or without pain.

When should I worry about upper right abdominal pain?

In most cases, it is

safe to wait

and see if upper stomach pain goes away without treatment. If the pain persists or gets worse, it is best to see a doctor. See a doctor within 24 hours if: Vomiting lasts longer than 12 hours.

Can you get muscle spasms under your ribs?

The tightness, pain, or whatever you’re feeling results from spasms in small muscles between your ribs. The doctor will call these

intercostal muscles

. They hold your rib cage together and help it expand when you move, bend, or breathe. If these muscles have spasms, you feel painful, tightening pressure.

How do I stop upper abdominal spasms?

  1. Rest. People who are experiencing spasms due to muscle strain may find relief by resting the stomach muscles and avoiding abdominal exercises.
  2. Heat. Applying a heat pack or hot water bottle to the stomach can relax the muscles and ease spasms.
  3. Massage. …
  4. Hydration. …
  5. Epsom salt baths.

What do intestinal spasms feel like?

Stomach spasms are contractions of your abdominal muscles (abs), stomach, or intestines. Depending on which part of your body is spasming and how badly, it might feel like either

a slight muscle twitch or stomach cramps

.

Why does it feel like something is moving under my right rib?

Slipping rib syndrome occurs when the cartilage on a person’s lower ribs slips and moves,

leading to pain in their chest or upper abdomen

. Slipping rib syndrome goes by many names, including clicking rib, displaced ribs, rib tip syndrome, nerve nipping, painful rib syndrome, and interchondral subluxation, among others.

What is Tietze’s syndrome?

Tietze syndrome is a

rare, inflammatory disorder characterized by chest pain and swelling of the cartilage of one or more of the upper ribs

(costochondral junction), specifically where the ribs attach to the breastbone (sternum). Onset of pain may be gradual or sudden and may spread to affect the arms and/or shoulders.

How do you stop rib spasms?

  1. Applying an ice pack or cold pack, followed by heat therapy. …
  2. Resting and limiting all physical activity for a few days to allow time for the muscle strain to recover.
  3. Taking pain medications to reduce swelling and pain. …
  4. Splinting the area if breathing is painful by holding a pillow against the injured muscle.

What is the most common cause of right upper quadrant pain?


Acute cholecystitis

is the most common diagnosable cause for right upper quadrant abdominal (RUQ) pain in patients who present to the emergency department (ED). However, over one-third of patients initially thought to have acute cholecystitis actually have RUQ pain attributable to other causes.

Can you get a hernia in upper right abdomen?

Spigelian hernia (SH) is

rare

and constitutes less than 2% of all hernias. It is reported that more than 90% of SHs lie in the “Spigelian belt”, but SH in the upper abdominal wall is extremely uncommon. Here, we report a case of SH in the right upper quadrant of abdomen.

What does pancreatic pain feel like?

The most common symptom of both acute and chronic pancreatitis is pain in the upper abdominal area, usually under the ribs. This pain: May be

mild at first and get worse after eating or drinking

.

May become constant, severe

, and last for several days.

What disease causes muscle spasms?

Systemic illnesses like diabetes, anemia (low red blood cell count), kidney disease, and thyroid and other hormone issues are also potential causes of muscle spasms. Diseases of the nervous system, such as

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury, can be associated with muscle spasms.

What neurological causes muscle spasms?


Dystonia

.

Dystonia

is a neurological muscle disorder characterized by involuntary muscle spasms.

What causes muscle cramps in the rib cage area?

Doctor’s don’t know the exact cause of muscle cramps. They usually occur

after muscle tiredness (fatigue)

, dehydration, or heavy exercise. Simply staying in the same position for a long time may help cause a cramp. Prevent these problems and you can often prevent muscle cramps.

When should I worry about muscle twitching?

You should see a doctor for muscle spasms if you encounter any of the following situations:

Any muscle spasms that are occurring regularly

.

Muscle spasms

that are not resolving on their own with rest, hydration, and proper nutrition. Any pain or injury that you have as a result of a muscle spasm, especially back spasms.

Can your intestines spasm?

Along the way, gasses and other irritants can cause painful bloating and cramps. This occurs when a spontaneous and sudden contraction of the muscles, called an intestinal spasm, causes the area to tighten and move irregularly.

What is hourglass?

Hourglass syndrome is

a disorder in which people suck in their abdomen habitually

. There is an activation of the upper abdominal muscles because of the pulling of the diaphragm toward the opposite direction that inflates the lungs.

