Rigidity of the abdomen
Involuntary abdominal rigidity should always be evaluated by your health care provider.
All forms of involuntary rigidity and rebound tenderness (pain when the abdomen is gently pressed and then the pressure is suddenly released) require immediate medical attention, preferably in an emergency room. Surgery may be necessary.
You will probably be seen in an emergency room rather than at your doctor's office.
The health care provider perform a physical examination. The physical examination may include a pelvic (and possibly a rectal) examination.
The health care provider will ask questions about your symptoms, such as:
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:
You will probably not be given any pain relievers until a diagnosis is made. Pain relievers can hide your symptoms.
Proctor DD. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 134.
Postier RG, Squires RA. Acute abdomen. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 45.