Definition of Abdominal rigidity:

Abdominal rigidity is stiffness of the muscles in the belly area, which can be felt when touched or pressed.

Considerations:

When there is a sore area inside the belly or abdomen, the pain will get worse when a hand presses against muscles of the abdomen.

Your fear or nervousness about being touched (palpated) may cause this symptom, but there should be no pain.

If you have pain when you are touched and you tighten the muscles to "guard" against more pain, it is more likely caused by a physical condition inside your body. The condition may affect one or both sides of your body.

Abdominal rigidity may occur along with:

• Abdominal tenderness
• Nausea
• Pain
• Swelling
• Vomiting

Common Causes:

• Abscess inside the abdomen
• Appendicitis
• Cholecystitis caused by gallstones
• Hole that develops through the entire wall of the stomach, small intestine, large bowel, or gallbladder (gastrointestinal perforation)
• Injury to the abdomen
• Peritonitis