If you’ve ever experienced a pain in your lower abdomen that feels like someone is stabbing you when you sneeze, you’re not alone. This phenomenon is actually quite common, and it usually happens for one of two reasons. When you sneeze, the psoas muscle contracts. This can cause the stomach to shift slightly, which in turn can pull on the ligaments that hold it in place. This can lead to pain or discomfort in the abdomen.
What are the most common causes of a stabbing sensation in the lower abdomen?
There are a few different things that can cause a stabbing sensation in the lower abdomen. The most common causes include:
- Muscle strain: Sneezing can lead to muscle strain in the abdomen, which can cause pain or discomfort.
- Ligamentous laxity: This is when the ligaments that hold the stomach in place become stretched or lax. This can occur due to pregnancy, obesity, or other factors.
- Hernias: A hernia is when an organ or piece of tissue protrudes through a weak point in the muscle or connective tissue that surrounds it. This can cause pain, discomfort, and/or a stabbing sensation.
What should you do if you experience this type of pain?
If you’re experiencing a stabbing pain in your lower abdomen, there are a few things you can do to find relief:
- Apply pressure: Applying pressure to the area can help to ease the pain.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication: If the pain is mild, you may be able to find relief with over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Rest: Getting plenty of rest can help your body to heal and may help to ease the pain.
- Ice: Applying ice to the area can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Why does my stomach hurt when i sneeze
When you sneeze, the psoas muscle contracts. This can cause the stomach to shift slightly, which in turn can pull on the ligaments that hold it in place. This can lead to pain or discomfort in the abdomen. The first reason has to do with the way our bodies are built. When you sneeze, the muscles in your abdomen contract very forcefully. At the same time, the diaphragm — a large muscle that sits between the chest and abdomen — also contracts.
This combination of events can cause a bit of upheaval in the stomach, leading to pain or discomfort. The second reason has to do with the anatomy of the stomach itself. The stomach is a sac-like organ that’s located in the upper abdomen, just below the ribs. It’s held in place by a number of different muscles and ligaments. One of these is the psoas muscle, which attaches to the lower spine and runs down to the thigh.
When should you see a doctor about this problem?
Generally, abdominal pain that occurs after sneezing is nothing to worry about and will resolve on its own. However, there are a few situations in which you should see a doctor:
- If the pain is severe
- If the pain persists for more than a few days
- If you experience other symptoms along with the pain, such as fever, nausea, or vomiting
- If you’re concerned about the pain for any reason, it’s always best to consult with a doctor. They can help to determine the cause of the pain and recommend treatment options.
Are there any home remedies that can help relieve this pain?
There are a few simple home remedies that can help to ease the pain associated with abdominal muscle strain:
- Applying pressure: Applying pressure to the area can help to ease the pain.
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication: If the pain is mild, you may be able to find relief with over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Resting: Getting plenty of rest can help your body to heal and may help to ease the pain.
- Applying ice: Applying ice to the area can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