How long do abdominal spasms last?

Spasms typically last from

seconds to 15 minutes or longer

, and may recur multiple times before going away.

Why does my stomach feel like my intestines are twisting?


Food allergies, intolerances, and associated autoimmune conditions

(like celiac disease) can cause a churning sensation in the stomach or intestinal tract as a direct result of eating foods the body can’t tolerate. Many food intolerances, like lactose intolerance, cause symptoms like: nausea.

Can stress cause intestinal spasms?

Stress. The digestive tract is closely linked to the brain. Some people may experience colon spasms and other digestive issues in

response to emotional stress

. Stress is also a trigger for IBS, according to the IFFGD.

Can you get a hernia under your ribs?

An

epigastric hernia

is a type of hernia in the epigastric region of the abdominal wall. It’s above the belly button and just below the sternum of your rib cage. This type of hernia is a somewhat common condition in both adults and children.

What organ is under your right breast bone?


The gallbladder

is a small organ on the right side of the body that stores bile from the liver. If bile contains too much cholesterol or bilirubin, or if a person’s gallbladder does not empty properly, gallstones can form. Most gallstones pass without causing problems.

Can heart problems cause muscle pain?

Heart failure symptoms can range from mild to severe. In the early stages you may experience flu-like symptoms, including: Body aches.

What can be mistaken for costochondritis?

  • arthritis of the shoulder or nearby joints.
  • chest wall infections or cancer.
  • fibromyalgia, a condition that causes nerve pain.
  • slipping rib syndrome, when there is too much mobility in the cartilage supporting the ribs.

What are the warning signs of pancreatitis?

  • Upper abdominal pain.
  • Abdominal pain that radiates to your back.
  • Tenderness when touching the abdomen.
  • Fever.
  • Rapid pulse.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.

How do you know if your pancreas is inflamed?

Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include:


Pain in the Upper Abdomen That Radiates to Your Back

.

Abdominal Pain Worsens After Eating

, Especially Foods High in Fat. Abdomen Is Tender to the Touch. Fever.

Can diverticulitis cause upper right quadrant pain?

The signs and symptoms of diverticulitis include: Pain, which may be constant and persist for several days. The lower left side of the abdomen is the usual site of the pain. Sometimes, however, the right side of the

abdomen is more painful

, especially in people of Asian descent.

What does intercostal neuralgia feel like?

Those suffering from intercostal neuralgia may experience

pain during sudden movements involving

the upper chest, such as breathing, sneezing and laughing. Other symptoms include pain in the back, and pain in the side of the ribs, as well as numbness, tingling and shooting pain that extends to the back.

What is MS hug?

The ‘MS hug’ is

symptom of MS that feels like an uncomfortable, sometimes painful feeling of tightness or pressure

, usually around your stomach or chest. The pain or tightness can stretch all around the chest or stomach, or it can be just on one side. The MS hug can feel different from one person to another.

Is it my liver or gallbladder?

Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, just

beneath your liver

. The gallbladder holds a digestive fluid called bile that’s released into your small intestine.

What does an upper abdominal hernia feel like?

Abdominal wall hernias are generally visible: they will look like

a lump or bulge beneath the skin

. These hernias don’t usually cause any other symptoms except for mild pain or discomfort, usually when you are straining (for instance, lifting something heavy).

What are the symptoms of an upper abdominal hernia?

  • Heartburn.
  • Regurgitation of food or liquids into the mouth.
  • Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus (acid reflux)
  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • Chest or abdominal pain.
  • Feeling full soon after you eat.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Vomiting of blood or passing of black stools, which may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.

What are the symptoms of a strangulated hiatal hernia?

Large or strangulated hernias can cause you to have certain symptoms. These include

heartburn, trouble swallowing, acid reflux

and a feeling of regurgitating food and beverages into your mouth while eating. You might also have abdominal pain, chest pain or shortness of breath.

What is the best medicine for muscle spasms?

Generic name
tizanidine
Brand name
Zanaflex
Form tablet, capsule Generic available yes

Can inflammation cause muscle spasms?

With inflammation, the muscles can spasm leading to

severe low back pain and difficulty moving

.

Can dehydration cause muscle spasms?

Our muscles require plenty of water and electrolytes to do what we ask of them. Without enough fluid, our muscles can become extremely sensitive and spasm or contract involuntarily.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.